Cookies with a Crunch

Last blog post I stated that I would need to come up with a rating system during my next Genius Hour time slot. I am happy to announce that I have done just that! Behold, my rating system.

Each participant will be given 4 scales to complete while enjoying their cookie. First, they will evaluate the cookie aesthetic. This means that they will be looking at how much the appearance of the cookie makes them want to eat it, or not eat it. I'm sure we have all experienced foods that look a little funky, and we don't want to put it in our mouths. Second, the lucky participant will be evaluating taste. This is pretty self-explanatory. Do they like the flavour. Next, they will be rating the consistency or texture of the cookie. Is it soft, crumbly, chewy? We want to know. Finally, the judge will rate their overall enjoyment of the cookie, taking all categories into consideration. As you can see on the number line above, 1 is the lowest ranking, with the exclamation of 'gross' attached to it. 3 is deemed an average rating, it's not bad, but it's not good either. 5 would be the best rating possible, meaning that this cookie is one of the best cookies they have tasted. I'm also going to include a 'bonus round' where the judges will need to guess what the 'special ingredient' in the cookie is. This is more for my amusement than any actual decision on which cookie is best.

I have chosen 5 different lucky participants to come on this journey with me. Say hello to our judges!
My Mom, Marianne:                                                        My Dad, Jim:

My older brother, Curtis:                                        My boyfriend, Riccardo:

                          And of course, me:

Before we begin this week's post on what I accomplished, I need to tell you all that I've slightly changed how I am going about this project. Originally, I had found four recipes that I wanted to try based on one ingredient that made them different such as using melted butter instead of softened. Upon further investigation, I have decided to make the cookies based on one "special" ingredient. This is where the judge's guesses I mentioned above come in. I will still be making the maple syrup cookies, the M&M cookies, as well as the cookies that included corn starch. But now, instead of the cookies that my family usually makes, our 'original recipe' if you will, I will be making a Potato Chip Cookie. Yes, you read that correctly folks... potato chip cookies.

Please watch this video of the preparation and baking of these interesting cookies (link will lead to youtube video)

Now take a look at the judges deliberations: (click the pictures to enlarge!)

As you can see, these cookies had a mixed review. My mom gave them a score of 14/20. She really liked how when you licked your lips, you tasted the salt. Dad said he could see the potato chips so he was a bit concerned at first, but ended up really enjoying them - giving them a score of 14/20. Curtis said he liked the saltiness of them but he wouldn't be able to eat more than 2 at a time. He gave them a score of 16/20. Riccardo is a bit of an easy marker in my opinion, as he gave the cookie a 5/5 for taste giving an overall rating of 16/20. Personally, I didn't like how greasy they were and gave them a score of 10.5/20.

This cookie ended up with a score of 70.5/100. Next week will be when we begin comparing the cookies to each other and averaging out scores to see which is better out of the two. Overall, I think this was a great recipe to start with as it's so different from anything I've tried to bake before. My participants took their roles very seriously (except Riccardo...) which was a lot of fun and I'm excited to see what they think of next week's recipe!