Eleni's Cookies - Chocolate, Spice and Sugar For All

Cookies...yum, they're one of my favorite indulgences. I had the pleasure of sampling some delicious ones from Eleni's new "crisp" line.

Known mainly for decorative, special occasion sugar cookies, Eleni's also makes traditional cupcakes and cookies, which are quite good. Their new "crisp" cookie line includes the following nostalgic flavors:

Beyond Butterscotch, Choco-Toffee, Chocolate Chip, Ginger Snappy, Oatmeal Choco-Chip and Pink Sugar

They're all tasty but my favorites are the Oatmeal Choco-Chip and Ginger Snappy - the former because of its softness and chewiness and the latter because of its spicy flavoring and nice crunch.

Although Eleni's is sold in Manhattan, the cookies are produced in our neighboring 'hood, Long Island City. If you'd like to try them, I have a 15% off coupon that I'd be happy to extend to all my readers. Email me at critic@foodistanyc.com if you'd like one.

These cookies are lovely to enjoy if you have guests over or if you just want to munch on something sweet and comforting.

Eleni's New York - 75 Ninth Avenue (in the Chelsea Market), New York, NY 10011

212.255.7990

C/E/L Train to 14th and 8th Avenue

www.elenis.com

Eleni's - Sweets with "Za-Za Zou"

Eleni's New York - 75 Ninth Avenue (in the Chelsea Market), New York, NY 10011

212.255.7990

C/E/L Train to 14th and 8th Avenue

www.elenis.com

I'm sure that most of you are familiar with Eleni's cookies of NYC. They're known as "playfully unique cookies" that are "edible art" because of their meticulous handiwork and intricate design--and of course for being featured on Sex and the City. What I love about them is that every cookie tells a story--whether celebrating a new baby, a wedding or simply for your beloved something (golf, designer handbags, dogs). And though the themed cookies are what Eleni's is known for now, she started her company baking her mother's oatmeal cookies out of her NYC apartment. And that is what connects this fine desserts company to other neighborhood establishments that I support--strong family roots and delicious traditions passed on from generations.

What does Eleni's have to do with Queens?
This might come as a surprise but Eleni's bakery is located in Long Island City. Their sweet sensations, which are produced in our neck of the woods are shipped out to their shop in Chelsea and to other locations around the country.

My Eleni's Care Package:
Just yesterday, I received a delicious treats package from our friend and fellow reader, Anna. She graciously provided me and my Joey in Astoria colleagues with the beautiful goodies you see here.

Single Sensation: A festive tin of 36 adorable, bite-sized chocolate chip cookies--crunchy and chewy, these are made with fine semi-sweet chocolate. The packaging is key because it helps keep the cookies fresh. Not only are these delicious, they make for a fun party treat--put them out for a sweet finish at the end of your fiesta and they'll go fast.

5th Avenue: An impressive assortment of 12 giant cupcakes. They offer a sampling of four decadent flavors--red velvet, reesses, chocolate ganache and oreo madness. These babies sure make a statement, with their colossal size and ornate frosting. One note about the frosting is that even though it looks too rich, it's very light and does not give you a nauseating aftertaste as some cupcakes do. Its texture is like airy whipped cream--a sinful bonus!

If I haven't convinced you yet, check out Eleni's when you're in Chelsea Market or browse their online catalogue anytime. They deliver anywhere in the country so New Yorker or not, you can go to town!