What Will a Girl Scout Leader Do to Unload Those Do-Si-Dos in Her Trunk?

I’m no superhero, just an ordinary working mom.  By day, I’m a  publicist for swank hotels and hip restaurants. But once the sun goes down,  I kick it into high gear as a “have no fear” Brownie Leader who must face her worst scout dilemma:  How to unload the 50-plus remaining boxes of Girl Scout Cookies sitting in my pantry.  What’s a Resourceful (and desperate) Scout to do?  Be prepared, of course.  While milk and Trefoils may seem like an obvious match, a crisp chardonnay might taste just a tad better with those butter cookies – thank you Berry Munch!  Yep, that's how I discovered a new way to market cookies to my friends - suggest that they pair their Samoas and Tagalongs with wine.  I also found out that the most rewarding way to navigate my way through the annual rite of cookie season, which concludes March 20, is sideways!  On that note I say let the pairing begin....

Thin Mints

By far the most popular of the batch, these wafer thin, mighty minty cookies are covered rich chocolate.  Such a classic deserves to be paired with an equally classic wine like Petit Syrah. 

Samoas

A cross between a macaroon and Keebler Fudge Stripes, Samoas are rich with flavor.  These soft-to-the-bite vanilla cookies are first covered in caramel and rolled in toasted coconut before finally earning their rich, chocolaty stripes.  They taste even more decadent with Port.

Tagalongs

The name of these creamy peanut butter and chocolate-coated cookies may seem a bit puzzling, but it’s Girl Scout slang for someone who “wants to tag along” on an outing, but isn’t an official Girl Scout (i.e. a little brother).  After a few nibbles and a sip or two of Riesling, it all starts to makes sense.

Thank You Berry Munch

Again, a ludicrous name for an edible but nothing a bold and complex Cabernet Sauvignon can’t take care of.  Crunchy with confetti-size pieces of real cranberry and white fudge chips with added rice to give it that satisfying crunch. 

Lemon Chalet Cremes

Light and seductively silky, the Lemon Chalet Crème certainly lives up to its name.  Two vanilla cookie wafers are joined together with a smooth and zesty lemon crème filling.  Simple, satisfying and best served with a buttery Chardonnay.

Do-Si-Dos

Crunchy oatmeal cookies and creamy peanut butter filling – who knew such opposites would be an attractively delicious combination.  Get the party started by serving Do-Si-Dos alongside Champagne.

Trefoils

Pleasant and a great palate cleanser, Trefoils are delightful shortbreads that go nicely with the full bodied flavor of a Pinot Noir. 

Dulce de Leche

Sweet, bite-size and teeming with milk caramel chips, the Dulce de Leche was inspired by the classic confection found south of the border.  Such sweet morsels deserve something equally sweet and most any dessert wine will do.

Elizabeth Borsting is a Belmont Shore resident and Patch restaurant reviewer and Mom Council member, who also writes travel books--when she's not leading a Girl Scout Brownie troop to a market entrance near you.