Kalamazoo’s Top Chefs Turn Girl Scout Cookies into Almost $50,000

The annual Girl Scout Cookie Bake-Off celebrated creativity and generosity as Kalamazoo turned out to make a difference in girls' lives.

I had the pleasure of being the Master of Ceremonies again this year for the Girl Scout cookie bake-off. First, I want to say that I am honored to be asked to be a part of supporting the essential work the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan does in changing lives and changing futures. Secondly, BRAVO! More than $47,000 was raised to support local programs.

A nice crowd gathered at the Radisson on February 21 to sample amazing creations by Kalamazoo's top chefs. Here's the twist: the main ingredient had to be Girl Scout cookies. Trefoils, tagalongs and thin mints, samoas, s'mores and do-si-dos, the sweetness was everywhere.

The team of Chefs Kristofer McDonough, Dan Bassey, and Michael Wegerzyn from Bell's Eccentric Cafe won the 'Most Creative' award and took 2nd place 'Judges Choice' for their dessert that combined caramel, carbonation, bubbles and pop rocks. Zazio's Chef Caitlyn Browning's s'mores brownies won 3rd in the 'Judges Choice' category and Friendship Village was the night's big winner. Chefs Nicole Hassen and Rachel Peters' espresso coffee shot creations won both 'Judges Choice' and 'People's Choice' categories.

Personally, I loved the cake pops from Bronson, the key lime pie cream puffs from Bravo! were refreshing and how can you not love the Elvis cake from Garden Griddle? Millennium Events, LFG Gaming Bar and Menchies all brought tasty treats. Firekeeper's Casino always makes perfect pastries and I was a little surprised not to see them win an award.

The big winner was the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. Auctioneer Tim Bos worked his magic and generous supporters bid on phenomenal packages in a live and silent auction to send girls to camp. See more of the event and the desserts in the photos below.

If I've made you hungry for Girl Scout cookies, or you want to help them reach $50,000 find out more about Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan on their official website.