Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

The Real Candidates in the Race...

I know everyone is focused on the presidential election coming up but I think tonight's vote is more critical to the future of our country.

Most folks know about DBCC cookies (unless you are new or avoid my site like the presidential candidates avoid the more controversial topics during their debates).

I was given a recipe that the sender argued would rival any chocolate chip cookie. Nay, I say John P. (the sender) was obsessed with this recipe and says he makes the cookies almost weekly he is so addicted to them. To a baker, that's like Niki waving a chocolate doughnut with sprinkles in front of Denny's nose. Of course I argued for my candidate, DBCC. But, no, John P. was pretty adamant that his cookie would win the election.

I mailed John P. a batch of DBCC cookies and he had to agree my candidate has some valid arguments and seemed to sway a little but stands by his candidate (we'll call TCC cookies).

Rather than have him bake me a batch to debate the issue, I decided to set up my own forum for the candidates to debate each other in person (or is that in cookie?). I didn't want any outside influences (different oven, different butter or flour) to unfairly give an edge to one or the other candidate. I wanted it as fair a debate as possible.

Here are the candidates faced off on the platform (i.e. table):

(DBCC is on your left, TCC is on your right)
I have to say my first exposure to the raw candidates (pre-baking) was a tough one. Both bring butter and sugar to new heights. TCC does have some unusual traits that diminishes DBCC. TCC uses two flours (bread flour and cake flour) that does bring a subtle improvement to the basic batter. Tough on DBCC--a flour disadvantage. TCC also uses a higher ratio of butter. Clever...we all know that fat influences votes. Our taste buds just warm to fat.

Obviously TCC is ahead in the ingredients list. Now we come to each candidate's party. First DBCC (the incumbent) and his party:


And now TCC (his opponent) and his party:


They say an election should be about the candidates' positions but we know appearance plays a huge role (ask Nixon).

So, I leave it to you, the voters, to decide if DBCC can hang on at the top or be deposed by the new kid on the block. Two visitors to Portland will have the opportunity to meet the candidates face to face and make the final decision.

DBCC has been top cookie in my kitchen for many years--it will be hard to see him drop to #2 position. I don't think he will ever be ousted but there can only be one Top Cookie (unlike Merrick's 20 Top 5 Favorites).

One more look at each candidate:

DBCC


TCC


Regardless which candidate wins the election, I will support him as I have supported the Top Cookie in the past.

Good Luck, DBCC!!