Synopsis

Fast, easy, delicious deals with desserts at the front.

In 2020, when the world was hit with a pandemic, Elise Thomas used her own small kitchen oven to begin baking her signature gourmet cookies. Selling them first out of her garage, her business quickly skyrocketed into a successful chain of bakeries—Cookie Co.—and earned her the nickname “the cookie lady.”

Now, in her debut cookbook, Elise shares not only the delectable baked goods she is famous for but also the fast, easy, and delicious meals that have become staples for her own busy family.

Whether you’re looking for something sweet, such as French Toast Roll Ups or Oreo-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies, or something ore savory, such as Creamy Bolognese with Angel Hair Pasta or Beef and Biscuit Pot Pie, Elise’s recipes are both simple and flavorful and focus on ingredients most people already have in their pantry. This fun approach to food features full-color, original photography of each dish and highlighted “Kid Favorites.”

Amazon * B&N * Bookshop * Shadow Mountain Publishing

Review

When I saw the title of this cookbook, I knew I had to get it. After all, who doesn’t like to eat dessert first? Ok, there will be a few health nuts, but your average person would love to eat dessert first.

This cookbook has many great sections, and I love that the first section is dessert. There are cookies, bars, pies, and more to satisfy any sweet tooth. Even if you don’t want to start with dessert, there are other fantastic recipes included from soups, to sides, to main dishes. There are even a variety of dips for those many parties you host. I tried the Grandma William’s Angel Chicken Pasta. It was really delicious, and I will admit that I left out the teaspoon of salt. There is so much sodium in some of the other ingredients I didn’t feel like more salt was needed. I was right to leave it out.

I liked that none of the recipes seemed complex, and this would be a good tool to teach younger chefs how to cook. Or make it a family activity.

This is a good basic cookbook to have in your arsenal to create flavorful dishes.

We give it 5 paws up.

About the Author

Elise Thomas is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and the creative force and founder behind one of the fastest growing gourmet cookie franchises, Cookie Co. The company began in her home, but in August 2020, her first storefront opened in her hometown.

Three years later, Cookie Co. continues to expand their business throughout the US while upholding the same values of high quality, delicious flavor, and sourcing only the best ingredients.

Elise continues to be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the business working alongside her husband, Matt. They are the proud parents of four amazing children who keep them on their toes. Whether she’s multitasking in the office or keeping the family’s busy schedule in check, Elise strives to balance her responsibilities with grace and integrity.