Last things first: at the end of this week’s episode (the sweet and savoury snacks challenge), the producers flashed a disclaimer explaining that “due to unforeseen circumstances,” the winning contestant would “not be competing for the grand prize in the final episode.” Our minds rife with conspiracy theories neither sweet nor savoury, we dashed off a note to the show’s publicist, who reassured us there was nothing untoward going on. Apparently, after the show was taped, the producers found out that the winner had a family member who worked at a company connected to the show, making her technically ineligible. But since that family member wasn’t in a position to have any influence on the show, they decided to let her keep her $25,000 in winnings while barring her from the grand prize. Given how badly she wanted to win (see below), we have to admit we feel a little bad. After the jump, our weekly recap and tasting panel.
Mini-Recap
We weren’t able to conduct a precise count, but we’d be willing to wager that this episode had more tears in it than in all the previous ones combined. The main (but by no means only) culprit was Whistler ski bum Sonya Walos, who brought with her a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie she devised after being disappointed, like everyone else, with the quality of gluten-free products on the market. During the batch-up challenge, Walos almost melted down when she found out her assistant had accidentally doubled the chocolate chips in her cookie (“I’ve learned one thing in life, and you can’t trust anybody,” she complained). But it was Natasha Langevin of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, who got the axe when the judges thought her one-bite s’mores (which she brilliantly named s’morsels) were a one-time novelty buy. In the marketing round, Valos went up against Vancouver econ PhD student Donna Feir, whose “bacon stampeder” cookie was a homage to the stampede breakfasts of her native Calgary (apparently they tasted of buttermilk pancakes, maple syrup and, yes, bacon). When a couple of strangers helped her set up her mock stampede at Dundas Square, the bubbly Feir was the antithesis to Walos’s cynic, proclaiming that “people are so good… and it’s good to know that my faith in people is validated!” Sadly, faith in people was not enough for Feir; in a most Canadian moment, the judges worried that her cookies were, in Laura Calder’s words, “too interesting for their own good,” and sent her packing. At this point, Walos and Feir reacted in time-honoured reality TV fashion, with weeping, spluttering, giggling, gasping, hair pulling and hugs (Galen Weston’s surprise entrance minutes earlier had provoked a similar reaction). Walos’ send-off was most memorable: “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, I don’t know what to say! Thank you so much! I think I’m going to have a heart attack!!!”
Tasting Panel
After last week’s bannock pie, which took over an hour to put together, these pre-baked “smart” cookies were a welcome reprieve—just open the box and eat. Only about half the members of our tasting panel were informed beforehand that these cookies were gluten-free and, not surprisingly, they seemed to like them a little better. Although some complained the coconut-strewn cookies were a little gritty, one taster noted, approvingly, that they “didn’t have that earthy flavour that gluten-free cookies sometimes have.” Someone else added that he couldn’t “taste the stuff mentioned on the box”—i.e. puffed corn, quinoa and crisp brown rice—“and that’s a good thing.” Still, there was broad consensus that the cookies were mighty sweet; tellingly, everyone turned down seconds. The verdict: impressive for a gluten-free cookie, passable otherwise. See the cookies in action in our box-to-plate gallery »
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- On the box, Walos is dressed in her best ski-bum garb, which apparently doesn’t include bindings on her skis.
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- By popular request, the nutritional info for this week’s winner
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- Without the box, you’d never know these cookies are gluten-free
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- Cookie time!
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- A cross-section of a smart cookie. One taster complained of uneven chocolate chip distribution; one cookie only had one chip
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- Walos’s homemade cookie
(Images: Sonya Walos and homemade cookies, Food Network Canada; tasting photos, Andrew D’Cruz)
YO ‘Colleen’ start a blog or somewhere ..elsewhere…
November 23, 2011 at 5:19 pm | by ClicketyclackCook1: KNOWS THE STUFF . So Read THOSE Comments to all those
November 23, 2011 at 5:25 pm | by Clicketyclackpeople obsessed with stuff like colleen and the wahahaa happy eating shizzle, back UP Your Recipes before ya go runnin’ ya mouth’s.
gobblegobble. Its not Gluten free unless you friggen grew it yourself and ^hit the chicken taboot.
Linda is right,
The pancake cookies should get another shot if the gluten free contestant is no longer eligible.
The chocolate chip cookies are indeed just another chocolate chip cookie-for the vast majority of consumers. If the show had devoted an episode to recipes for people with dietary restrictions then I think these cookies would have been a viable contender. Perhaps, if President’s Choice does a second season of Recipe to Riches, a category such as the one I suggested would be worth considering.
November 24, 2011 at 6:59 am | by GaryI am gluten intolerant, and was excited that these made it – and bought a package yesterday…even my husband likes them, they are chewy (yay!) and very tasty. A version with raisins or craisins would be good too!
November 24, 2011 at 12:06 pm | by MichelleLaura Calder is so great on this show, can’t wait til the Food Network gives her her own show again.
November 26, 2011 at 2:59 pm | by Fiesta FarmsWho do you think will win the grand prize? We’re rooting for Grandma Glo’s Luscious Lemon Pudding!
Anyone know why Laura Calder talks so funny?
November 28, 2011 at 8:07 am | by ralphyAs one who must eat a gluten free diet, I welcome any store bought cookies that saves me time in the kitchen! This is by far the best tasting Gluten free cookie I have ever tasted. Most Gluten free sweet treats are high in carbs due to the starches needed to make a paletable texture. This cookie had an almost granola type chewiness that I loved. I hope these stay on stores shelves for a long, long time!
November 29, 2011 at 9:39 pm | by JaneI’m another celiac sufferer that is dying (literally) for more recipes that I can use. Thank you so much, Sonya, for recognizing the problem. My diagnosis has been devasting, and now I find, as so many celiacs do, I am lactose intolerant as well – there’s little left to eat and enjoy. It is estimated that in Canada 20% of the population will eventually discover they have this dreadful genetic disease. There is little research being undertaken as there is no money in it. We’re stuck!!
December 1, 2011 at 9:43 pm | by JeniferAre you serious ! Overly sweet and the coconut was overwhelming to say the least…bottom line is…not for me and I didn’t feel any smarted after trying the 1/4 cookie I attempted to ingest…this was crap
December 3, 2011 at 8:45 am | by ShawnI found the cookie, yes, finally something sweet for us with Celiac to try. What a disappointment, has everything going for it but it’s a sugary mess. Where is the taste of the cookie–just sugar. Forget it.
December 3, 2011 at 9:50 am | by Susan BlakeI like the idea of a good cookie for a gluten free market, but am disappointed I won’t be able to try the Breakfast Cookie:( Sounded so original and delicious! Since the gluten girl won’t be moving on they should give a second chance to the stampeder:)- or combine the recipes.
December 8, 2011 at 2:13 am | by JapsWhere can I find the Pancake Breakfast Cookie recipe??!! Sounds soooo yummy:)!!
December 8, 2011 at 2:28 am | by Jane-lauraYou need to try GAGA for GLUTEN-FREE – they just entered the market and they are AWESOME! All natural and made in a dedicated gluten free and nut free bakery. There are 3 different flavours – shortbread, choco chip, and dbl choco chip. You get a lot of cookies in the package. There’s a list of stores on the website – http://www.gagagf.com
December 14, 2011 at 9:33 pm | by RobynThey are so worth the try – my husband and kids even eat them!
I am all in AWE about this cookie!! I have stopped eating wheat for 3 years now and that is the thing I miss the most besides bread of course! I could say I used to be the cookie monster. I would some time try gluten free cookies at $6.00 for a small bag to be once again disappointed. So thank you Sonya you’re awesomer!!
February 3, 2012 at 3:00 pm | by denise duquetteWhich family member worked for Loblaw? I would be interested as I have an extended member, but not immediate family…
March 1, 2012 at 3:44 pm | by Shay