Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge: Share a Recipe and Win

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We here at Wander With Wonder love the Girl Scouts and are happy to support the Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council and the return of its award-winning Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge. For the fourth year in a row, chefs from some of the state’s most popular restaurants will use their culinary prowess to re-imagine one of the beloved flavors of Girl Scout cookies—Do-Si-Dos, Samoas, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Trefoils, Toffee-tastics and Savannah Smiles—into a custom dessert menu item. Each restaurant has agreed to feature its dessert on its menu from February 1 to February 28, 2017, with a portion of the proceeds from each dessert sold directly supporting Girl Scouting in our community here in Arizona. Some of our favorite restaurants across the Valley and in Flagstaff are offering some amazing desserts this month and we hope you make it in and try them.



Trefoil Cherry Cheesecake Gelato at Olive + Ivy in Scottsdale

Trefoil Cherry Cheesecake Gelato at Olive + Ivy in Scottsdale

They also hope to inspire home cooks across Arizona to buy an extra box or two this Girl Scout cookie season to create their own desserts and that’s where we here at Wander With Wonder come in. Those Girl Scout Cookies will be available from January 23 to March 5 this year. You can buy yours online from our very own special Girl Scouts, 6-year-old first-time cookie seller Morgan or 9-year-old cookie veteran ZoĂ«. Or, if you want to find a cookie booth near you, you can find more information online by visiting girlscoutcookies.org. Once you have your cookies, we encourage you to try the recipes the chefs have shared—or create your own Girl Scout Cookie creation.

Participating Restaurants and the Special Desserts

There are restaurants across the Valley of the Sun and in Flagstaff that are reimagining the classic Girl Scout cookies and creating fun desserts. Here are the participating restaurants and their creative desserts. A few of the restaurants are also sharing their recipes, so that you can recreate their special creations at home. We’ve added a few of those below so you can try them.


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347 Grill at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle

UltraStar Samoa Brownie Parfait at 347 Grill

UltraStar Samoa Brownie Parfait at 347 Grill



The UltraStar Samoa Brownie Parfait is $3.95. Designed by Frank Abeyta using Samoas.
16000 N. Maricopa Road
Maricopa, AZ
520.233.2426
www.ultrastarakchin.com

Char Kitchen + Bar

Chocolate Mousse with Thin Mint Crumble at Char Kitchen + Bar

Chocolate Mousse with Thin Mint Crumble at Char Kitchen + Bar

Chocolate Mousse with Thin Mint Crumble is $8. Designed by Peter and Pal Micakaj using Thin Mints.
6107 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480.664.9238
www.charkitchen.com

Chompie’s

Thin Mint Cheesecake at Chompie's

Thin Mint Cheesecake at Chompie’s

Thin Mint Cheesecake is $5.99. Designed by Neal “The Chomper” Borenstein using Thin Mints.
All Valleywide Locations
9301 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale
4550 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix
9301 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale
1160 E. University, Tempe
7700 W. Arrowhead Town Center, Glendale
3481 W. Frye Road, Chandler
480.860.0475
www.chompies.com

Churn

Savannah Smile ice cream at Churn

Savannah Smile ice cream at Churn

Savannah Smile ice cream is $3.50 for a regular scoop; $3/kid’s scoop; $4.50/double scoop; $5.50/triple scoop; $7.50/pint; $14/quart. Designed by Jada Shiya using Savannah Smiles.
5223 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ
602.279.8024
www.churnaz.com

Compass Arizona Grill at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix

Tagalong Crunch Bar at Compass Arizona Grill

Tagalong Crunch Bar at Compass Arizona Grill

Tagalong Crunch Bar is $8. Designed by David Duarte using Tagalongs.
122 N. 2nd Street
Phoenix, AZ
480.440.3166
www.compassarizona.com


Recipe for Tagalong Crunch Bars

Courtesy of Compass Arizona Grill
Ingredients

  • 1 cup Peanuts
  • 2 oz Water
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 3 oz Corn Syrup
  • 3 TBSP Butter
  • ÂĽ tsp Vanilla
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 oz Vegetable Oil
  • 5 oz Pretzels
  • 1 box Tagalong cookies
  • 18 oz Milk Chocolate
  • 1 ¾ lbs Dark Chocolate
  • 4 cups Heavy Cream
  • ½ cup Peanut Butter

For Topping Garnishes:

  • Âľ cup Peanuts
  • 1½ cup Mini Pretzels
  • Âľ cup Chocolate Chips
  • 1 box Tagalong Cookies, chopped

Preparation for Praline:

  1. Prep 2 sheets of parchment paper, each lightly oiled with vegetable spray. Set aside.
  2. In a small pot, heat water, sugar, corn syrup, and butter to 280 degrees.
  3. Remove from heat and add peanuts, vanilla, and baking soda.
  4. Quickly stir together and pour onto parchment.
  5. Place second sheet of parchment on top of mixture and use rolling pin to flatten out.
  6. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.

Preparation for Bars:

  1. Crush pretzels, 1 box of cookies, and praline with food processor. Pour into a bowl.
  2. Add oil to crushed mixture and toss until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Using a double boiler, melt milk chocolate and add to mixture. Stir.
  4. Line a half-sheet pan with plastic wrap and place parchment on top of plastic.
  5. Spread milk chocolate mix over parchment until half sheet is completely covered.
  6. Allow milk chocolate to cool completely.
  7. Meanwhile, heat cream in small saucepan until almost boiling. Pour over dark chocolate.
  8. Add peanut butter and stir until mixture is well combined.
  9. Pour over milk chocolate crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle with toppings.
  10. Leave in freezer until solid. Cut into bars while frozen.
  11. Let bars come to room temperature and enjoy.

Coup des Tartes

Thin Mint Chocolate Tarte at Coup des Tartes

Thin Mint Chocolate Tarte at Coup des Tartes

Thin Mint Chocolate Tarte is $9. Designed by Ron Pacioni using Thin Mints.
1725 E. Osborn Road
Phoenix, AZ
602.212.1082
www.nicetartes.com

Drexyl Modern American

Tagalong Cookie Dark Chocolate Sphere at Drexyl Modern American

Tagalong Cookie Dark Chocolate Sphere at Drexyl Modern American

Tagalong Cookie Dark Chocolate Sphere is $11. Designed by Scott Paget using Tagalongs.
8877 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480.840.1861
www.drexylusa.com

Flower Child—All Valley Locations

Toffee-tastic Chocolate Pudding at Flower Child

Toffee-tastic Chocolate Pudding at Flower Child

Toffee-tastic Chocolate Pudding is $5. Designed by Peder Bondhus using Toffee-tastic.
100 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 480.212.0180
10460 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale; 480.240.4400
5013 N. 44th Street, Phoenix; 602.429.6222
www.iamaflowerchild.com

Fresko Mediterranean Kitchen

Melopita Greek Honey Cake with Savannah Smiles at Fresko Mediterranean Kitchen

Melopita Greek Honey Cake with Savannah Smiles at Fresko Mediterranean Kitchen

Melopita (Greek Honey Cake) is $4.50. Designed by Janna Harris using Savannah Smiles.
5033 E. Elliott Road
Phoenix (Ahwatukee), AZ
480.940.3669
www.freskokitchen.com


Recipe for Melopita

Courtesy of Fresko Mediterranean Kitchen
Makes 1 pan that yields 8 each (shelf life of 4 days)

Ingredients
Crust

  • 4 oz Butter
  • 9 oz Savannah Smiles
  • 2 ea Lemon zest
  • ÂĽ tsp Salt

Filling

  • 1 lb Ricotta cheese
  • 2 ea Eggs
  • ½ cup Honey
  • ½ tsp Cinnamon, ground
  • 1 TBLS Lemon juice
  • ½ cup Lemon zest
  • ½ tsp Salt

Streusel (4 cakes)

  • ÂĽ cup Butter
  • Âľ cup Sugar
  • Âľ cup Flour
  • 1 TBLS Water
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon, ground
  • 1 tsp Lemon zest

Procedure

  1. For the crust, grind cookies in robocoupe. Place in bowl and add lemon zest, salt, and softened butter. Combine well.
  2. For the filling, place all ingredients in robocoupe except lemon zest and let blend for 5 minutes. After well combined, mix in lemon zest.
  3. For the streusel, place all ingredients in robocoupe and pulse until a crumble has been achieved.
  4. Assembly: Spray pan with pan coating. Mold crust on the bottom of the pan and 1½ inches up sides of the pan.
  5. Pour filling in the pan making sure it is evenly distributed.
  6. Sprinkle streusel over filling evenly.
  7. Place cake on sheet pan and place in 350-degree oven covered with sheet pan.
  8. Cook covered for 20 minutes. Remove sheet pan and continue to cook for another 40 minutes.
  9. Place in walk in to cool.
  10. When cake has cooled, remove from pan and cut into 8 pieces.

Jalapeño Inferno – All Valley Locations

Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie at Jalapeño Inferno

Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie at Jalapeño Inferno

Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie is $5. Designed by Terry Craig using Trefoils.
20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.513.8332
23587 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.585.6442
www.jalapenoinferno.com

Lumberyard Brewing Company (Flagstaff)

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait at Lumberyard Brewing Company

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait at Lumberyard Brewing Company



Strawberry Shortcake Parfait is $4.95. Designed by Richard Kimball using Trefoils.
5 S. San Francisco Street
Flagstaff, AZ
928.779.2739
www.lumberyardbrewingcompany.com

Olive + Ivy

Trefoil Cherry Cheesecake Gelato at Olive + Ivy

Trefoil Cherry Cheesecake Gelato at Olive + Ivy

Trefoil Cherry Cheesecake Gelato is $3.25 per scoop. Designed by Kelli Sappington using Trefoil.
7135 E. Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480.751.2200
www.foxrc.com

Proof Canteen at the Four Seasons Scottsdale Resort Troon North

Triple Decker Do-si-do Delight at Proof Canteen at the Four Seasons Scottsdale Resort Troon North

Triple Decker Do-si-do Delight at Proof Canteen at the Four Seasons Scottsdale Resort Troon North

Triple Decker Do-si-do Delight is $10. Deisgned by Calena Srutowski using Do-si-dos.
10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive
Scottsdale, AZ
480.513.5085
www.proofcanteen.com

Rhythm & Wine

Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie at Rhythm & Wine

Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie at Rhythm & Wine

Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie is $5. Designed by Terry Craig using Trefoils.
7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480.478.6999
www.rhythmandwine.com


Recipe for Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie/White Chocolate Mousse

Courtesy of Rhythm & Wine

Ingredients

  • 4 Pasteurized Eggs
  • 3 TBLS melted, unsalted Butter
  • ½ cup + 3 TBLS Sugar
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 2 oz Shaved White Chocolate
  • Fresh Bananas, sliced thin
  • Girl Scout TREFOILS cookies, crushed and whole for garnish

Procedure

  1. Separate egg white from yolks.
  2. Whisk together the yolks, butter and sugar.
  3. Whisk cream in separate bowl until soft peaks form; add 1 tablespoon sugar.
  4. Whisk the egg whites; add 1 tablespoon sugar.
  5. Fold the whipped cream into the yolk mixture.
  6. Fold the egg whites to the above mixture.
  7. Slowly melt chocolate in double boiler. Mix in.
  8. Place mixture in large bowl, refrigerate for around 4 hours.
  9. Fold mixture into crushed cookie lined skillet or glass, top heavy with mousse mixture.
  10. Garnish with thin sliced bananas artfully arranged.
  11. Garnish with whole cookies and caramel sauce.

Or skip all the above, go to Rhythm & Wine and order with a glass of chilled Chardonnay!


Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Chocolate Chunk Samoa Pecan Pie at Rusconi's American Kitchen

Chocolate Chunk Samoa Pecan Pie at Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Chocolate Chunk Samoa Pecan Pie is $8. Designed by Dave Rico using Samoas.
10637 N. Tatum Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ
480.483.0009
www.rusconiskitchen.com

Silver Pine Restaurant at the Little America Hotel (Flagstaff)

Samoa Tiramisu at Silver Pine at Flagstaff's Little America Hotel

Samoa Tiramisu at Silver Pine at Flagstaff’s Little America Hotel

Samoa Tiramisu is $8. Designed by Vanessa Ronspies using Samoas.
Inside the Little America Hotel
2515 E. Butler Avenue
Flagstaff, AZ
928.779.7900
www.littleamerica.com

Sorso Wine Room

#MintHappens Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Mousse at Sorso Wine Room

#MintHappens Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Mousse at Sorso Wine Room

#MintHappens Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Mousse is $7. Designed by Paige Murphy using Thin Mints.
15323 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480.951.4344
www.sorsowineroom.com

The Crepe Club

Tag-a-Crepe-Along at The Crepe Club

Tag-a-Crepe-Along at The Crepe Club

Tag-a-Crepe-Along is $7.95. Designed by Omar Tarabichi using Tagalongs.
Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ
602.956.0087
www.thecrepeclub.com


Recipe for Tag-A-Crepe-Along Crepe

Courtesy of The Crepe Club
Makes approx 18-20 crepes

Crepe Batter
Ingredients

  • 5 cups Flour
  • 8 cups Milk
  • ½ cup Butter
  • 4 TBSP Sugar
  • 4 TBSP Powdered Sugar
  • 3 cups Liquid Eggs
  • 3 tsp Salt

Mix dry ingredients together. Melt the butter. Put milk and eggs in a deep bowl. Using a hand immersion mixer, incorporate about 1/3 of the dry mix into the liquid. Add the butter and add another 1/3 of the dry mix. Mix until smooth. Add the last 1/3 of the dry mix and leave the hand mixer in the batter for 10 minutes. Strain the batter through a wood handle strainer into a new bowl. Use a spatula to scrape the strainer to prevent it from getting clogged.

Tag-A-Crepe Filling
Ingredients for 1 Crepe

  • 4 Tagalongs cookies
  • 3 TBSP Nutella
  • 2 TBSP Peanut Butter
  • ½ Banana (sliced)

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of Nutella and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter with 3 crumbled Tagalong cookies to be used for filling. Add filling to cooked crepe while on hot griddle or pan. Add in banana slices. Fold crepe, and allow enough time for filling to melt and bananas to warm up. Serve on a plate. Top by drizzling remaining Nutella and peanut butter, along with 1 crumbled Tagalongs cookie.


The Henry

Samoa Doughnut with Toasted Coconut Cream Filling at The Henry

Samoa Doughnut with Toasted Coconut Cream Filling at The Henry

Samoa Doughnut with Toasted Coconut Cream Filling is $3 per doughnut. Designed by Lucia Alferez using Samoas.
4455 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ
602.429.8020
www.foxrc.com

The MARKET by Jennifer’s Restaurant + Bar

Twixted Trefoil Bar at The MARKET by Jennifer's Restaurant + Bar

Twixted Trefoil Bar at The MARKET by Jennifer’s Restaurant + Bar

Twixted Trefoil Bar is $10. Designed by Jennifer Russo using Trefoils.
3603 E. Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ
602.626.5050
www.themarketphx.com

The Thumb

Minty Oh! at The Thumb

Minty Oh! at The Thumb

Minty Oh! is $4.25. Designed by Susan Kolman using Thin Mints.
9393 E. Bell Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480.513.8186
www.thethumb.com

Twisted Grove

T.A.G. (Tagalongs Are Great) Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich at Twisted Grove

T.A.G. (Tagalongs Are Great) Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich at Twisted Grove

T.A.G. (Tagalongs Are Great) Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich is $5. Designed by Christopher Collins using Tagalongs.
8220 N. Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480.699.0811
www.twistedgrove.com

We would love to see photos of your own dessert creations or photo of you and your family tasting any of the chefs’ creations. Be sure to tag us on Instagram (wanderwithwonder) and use #dessertchallenge and #wanderwithwonder.

As part of the #dessertchallenge, Wander gave away two gift cards, one to Chompie’s and one to Rusconi’s American Kitchen. One lucky winner was Brad, who is off to Chompie’s and the other is Sara who is heading to Rusconi’s. Enjoy!  



Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

Founder and publisher Susan Lanier-Graham has traveled the world for the past twenty years, filling a passport or two along the way. She has wandered through the jungles of Thailand, explored the mysteries of the Great Pyramids, and shared the night with a leopard in Zambia. She sailed in the Mediterranean, sipped her way through Burgundy canals and Champagne caves. She followed Rembrandt’s footsteps through Amsterdam. Susan found her center on the red rocks of Sedona and soaked up an exquisite sunset over the Indian Ocean in Bali. Susan is always looking for wow moments around the world or across the street to share with adventure lovers everywhere. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles. Susan is an award-winning travel writer and member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). She is a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS). Susan is also the managing editor of North Peoria Lifestyle, a print lifestyle publication in the Phoenix, Arizona, area. Susan's work regularly appears in print and online in a variety of publications. These include various AAA publications, Postcards for Travel Leaders, Alamo.com, Hotels.com, Fairmont.com, Sofitel.com, Paradise Valley City Lifestyle, Scottsdale City Lifestyle, So Scottsdale, Green Living AZ, Modern Luxury, Marriott.com, WHERE Arizona, WHERE Traveler Phoenix + Scottsdale, and more.

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17 Comments

  1. Sarah Hess

    I buy Girl Scout cookies every year because I love the classic taste and the nostalgia associated with them. How fun to see a creative recipe that incorporates my favorite cookie. Can’t wait to try it! Thank you!

    • Susan Lanier-Graham

      It’s all about the nostalgia, isn’t it? I still love the Trefoils, but the new Savannahs are pretty amazing! All the recipes are delicious.

  2. Elaina O'Grady

    While I cannot think of a recipe off the topnof my head, I believe there should be a 12 step program for my addiction to thin mints.. and as such, i found myself drooling iver the thin mint cheesecake and will probably end up making one myself if I ever find the time, or manage to set aside enough cookies to do so…

    • Susan Lanier-Graham

      Thin mint cheesecake – how can it get any better, right?

  3. Destany brennen

    Oh my goodness the mint cheesecake is my favorite!!!!!! Can’t get enough of those sweet mint cookies!!! I mean can it get any better!! Mint–cheesecake—chocolate!!!! Loooove!!!!!

    • Susan Lanier-Graham

      Yes! I actually just said the same thing. Pretty amazing. Chocolate, mint and cheesecake. Fabulous combination.

  4. Brad Hess

    Tag-a-longs are hands down my favorite Girl Scout cookie! I look forward to buying them every year. The tag-a-long crepe looks incredible. I think I will have to make a speech so trip to try it!

  5. Tara Devine

    Drexyl Modern American looks delicious! Favorite!

    • Susan Lanier-Graham

      And it’s gorgeous! Combine great flavor with a beautiful dessert and it’s a recipe for success.

  6. Sara

    Thin mints are definitely my favorite! Our office stocks up on them and keeps them in the freezer, designating 1 or 2 boxes per month. I would love to try some of these desserts though!

    • Susan Lanier-Graham

      Definitely try some of the recipes. Thin mints in the freezer has become an American staple, right?

  7. Stephanie Jarnagan

    The Savannah Smiles are my favorite cookie due to this delicious recipe that I discovered a couple years back. They are sadly one of the most underrated Girl Scout cookies (I know because I am a troop leader for both of my daughters and it’s always one of our lowest-selling cookies!) If you love lemons and cheesecake, this recipe is for you: http://www.thedaintydomestress.com/2012/06/lemon-savannah-smiles-cheesecake.html

    • Susan Lanier-Graham

      Oh Stephanie, I LOVE the Savannah Smiles. I had them in Savannah the year they were introduced. A great recipe.

  8. Lorin Clinkenbeard

    Thins mints are hands down my favorite, an oldie but goodie!! They always bring me back to sweet memories, excited to try new recipes with them!

    • Susan Lanier-Graham

      Even after the contest, do let us know if you discover a favorite new recipe.

  9. Susan Lanier-Graham

    Congrats to Brad, who won the Chompie’s gift card and to Sara who won the Rusconi’s gift card! Thanks for commenting and enjoy the restaurants!



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