Coffee, cookies and a whole lot of fun

By Destination Brevard and photos courtesy of Keith Betterley

Now that all of the cookies have been baked and of course eaten it is time to reflect on the first ever Space Coast Cookie Challenge.

Some quick facts about the 2010 SCCC;

- More than 140 people attended the event to either be a part of the baking contest or just to enjoy eating some great tasting cookies and to enjoy an evening of holiday themed fun.

- Over two dozen amateur and professional bakers entered cookies in the contest.

- The judging panel consisted of: Stuart and Nancy Borton, chef-owners of the Yellow Dog Café, Malabar; Ron Goodman, owner-baker at Love Bug’s Donuts & Bakery, West Melbourne; Dano LoPresti, owner of the Christmas Cottage, downtown Melbourne; Ethan Seeloff, a student at Lockmar Elementary School, Palm Bay; Jennifer Sangalang of FLORIDA TODAY; Heather Singleton of Dixie Crossroads, Titusville; Kristen Swenson of Brevard County Parks & Recreation.

- The winners of the amateur categories included: Sugar – Andrea Atkinson, Palm Bay (“Minions”); Traditional/ethnic – 1. Lisa Hamelin, Indian Harbour Beach (pizzelle); 2. Janet Brady, Melbourne (cuccidati); 3. (tie) Michael Bloom, Cocoa (pizzelle); Melinda Carter, Melbourne (white chocolate chip with walnut); and Brandon Smith, Palm Bay (panatela); Open -- Krissy Gutendorf, West Melbourne (Million Dollar Caramel Cookies); 2. Charlet Rounsaville, Melbourne (Christmas cookies); 3. Kelli McGuire, Melbourne (Grandma’s Little Cookies).

- In the professional category, which was blind-judged by guests at the event, Love Bug’s Bakery & Donuts, which submitted a variety of cookies took first place. Second place went to Pizza Gallery & Grill in the Avenue Viera and the Portuguese Corner Store in Palm Bay. Third place was shared by Destination Brevard and Jasper’s All-Natural Specialty Foods.

- Businesses that lent assistance or made donations to the event included: Age Advantage;
BJ's Wholesale Club; Chili’s; The Christmas Cottage; Dixie Crossroads; Eau Gallie Rotary Club; Essentials Spa and Salon; FLORIDA TODAY; Honey Baked Ham; InBloom Florist; Indian River Coffee Company; Jason's Deli; Kibo Sushi and Seafood; Maaco of Melbourne; Mobile Car Detox; Pizza Gallery & Grill; Publix; Wickham Park Senior Center; Wooden Spoon; and Yellow Dog Cafe.

- More than 130 pounds of food was donated by the attendees of the Space Coast Cookie Challenge which was delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank of Brevard to help those in need this holiday season.

We would like to thank Brevard County Parks and Recreation for their help with organizing and making the event happen (Thanks Andy!) and of course the Wickham Park Senior Center for allowing us to host the event at their facility.

Stay tuned to Destination Brevard throughout the year as you never know when our next event will be, but you can be sure that 2011 will conclude with the 2nd Annual Space Coast Cookie Challenge.

Happy Holidays!

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