tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55325560814648174902024-03-05T11:55:59.227-08:00Michael's Cookie JarThese bite sized morsels are, "poetry in food;" seemingly simple in their brevity but complex and satisfying in actuality. Every culture of the world has its own sweet morsels that is part of its shared experience. Let us share with you!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-21851523901183002882015-06-16T05:17:00.002-07:002015-06-16T05:17:42.531-07:00Blueberry Jammers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBuHQzsOafldvt6a8ybLRRwON8F3_4CvKLTYMTda4Ws12_6iB7Ya5NFriMm4nwX1CxgqBNy4CyhRyE-16owYWFsLh3fTPHH1uYUXJMU-kcYkRLaSPosUH-ouTSK2WxBUir82sNYzWAoE/s1600/IMG_20150616_070221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBuHQzsOafldvt6a8ybLRRwON8F3_4CvKLTYMTda4Ws12_6iB7Ya5NFriMm4nwX1CxgqBNy4CyhRyE-16owYWFsLh3fTPHH1uYUXJMU-kcYkRLaSPosUH-ouTSK2WxBUir82sNYzWAoE/s200/IMG_20150616_070221.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past January I went to Portland, Oregan for a wedding. As is the case anytime I travel, I decided to visit a few bakeries. One of the bakeries that I visited was actually a bakery that I had been following on Facebook. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s called <a href="http://grandcentralbakery.com/about/">Grand Central Bakery</a> and they have several locations in Portland. One of my favorite items was the “Jammer.” I’m not sure if this is an invention of Grand Central Bakery or something that is indigenous to the area, but when something is this delicious, I’m just glad it exists! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What’s a “Jammer” you ask? It’s a buttermilk biscuit with jam baked inside! It’s really a simple concept, but sooo delicious. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Where can I get a Jammer in Houston” you ask? Well, recently I had the pleasure of visiting a new bakery in Tomball called <a href="http://www.janeandjohndough.com/">Jane and John Dough Bakery</a>. They have absolutely delicious pastries that are </span><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Influenced by time-tested traditions of the East Coast and the imagination and ingenuity of the Pacific Northwest.”</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And they have Jammers!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As part of our Blueberry Festival, we are also offering Blueberry Jammers! If you don’t happen to be near Portland or Tomball, give ours a try! You won’t be disappointed!</span></span></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-27345983156945690312015-06-13T08:45:00.001-07:002015-06-13T08:47:41.760-07:00It's Blueberry Season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc8UUTJyopOhtU9a9LnVPqqBHUl3wQUCfjnY9NlEyLNvucxBKOrb_W127OPun7KEbjnSnFG21OAQfKtyCNNix0VsEbtObtKcUCOgB2zZucbJcK866T6d0x3psNgJ-kG-ck_MDMENUhrs/s1600/Blueberry+640x278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc8UUTJyopOhtU9a9LnVPqqBHUl3wQUCfjnY9NlEyLNvucxBKOrb_W127OPun7KEbjnSnFG21OAQfKtyCNNix0VsEbtObtKcUCOgB2zZucbJcK866T6d0x3psNgJ-kG-ck_MDMENUhrs/s400/Blueberry+640x278.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to our first ever “Blueberry Festival!” Like so many other special events at the bakery, this one was part planned and part happenstance. </span></span></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-ae16081c-ed3b-0db4-9a24-4ca2886404d6" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This event began last fall when we introduced the “Karma Apple Tart” which was a huge success. Our Guests loved the flaky pastry crust with apple and dulce de leche filling. Our Pastry Team was also excited to stretch their culinary endeavors beyond cookies! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a result of that success, I wanted to offer similarly styled tarts for the summer, but made with seasonal berries. Like so many other projects, I put it on the back burner until early this year. I was teaching one of my baking classes and a long time student (she has been in several of my classes as well as being a regular customer) revealed to me that her family has a blueberry farm (<a href="http://www.moorheadsblueberryfarm.com/">Moorhead's Blueberry Farm</a> in Conroe) and they would be delighted if I could come up with a cookie that used their berries. I could barely contain my excitement! I told her I’d do more than make a cookie with their blueberries, I’d have a festival and offer a plethora of blueberry pastry delights!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Typically blueberries are available from Memorial Day until the 4th of July. However, our heavy rain delayed everything and blueberry picking did not start until the second week of June. No worries! When we’re working with Mother Nature, we hope that all our Guests know that they’re getting the very best, even if they have to wait a little longer. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we did get out to the farm, my Team and I picked nearly 60 lbs of berries. The great thing about blueberries is that after you wash and dry them, they keep in the fridge for up to two weeks and in the freezer for several weeks. This is very helpful to allow us to minimize the number of trips we need to take to the farm. Did I mention that the Festival is four weeks long (06/09 - 07/03)?</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJoajogq2a_t-3bTuBz_Dt1Pcbi1Bf5XJs0xaM86Xs2lHe4QqPlUIeRZWa2Tqm9ODdUQHKNETMtia3F9xBihHW3cbVqoyHmvsbAyqM4KOpxWB9lVX-mZ1_M0WFi9WwkW6gciLQlMk4p8/s1600/Blueberry+480+x+587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJoajogq2a_t-3bTuBz_Dt1Pcbi1Bf5XJs0xaM86Xs2lHe4QqPlUIeRZWa2Tqm9ODdUQHKNETMtia3F9xBihHW3cbVqoyHmvsbAyqM4KOpxWB9lVX-mZ1_M0WFi9WwkW6gciLQlMk4p8/s200/Blueberry+480+x+587.jpg" width="163" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fun of this event is that we get to stretch our culinary wings again. Because blueberries are very wet, it's a bit of a challenge to make a cookie with them, so we came up with a menu that makes the best use of this precious fruit. Our first question was how to get blueberries into a cookie? We decided to make jam out of the berries to maximize the flavor and then use it as a filling for our linzer cookies. The result was a deliciously sweet and delicate cookie! This cookie, as well as our Blueberry Banana Bread are offered throughout the festival.</span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUA69hyxpDoDdYzYSfIi0OK5JU5VQ1tN89tvK3Fa2I-1G7jAkgwId3yGQybmVchWSXXqlkMlwPWIyeEHQ0G_QDxrwYvBUDqu0vt5Vh-SejbhA5nKfd4JcAtEXK2l2-gKCXFEQDtUE-8U/s1600/Blueberry+480+x+563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUA69hyxpDoDdYzYSfIi0OK5JU5VQ1tN89tvK3Fa2I-1G7jAkgwId3yGQybmVchWSXXqlkMlwPWIyeEHQ0G_QDxrwYvBUDqu0vt5Vh-SejbhA5nKfd4JcAtEXK2l2-gKCXFEQDtUE-8U/s200/Blueberry+480+x+563.jpg" width="170" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then, we are having weekly specials. At the time of this writing, we will be offering Blueberry Tarts (fashioned after last year’s Karma Apple Tart) for the week of June 15th. The following week we’ll have a gluten free blueberry cheesecake bar. Not “into” gluten free? No worries, if I didn’t tell you it was gluten free, you wouldn’t even know! And finally, the last week we’ll have mini blueberry pies and throughout the festival, we’re taking pre-orders for 9” blueberries pies for the 4th of July weekend. We’ll also have some other surprise pastries, so stay in touch via our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelsCookieJar?ref=hl" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">p</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelsCookieJar?ref=hl">age</a> or <a href="http://michaelscookiejar.com/receive-notifiction-of-weekly-specials/">sign up to receive weekly emails</a>.</span></div>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-29071358617566842472014-03-04T11:55:00.000-08:002014-03-04T12:12:10.317-08:00Michael's Cookie Jar Downtown Grand Opening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What makes a
grand opening GRAND? Well…the word "grand" is synonymous with Magnificent, and can be thought of as awe-inspiring,
splendid and monumental. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We at Michael’s
Cookie Jar want to share the GRAND experience of our small business expanding,
growing, and thriving with you, the community, our patrons, friends and fans.
What is an exciting moment in time if you can’t share it? </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">We are prepared to do
just that on Friday, March 14</span><sup style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> from 12-4 p.m. at Michael’s Cookie
Jar downtown in the Pennzoil Tower.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you know
there is a whole world that work and play under the streets of downtown Houston?
Most people don’t know such a world exists and that you can get
#cookiesunderground as well as a hearty lunch, shop for gifts and meet people
from interesting and intriguing professions of all kinds. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Michael’s Cookie jar is proud to be a part of
this underground world and to share their cookies with the best of the best
when it comes to cookie lovers. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Why don’t you set some time aside on Friday the
14</span><sup style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> (or any day for that matter) and take a field trip to explore and
visit us in the Pennzoil Tower. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">During
our Grand Opening you will meet the “Cookie Master” himself, Michael Savino,
our local vendors and partners from Araya Chocolate, Chocolate Pizzazz, Caphin
and Mill-King. A Star of Hope representative will be on site and a percentage
of our proceeds from our event will be given to this worthy cause as giving
back is part of Michael’s “Grand” scheme. If that is not enough, warm cookies out of the
oven, door prizes and a fun filled atmosphere will have you in cookie heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In closing,
be in the know, experience #cookiesunderground and join us for our Grand, Magnificent
and awe-inspiring event. We’ll preheat
the oven now!</span></span></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-72044788211008394932014-02-26T09:54:00.002-08:002014-02-26T09:56:15.619-08:00Bronco Buster Rides into Houston!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" style="text-align: justify;" vspace="0">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lcwG_s10Ub9u6Tvn5AyB2zrPviaAf21EHhuEZjEAvBfdg0fzlSR3GEv2F2HGBhHDqSnCDvQ4fK0l64wVPdvPzxTMQUksym-5AGY7VGED5WT423Uvkfhel4bKJHN_BxmMtHwq9MJh22M/s1600/Bronco+Buster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lcwG_s10Ub9u6Tvn5AyB2zrPviaAf21EHhuEZjEAvBfdg0fzlSR3GEv2F2HGBhHDqSnCDvQ4fK0l64wVPdvPzxTMQUksym-5AGY7VGED5WT423Uvkfhel4bKJHN_BxmMtHwq9MJh22M/s1600/Bronco+Buster.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There’s a new cookie in town! Inspired by the deep traditions of Houston’s
beloved rodeo, Michael has created a cookie that embodies the spirit of life on
the range!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Bronco Buster is a cowboy inspired cookie. A little
like an oversized (4 oz) chocolate chip cookie, but made with candied bacon,
Texas pecans and a hint of chipotle. It’s a rebel of a cookie, one that
deserves its own box.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At first bite you might need time to process the
experience. The flavors rush through
your mouth like a stampede of wild horses. As your eyes roll back into your
head you realize you have just tasted the best cookie this side of the Mason
Dixon line. When only crumbs remain you might find yourself in need of an ice
cold glass of milk, a shot of bourbon, or a nap, either way, be assured, your
taste buds will never be the same.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-89027308455889924872013-11-03T22:14:00.002-08:002013-11-03T22:14:44.423-08:00Order Holiday Gifts Early!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfvWT9DM-E3vJGsUGTQEg2krSX0EcUIYKeod2p8UFOi-K7fcP9etSlEmHVv9WpDR-Y4SuP0nGud3GsW_CpytwleG5DZ8pYOHmTSkD4uOa5MuOSQpWW3GRanp1NV03_O-UFaIKyZScWHg/s1600/Dazzling+Decorated+Gift+2013+448x336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfvWT9DM-E3vJGsUGTQEg2krSX0EcUIYKeod2p8UFOi-K7fcP9etSlEmHVv9WpDR-Y4SuP0nGud3GsW_CpytwleG5DZ8pYOHmTSkD4uOa5MuOSQpWW3GRanp1NV03_O-UFaIKyZScWHg/s400/Dazzling+Decorated+Gift+2013+448x336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="en-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're gearing up for a very busy holiday season at Michael's Cookie Jar. As you know, our new store will be opening later this month. We're anticipating that our production will double almost instantly. As such, we want to make sure that if you need gift boxes shipped in December, to <u>please order early!</u></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you'd like to order cookie gifts (individual or corporate) to be shipped in December, please place those orders </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(or commit to place an order) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">by November 15th.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although we will accept gift box orders </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">after November 15th, we will not be able to ship them in December.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.michaelscookiejar.com/default/Documents/MCJ-%20RackCard-Gift%20Boxes2013.pdf">Click here for our Holiday Cookie <u>Gift Box</u> Brochure</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.michaelscookiejar.com/default/Documents/MCJ-%20brochure_holiday2013.pdf">Click here for our general holiday cookie brochure</a>.</span></div>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-40517585187569384152013-09-20T15:01:00.000-07:002013-09-20T15:02:21.612-07:00Meet Sherry Eichberger!<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xGtA42caEtVeZVwIDGHYo7ieJ1MI2mOQHntuK4lN40S9skVfV3_GoyX9FnAOK45qxxt2QJSSnPhdgHJ5WuhNFzVoW3AcbHdi8zM_wnykSbUCyTpk4LJvMmMK2_fcUl2-5ESRZH-Ov3A/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xGtA42caEtVeZVwIDGHYo7ieJ1MI2mOQHntuK4lN40S9skVfV3_GoyX9FnAOK45qxxt2QJSSnPhdgHJ5WuhNFzVoW3AcbHdi8zM_wnykSbUCyTpk4LJvMmMK2_fcUl2-5ESRZH-Ov3A/s1600/012.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meet Sherry Eichberger, a woman who loves
Entrepreneurship and small business! It’s
no surprise because she's lived her life with the entrepreneurial spirit! Growing up in a small suburban town
in Michigan, the youngster Sherry led her neighborhood through one
entrepreneurial experiment after another from Kool-Aid stands to stuffed animal
zoos! She was always thinking of the next big thing to share, make money and
use her creativity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fast forward many years to motherhood where Sherry, a
stay at home mom, once again found a way to keep her entrepreneurial spirit
alive by starting a small business she could run out of the house while raising
her two small children. It was called “The Tickle Trunk”
and the idea was that busy moms could rent a trunk of costumes for their kids’
events. It must have been a meaningful
enterprise because she still has the business cards in her wallet today! I’ll bet anything she has a few costume still
at the house, because you just never know when someone might need one!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fast forward many more years later. With grown children in college, Sherry took a
huge leap of faith and built a business from scratch during the worst economic
times in years. “One Green Street” served the community as a “green” retailer
for many years until unfortunately they had to close their doors in July of
this year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the passion for entrepreneurship still alive, a
fateful cell phone text brought her to Michael’s Cookie Jar. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">It started with a simple enough message. I was checking on Sherry to see
how she was doing when she replied: “Do you need a manager?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My response: “Do you know a Sherry clone that could
manage my new location?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her answer: “How about the real thing?” And the rest is
history. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sherry has always been passionate about her work and
I’m thrilled that she’s chosen to work with me and my crew. In her own words: “I have always respected
and admired Michael as a local business owner, pastry chef and a person who
gives back to the community. It is an absolute honor and privilege to manage
his new location and assist him in growing this inspiring local business.” Our little bakery has quickly</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> become a place she could call home and could continue to fuel her lifelong passions.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once you meet her at the new store, you'll see how Sherry will care for and delight downtown “sweet”
lovers with her professional, yet down to earth style. Sherry's words again: “I know my purpose and
it is to serve. I look forward to doing just that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are thrilled to have her on board! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-47364453982223864752013-08-31T09:59:00.000-07:002013-08-31T10:02:24.795-07:00Michael's Cookie Jar Opens Second Location<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsj8t2AOJXbBqzmgyCwp8NAvldKP-Fi2FrNJnmBi7od4ON3DNXxa5Lt3rMrM84gn52EdJs40rih-N6pgb5owaVGG-yHBf8UPcCWLl7Xv2EjhqODJ52lfxsr2vJBFZsefs-ixiIFSdW7A/s1600/FRONT+VIEW+SKETCH+427x336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsj8t2AOJXbBqzmgyCwp8NAvldKP-Fi2FrNJnmBi7od4ON3DNXxa5Lt3rMrM84gn52EdJs40rih-N6pgb5owaVGG-yHBf8UPcCWLl7Xv2EjhqODJ52lfxsr2vJBFZsefs-ixiIFSdW7A/s400/FRONT+VIEW+SKETCH+427x336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Great News! Downtown Houston will grow sweeter this fall when we open our second location in</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Houston’s Pennzoil Tower! We will be located at tunnel level with easy access to street level. The shop will open in late October. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This second sweet spot will feature all the same delectable "chef-prepared" all-butter cookie creations Houstonians </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">have grown to love over the years – classic soft-baked Americana cookies, decorated cut-outs, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">biscotti, fancy tea cookies, and mouth-watering dessert bars. Fresh beverages and local </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">collaborations, including <a href="http://www.chocolatepizazz.com/">Chocolate Pizazz</a> and <a href="http://www.fatcatcreamery.com/">Fat Cat Creamery</a> “Ice Cream Sammies,” will also </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">be available for purchase. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like the flagship Weslayan location, our downtown shop will offer delivery to businesses in </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the area, but downtown employees will be encouraged to stretch their legs and step outside </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the office for a tunnel walk and a sweet treat. We will also offer dessert </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">catering for business affairs, birthday celebrations and employee events. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've been a long time supporter of the local community from our charitable contributions to local schools and business partnerships with favorite local businesses like </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.sundancecinemas.com/">Sundance Cinemas</a>, <a href="http://www.agorahouston.com/">Agora Coffee House</a>, Inversion Coffee House, and Spec’s Liquor House on Smith Street. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can also find our vegan cookies on board some of Houston’s beloved food trucks, like </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.monsterpbj.com/">Monster PBJ</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the best kept secrets is that we offer vegan cookies, sugar-free cookies and gluten-free cookies. Once the new store opens, these items will be readily available to meet modern-day demands.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our soon-to-be second location is a direct product of the <a href="http://sites.hccs.edu/10ksb/">Goldman </a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://sites.hccs.edu/10ksb/">Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program</a>, where in we crafted a business growth plan during </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">an intensive 10-week program. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The mission of the program is to increase sales and increase employment. We will do both! As such, we are hiring <a href="http://www.michaelscookiejar.com/default/Documents/FrontCounterEmploymentPackage.pdf">customer service people</a>, delivery people, a store manager and <a href="http://www.michaelscookiejar.com/default/Documents/PastryCookEmploymentPackage.pdf">pastry cooks</a>. Full-time and part-time positions are available. We've worked with many students over the years and are happy to work with their sometimes erratic schedule needs. <a href="http://www.michaelscookiejar.com/default/Documents/Employment%20Application%20Form%20(AUG2013).pdf">Click here</a> for an application.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned to this blog for further developments!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can find Michael’s Cookie Jar <a href="http://www.michaelscookiejar.com/">at our website</a>; on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelsCookieJar">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonCookies">Twitter</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and Instagram. </span></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-50039815718658864772013-04-17T10:00:00.000-07:002013-04-17T10:00:01.346-07:00Big Taste at the Corinthian - April 21, 2013<div>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.bbbstx.org/atf/cf/%7B43856467-bd5f-40b2-bee6-015f15d35c16%7D/BIG-TASTE-OF-HOUSTON-WEB-HEADER[1].PNG" height="83" width="400" /></div>
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I have been a Big Brother twice. The first time was way back in the late 80's. "Little" Justin is now all grown up and doing well in Ohio. My current Little Brother, Larry, is 11 years old and we've been matched now for more than two years. Being a "Big" is a very rewarding thing to do because more than anything, these kids just need your time. So, I'm delighted to be helping in another way as Big Brother/Big Sisters of Houston hosts their first "Big Taste" at the Corinthian on April 21st. Along with dozens of other wonderful Houston restaurants, we'll be giving out sweets to folks whose ticket purchase goes to fund important programs at BBBS. Join us!</div>
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<a href="http://www.bbbstx.org/site/c.4nIHIOOhG7IQE/b.8383475/k.B6F1/img_alt_srchttpwwwbbbstxorgatfcf43856467bd5f40b2bee6015f15d35c16BIGTASTEOFHOUSTONWEBHEADER1PNG_border0_.htm" target="_blank">http://www.bbbstx.org/site/c.<wbr></wbr>4nIHIOOhG7IQE/b.8383475/k.<wbr></wbr>B6F1/img_alt_<wbr></wbr>srchttpwwwbbbstxorgatfcf438564<wbr></wbr>67bd5f40b2bee6015f15d35c16BIGT<wbr></wbr>ASTEOFHOUSTONWEBHEADER1PNG_<wbr></wbr>border0_.htm</a></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-38660724248139293222013-04-01T12:12:00.000-07:002013-04-01T12:12:36.253-07:00SPOTLIGHTING OUR STAFF<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.704438341932246" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Who makes YOUR food? So often the answer is “How the heck would I know?” Much of our food comes from distant places. Even in restaurants, you rarely see the people making your tasty meal. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We opened our current bakery in 2010 and from the beginning, we wanted transparency in how and where your cookies are made. Our open kitchen design is a rarity in bakeries. Everyday our customers marvel at the team of people they see mixing, rolling, baking and decorating their cookies. Many times our customers are so transfixed by what our crew is making they order something related to whatever is in production at the moment!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">An open kitchen is a first step in knowing how your cookie came to be, but who </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">are </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">those people and what are their stories? Today we begin a multi-part series of profiles on the talented and dedicated people who make magic everyday at our bakery. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Name:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Katherine “Katie” Rangel</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Where did you grow up?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Sugarland, TX</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Position/Title at MCJ:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> General Manager</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv5P5D551ck/UVna0kCt_DI/AAAAAAAAAC4/NRHbiduS9DM/s1600/548429_423673994314365_868940685_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv5P5D551ck/UVna0kCt_DI/AAAAAAAAAC4/NRHbiduS9DM/s1600/548429_423673994314365_868940685_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">How did you get into cooking?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> My first job was at a candy store when I was 14 years old. I have a major sweet tooth. I used to dine out with my firend’s parents at fancy restaurants so I was exposed to many different cuisines and it caught my interest. After high school I enrolled in Houston Community College’s baking and pastry program and studied under a Belgian chef name Eddy Van Damme (he was fantastic). I also did an internship at Mark’s American Cuisine and worked in a handful of other places to gain experience. I was then hired as the first employee at Michael’s Cookie Jar and have been happily working there ever since.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Favorite Cookie:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Chocolate Chip - hot, gooey, and fresh out of the oven.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Favorite food:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Almond Croissants and the Chile Rellenos at Hugo’s Mexican Restaurant. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guilty pleasure:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Watching a movie, sitting alone on my couch with a glass of wine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Best way to spend a Sunday afternoon:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Playing with my family in the park.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hobbies:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I like to read, draw, and paint.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">An interesting or secret fact about yourself:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I can speak Spanish, I have an armful of tattoos, and matching moles on my feet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you never had to work what would you do?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I would make croissants all day and take care of my son.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What is the last book you read?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mad Cowboy: Plain Truth from the Cattle Rancher Who Won’t Eat Meat</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> by Howard Lyman.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What is on your bucket list?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Travel the world and drag race on a professional speedway.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Favorite Quote:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> “When I am in trouble eating is the only thing that consoles me...at the present I am eating muffins because I am unhappy. Besides, I am particularly fond of muffins.” - Oscar Wilde</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Favorite Hangout Spot:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Lounging in the grass at the Menil Collection in Montrose </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What do you think everyone should know about Michael’s Cookie Jar?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Going to MCJ is like buying a luxury item - you get great service and a great product - it is the Nieman Marcus of bakeries!</span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-24916201708035476642013-03-21T12:00:00.000-07:002013-03-21T12:00:30.785-07:00Girl Scout Cookies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0F9r0Yg560/UTvNhxwiKSI/AAAAAAAAACk/0Xa76E7pTdQ/s1600/Girl+Scouts+2013%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0F9r0Yg560/UTvNhxwiKSI/AAAAAAAAACk/0Xa76E7pTdQ/s1600/Girl+Scouts+2013%5B1%5D.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;">We were delighted to be part of the annual "Just Desserts" event sponsored by the Girl Scouts. Our dessert was made using the "Thanks-A-Lot" cookie. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">I</span>t's that time of year again - when young girls wearing green and khaki vests camp outside the entrances and exits of stores and co-workers hang up order forms by their desks beconing you with the temptation of gluttonous bliss which we gleefully flock to and pay money for because they are only available once a year causing demand to soar - that's right, it is officially girl scout cookie season!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Members of the GSUSA have been selling cookies since 1917 to raise funds on an individual basis. It wasn't until 1933 when Girl Scouts in Philadelphia organized the first official sale, selling homemade cookies at the windows of local utility companies. The first Girl Scout cookie recipe was a sugar cookie and in 1936 the national organization began licensing commercial bakers to produce their cookies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The main licensed companies are Little Brownie Bakers (LBB), a subsidiary of Keebler, which is owned by Kellogg's; and ABC Bakers, a subsidiary of Interbake Foods, which is owned by George Weston Limited. ABC Bakers has been licensed to produce Girl Scout cookies since 1936. Up to 28 varieties of Girl Scout cookies are offered and the same cookies may be sold under different names by different bakeries, with the choice of bakery determining the name. </span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For example:</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Caramel Delights / Samoas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Peanut Butter Patties / Tagalongs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Peanut Butter Sandwiches / Do-si-dos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shortbreads / Trefoils</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are even some new flavors available this year. Don't resist the temptation, go ahead and buy a box of your favorites - I know I will! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Also, at Michael's Cookie Jar we like to hear from our customers. Tell us what your favorite flavors are and we might make it in our bakery one day or maybe even all year round.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-72846027728908956082013-03-04T11:00:00.000-08:002013-03-04T21:22:01.488-08:00The History of Cookies<div align="LEFT">
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<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=NvIDFQXa1vznwM&tbnid=Yu36oT_R3vl4ZM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foodnetwork.com%2Fholidays-and-parties%2F50-holiday-cookies%2Fpictures%2Findex.html&ei=TusuUZ2JD-jO2AXskIDYAw&bvm=bv.43148975,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNGTdn5z1WbBacoT31nGvPNVTj14tA&ust=1362115659939164" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor; clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="300" id="irc_mi" src="http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2009/11/04/FNM_All-Cookies-2-54_s4x3_lg.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.1392207201271432" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.1392207201271432" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I love the smell of cookies baking. It brings back such comforting and happy memories of childhood. I’m sure every family has a long and interesting history of their own cookie making experiences and traditions.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In fact, cookies go back a long way in world history! Nobody is actually sure who created the very first cookie, but as the story goes, it was a mistake. Many cooking experts believe that centuries ago - before thermometers and electricity - cooks who wanted to test the temperature of their ovens would bake a small amount of cake batter to find out if the oven was hot enough to bake an entire cake. Not wanting to waste precious food, these early bakers ate their samples and later decided they were worthy of a spot in the “pastry case!”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The earliest cookie-style cakes are thought to date back to 7</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> century Persia (now Iran), one of the first countries to cultivate sugar (luxurious cakes and pastries were well known in the Persian Empire). Sugar originated in the lowlands of Southeast Asia, spread to Persia, and then to the Eastern Mediterranean. With the Muslim invasion of Spain, then the Crusades and the developing spice trade, the cooking techniques and ingredients of Arabia spread into Northern Europe where baked goods became mainstream items.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By the end of the 14th century, one could buy little filled wafers on the streets of Paris and as people started to explore the globe, biscuits (hard cookies) became the ideal traveling food, because they were portable and stayed fresh for long periods of time. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Today there are thousands of different cookie recipes around the globe and at Michael’s Cookie Jar we celebrate a few of the most popular ones such as the French palmier, the Mexican ojarasca, the Italian biscotti, the Austrian linzer, and the Jewish rugelach in addition to our American classics - Yum.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-5622656171757978452012-11-19T20:17:00.002-08:002012-11-19T20:24:34.409-08:00Black Friday and Small Business Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEBGdtrVlgTqoj_682rVLhvVn8qMMGW2TZwDybcQ5kaaFfVDye4YrGIuYyM7sYlYVkY2hfE2nWyoI0r0OoIKYEbijWBvkJ38dL-12m2lRXPZNyxp35qQvbSZHOfi3LWgaGMfIYqovkVo/s1600/HOL+XMAS+2012+collection+448x299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEBGdtrVlgTqoj_682rVLhvVn8qMMGW2TZwDybcQ5kaaFfVDye4YrGIuYyM7sYlYVkY2hfE2nWyoI0r0OoIKYEbijWBvkJ38dL-12m2lRXPZNyxp35qQvbSZHOfi3LWgaGMfIYqovkVo/s320/HOL+XMAS+2012+collection+448x299.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #514c51; font-family: BentonSans-Regular; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #514c51; font-family: BentonSans-Regular; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #514c51; font-family: BentonSans-Regular; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #514c51; font-family: BentonSans-Regular; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Between
Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits Small Business Saturday®, a day dedicated to
helping small businesses and their communities.</span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael’s
Cookie Jar is proud to take part in Small Business Saturday this year and we
want to encourage you to Shop Small® with us on November 24th.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">On Small Business Saturday, we are excited to
offer </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;">easy parking,
complimentary hot cocoa and cookie treats at Michael's Cookie Jar on Friday and
Saturday from 11AM-close. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And from 2 pm-5:30
pm (4:30 pm on Saturday) we'll have cookie decorating!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Visit
ShopSmall.com to learn about other ways to get involved and support<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your favorite small businesses. Also, don’t
forget to “Like” and recommend us on Facebook at <a href="http://facebook.com/michaelscookiejar">facebook.com/michaelscookiejar</a>!</span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Thank you for supporting
Small Business Saturday 2012.</span><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: white;">.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">photo by </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.morrismalakoff.com/">www.morrismalakoff.com</a></span><br />
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</span></span><br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-29974820032131090272012-10-04T19:40:00.000-07:002012-10-04T19:40:04.790-07:00Cookies for a Cause<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gmOeyr6sT_UT8LWDNDjT1hkYDj0rzTvOQCOLLpRk-hj0aU6dpHpNBjJhu64qX7Zt7EH-5cbU-0cWNyvoDMcBvmAWiFHb8uKtc7vvH1jO0yBU8AMWcC-WgolMQbus1q-1YQVzgVI4Ylg/s1600/CAC+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gmOeyr6sT_UT8LWDNDjT1hkYDj0rzTvOQCOLLpRk-hj0aU6dpHpNBjJhu64qX7Zt7EH-5cbU-0cWNyvoDMcBvmAWiFHb8uKtc7vvH1jO0yBU8AMWcC-WgolMQbus1q-1YQVzgVI4Ylg/s320/CAC+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will be hosting a Halloween Open House on Oct. 31 to benefit <a href="http://cachouston.org/">The Children's Assessment Center</a>, an organization that helps victims of child abuse.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many kids and grown-ups are looking forward to having an exciting and safe Halloween this year, and they won't be disappointed when they come to the Weslayan Plaza on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. as we join together with other participating merchants to hold a Halloween Open House. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We want to provide a safe and fun environment for our customers to enjoy the cool Houston air on Halloween and since children are such an important part of our customer base, we wanted to raise money and awareness for The Children's Assessment Center which provides vital services to abused children.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgAieQMII5zsB-daSmp_TvJmzVhQ2QdlOSiueJRaYggudR8o9lvfst7_V13u1m1xxRfQU4dSIYFfpq_T8QSktqbDxyrSyixTsv8J66fDCDcu93Ho6JybIMMYk1HZKkzZRFdJyI3FwET0/s1600/Halloween+Cookie+Assortment+448x299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgAieQMII5zsB-daSmp_TvJmzVhQ2QdlOSiueJRaYggudR8o9lvfst7_V13u1m1xxRfQU4dSIYFfpq_T8QSktqbDxyrSyixTsv8J66fDCDcu93Ho6JybIMMYk1HZKkzZRFdJyI3FwET0/s200/Halloween+Cookie+Assortment+448x299.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The event starts at Michael's Cookie Jar at 5330 Weslayan. Guests check in, make their donation (suggested $10), and enjoy treats, games and cookie decorating. From there, the guests will visit all the other participating merchants in the Weslayan Plaza, namely <a href="http://www.gamestop.com/">GameStop</a>, <a href="http://www.menchies.com/frozen-yogurt-shops/frozen-yogurt-weslayan-plaza-tx">Menchies</a>, <a href="http://www.curves.com/locations/map.php?id=911103162001E">Curves West University</a>, <a href="http://www.bestveterinarianhouston.com/">West U Vet</a> and <a href="http://www.berniesburgerbus.com/">Bernie's Burger Bus</a>, where they will receive treats, play games and win raffle prizes. There will also be photos with a pet snake and pet bobbing for apples, courtesy of West U Vet. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone is encouraged to come in costume to participate in the costume contest at 7 p.m. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every dollar raised represents important funds to support the direct service programs which are critical to the hope and healing of young victims of child abuse. We strongly believe in the welfare and protection of our young people.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For more information about the Halloween Open House, please call </span><a href="tel:713-771-8603" target="_blank" value="+17137718603"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">713~771~8603</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or go to </span><a href="http://www.michaelscookiejar.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.michaelscookiejar.com</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Remember, we are located at the corner of Weslayan & Bissonnet, behind Petco. <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=michael's+cookie+jar&hl=en&fb=1&gl=us&hq=michael's+cookie+jar&hnear=0x8640b8b4488d8501:0xca0d02def365053b,Houston,+TX&cid=0,0,8718869156224913089&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A">Click here for a map</a>.</span><span style="color: #888888;"></span></div>
<span style="color: #888888;"></span><br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-53856701108152555452011-09-19T21:18:00.000-07:002011-09-19T21:20:35.240-07:00Support the Arts with Cookies!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our "official" one year anniversary is October 1st which is appropriate since it is also National Cookie Day (Really! look it up!). We've started a tradition of giving gifts on our birthday instead of receiving them. Last year we donated the proceeds from our grand opening to the <a href="http://www.bbbstx.org/site/c.4nIHIOOhG7IQE/b.6426577/k.7262/Big_Brothers_Big_Sisters.htm">Big Brothers/Big Sisters</a> organization of Houston. As a matter of fact, I became a big brother in January. When I'm not in the kitchen, my little brother and I are hanging out!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SqOt6YZmQpl_P5XJ643XZsSN8XHR7mNpC4p7U5VTrJ9cbh2-MVOxyQUlwiYBxy4eFXQPcSkS1wAQEAefZb1oI6uc5LOCVgfDhpTD_Gpu2pBOVhrmhXTOO8tedsz3JlJgTSUsfprpacE/s1600/TCMF+Oct+1+Event825x638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308px" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SqOt6YZmQpl_P5XJ643XZsSN8XHR7mNpC4p7U5VTrJ9cbh2-MVOxyQUlwiYBxy4eFXQPcSkS1wAQEAefZb1oI6uc5LOCVgfDhpTD_Gpu2pBOVhrmhXTOO8tedsz3JlJgTSUsfprpacE/s400/TCMF+Oct+1+Event825x638.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I mulled ideas in my head this year about which organization to support, I came up with some criteria. It had to be about kids (many of our best customers are kids!). It had to be local. And this year I wanted it to be about the arts. Living a good life is a work of art, so we should surround ourselves with good food, good music and good art.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I work with a lot of kids throughout the year through various schools and organizations. One group, <a href="http://www.thechildrensmusicfoundation.org/">The Children's Music Foundation</a>, stood out in my mind. Their mission is to teach kids how to play the guitar (in fact, the kids receive their own guitar) but in return the child must "pay it forward," which means he or she must also teach someone to play the guitar. I love the idea of "pay it forward." It allows each one of us to accept the kindness and guidance of others while placing a responsibility on us to do the same for another person in our life.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you'd like more information about the Children's Music Foundation, <a href="http://www.thechildrensmusicfoundation.org/">please click this link.</a> Even better, come and see us on October 1st and decorate some cookies for a good cause!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="308px" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh693qPb0JO5s8VDjAkSatK_6Hl3py1MQA9pOW6JYvOmy9ybhERaJOZX7OpUiKFCuef5rtly1xWUoTT0DoJGs80qJAbj4-DoEK0rDjPhntORwfht5CKEzqpw4Heth2QazJoqC41Jc0Ywe8/s400/TCMF+Oct+1+Event+backside825x638.jpg" width="400px" /></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-78512454793558386012011-09-19T20:54:00.000-07:002011-09-19T20:54:27.347-07:00Special Touches Bridal Open House<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Join us for an intimate evening of cookie decorating, tasty food, music, wedding planning advice and more! Michael's Cookie Jar is hosting its first ever Bridal Open House. We've teamed up with some of the finest wedding professionals in Houston to bring you a memorable evening of "Special Touches."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqU7l7jlDnJhipQWCfeFXXXYNqAWGAloyd-Etoyh7q84qtJCuffwFVx1APJXSZSzM_JE_GuvH71ckyrsOLDv0fXrEGfMHYpFaXW4rRmtfygMR4CKtL_wNQAJevmLe51fiTg_WTtXJBz0/s1600/michaels_cookie_eblast_9_22_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqU7l7jlDnJhipQWCfeFXXXYNqAWGAloyd-Etoyh7q84qtJCuffwFVx1APJXSZSzM_JE_GuvH71ckyrsOLDv0fXrEGfMHYpFaXW4rRmtfygMR4CKtL_wNQAJevmLe51fiTg_WTtXJBz0/s400/michaels_cookie_eblast_9_22_11.jpg" width="346px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit our partners' website </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and then meet them in person on September 29th!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.abusocatering.com/">Abuso Catering</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nyholt.com/">Adam Nyholt Photography</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.daytoremember.net/">A Day to Remember (event planning)</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elegantbeginningsinc.com/">Elegant Beginnings</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.maxitflowerdesign.com/">Maxit Florist</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.michaelscookiejar.com/">Michael's Cookie Jar</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.spacecityent.com/">Space City</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://home.stelladot.com/">Stella & Dot</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Please RSVP to: </em></span><a href="mailto:michael@michaelscookiejar.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>michael@michaelscookiejar.com</em></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-63525243554713529622011-06-20T16:06:00.000-07:002011-06-20T16:06:55.515-07:00We're Turning One!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTagXEOdPIw-2DPeNLFMZRomBUE_uMZZnkuAMq0ArkjYv3uGWlHU-YVJmD3HucndFgHPxc0YspWKmSUmGkVfQbn6nOKSe0jmO-dhLZZcvEzq_sEdxQ-aj4BCmqngiXPAOvS8y1tv-iwg/s1600/OneYear581x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTagXEOdPIw-2DPeNLFMZRomBUE_uMZZnkuAMq0ArkjYv3uGWlHU-YVJmD3HucndFgHPxc0YspWKmSUmGkVfQbn6nOKSe0jmO-dhLZZcvEzq_sEdxQ-aj4BCmqngiXPAOvS8y1tv-iwg/s400/OneYear581x250.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard to believe our bakery has been open a whole year! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V-LL1tg1BFVFEgwf9bn0Wm1AOpQAJwIx7gYTlheT19AHZdtFA3u9DifsTwCzA3NLALr2NAWWIS49GxByvF40EHT8LD20R5M9I99nIF1M24gNVK89OC3MLAPaX3FxnJgBFLA_cKtr8Tk/s1600/Grand+opening4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V-LL1tg1BFVFEgwf9bn0Wm1AOpQAJwIx7gYTlheT19AHZdtFA3u9DifsTwCzA3NLALr2NAWWIS49GxByvF40EHT8LD20R5M9I99nIF1M24gNVK89OC3MLAPaX3FxnJgBFLA_cKtr8Tk/s320/Grand+opening4.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are very grateful to all our customers <br />
who have supported us!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB7fvgilsykOVDmuXEoiT96kTIqfzqVjbaYEpMjaJNLbR997SQU_qjEvHUgNgTYu1oONbJzO49dI0I2nv5vrx2QgWb4gagcOdPN0CAh3mCglXlvSfYOQjm4ursJxoDf50nmF22rAufws/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB7fvgilsykOVDmuXEoiT96kTIqfzqVjbaYEpMjaJNLbR997SQU_qjEvHUgNgTYu1oONbJzO49dI0I2nv5vrx2QgWb4gagcOdPN0CAh3mCglXlvSfYOQjm4ursJxoDf50nmF22rAufws/s320/080.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we look forward to serving you for years to come!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD6IH2bD42P7f_bxwEwbKgUk0mWicyXds_UoWXQIvcEn_tTZwog54zCMtJi7cLcHRp_SJ4iW1kO6HzzdMLVioCjyRarN4VMBALImYmr9WWXhzH52vEkpUkjotTUwmmUT6NPpGExl6pLk/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD6IH2bD42P7f_bxwEwbKgUk0mWicyXds_UoWXQIvcEn_tTZwog54zCMtJi7cLcHRp_SJ4iW1kO6HzzdMLVioCjyRarN4VMBALImYmr9WWXhzH52vEkpUkjotTUwmmUT6NPpGExl6pLk/s320/042.JPG" width="292px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All this week, every customer will receive <br />
a complimentary "number one" cookie!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Please stop in!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-75632151091760385432011-06-09T10:37:00.000-07:002011-06-09T10:37:30.549-07:00Happy Father's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACcQ9ZmuZdXfJ4vsemVptnfRpJtI3Hh_NMe6KCD93UbwYAMPoV9EGEved6dlnNRQosp8jQ7zOEx_iWBbMTVr5ZeXnTJmViJi95rDAC0EK1Ikoy7zo-xQf5hfdZNMxSy6MxNF_3Tji060/s1600/Fathers+Day+948x923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACcQ9ZmuZdXfJ4vsemVptnfRpJtI3Hh_NMe6KCD93UbwYAMPoV9EGEved6dlnNRQosp8jQ7zOEx_iWBbMTVr5ZeXnTJmViJi95rDAC0EK1Ikoy7zo-xQf5hfdZNMxSy6MxNF_3Tji060/s200/Fathers+Day+948x923.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The summer heat is here and school is out. It's been especially warm this spring, but we still ramp up the ovens every morning at 6AM to bake the day's cookies. The ebb and flow of our customers has change a bit as people adjust to their summer schedules. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were quite busy for graduation events and now we're looking forward Father's Day, which is the first holiday of the summer season. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also have another milestone coming up in the next couple weeks. Our retail bakery opened to the public on June 22 of last year. We'll be celebrating by giving out tasty sugar cookies in the shape of the number "1" (More on that in the next post). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For now, dad's are on our mind and we've got a special cookie pie that the whole family will love!</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-50241017222554593112011-03-31T15:44:00.000-07:002011-03-31T15:47:38.784-07:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfHtj-guJC7k-ElurehCBuu5ReMeefuhvJ_JM00xSTJv_mjm-6R2KrBSzPNNAOHcFw1mjdKJP5rYdkYl7W7rh9nAlitkpTw1sjEfbN4sUycdTiccdO73dyp1ZRiUmPktHi0RYE3q9_hc/s1600/Bunny+Trail+834x297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfHtj-guJC7k-ElurehCBuu5ReMeefuhvJ_JM00xSTJv_mjm-6R2KrBSzPNNAOHcFw1mjdKJP5rYdkYl7W7rh9nAlitkpTw1sjEfbN4sUycdTiccdO73dyp1ZRiUmPktHi0RYE3q9_hc/s400/Bunny+Trail+834x297.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think decorated Easter cookies may be my favorite of all the holidays. There's something about a bright yellow baby chick or a smiling bunny face that just makes me feel happy! Since Easter falls late in the year we get a little extra time to show off our decorated Easter cookies and Easter cookie gift bags.</span> </div> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglh8vdYjeaUko3bplXTAsQuqbwHOFmjVm3Fl8Hsol4_Hn-7LjZ2Jwvirh-s6Ed0EyMdcQvzEe1RC3or-B9bBgpS_2TLgVKtEf8Z_LBFS3l_UVCgXYuFyRxLHBD1Dt-Te76QNx9jMzOxYU/s1600/Jumbo+Bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglh8vdYjeaUko3bplXTAsQuqbwHOFmjVm3Fl8Hsol4_Hn-7LjZ2Jwvirh-s6Ed0EyMdcQvzEe1RC3or-B9bBgpS_2TLgVKtEf8Z_LBFS3l_UVCgXYuFyRxLHBD1Dt-Te76QNx9jMzOxYU/s200/Jumbo+Bunny.jpg" width="116" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">One new item we're offering this year is a jumbo decorated rabbit. It stands 8" tall and comes in a gift bag with baby chicks and decorated egg-shaped cookies.</span> </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And we have our signature cookie cake on display at the bakery. It's all decked out for Easter. Stop by and have a look!</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHhrTXg1y065wsIYL0nQ5JrFLVFE0WWF6bmKHxeaS_qEpglgYmlmxmahFeZ7JKW7TxTEi7kthdtSKh47PYsZpBKHXENKSKR2wk-z-McDt0YIXTwFtFyUmVaSljKAkOYAkHtzc-KTaOz4/s1600/Easter+Cookie+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 1px;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHhrTXg1y065wsIYL0nQ5JrFLVFE0WWF6bmKHxeaS_qEpglgYmlmxmahFeZ7JKW7TxTEi7kthdtSKh47PYsZpBKHXENKSKR2wk-z-McDt0YIXTwFtFyUmVaSljKAkOYAkHtzc-KTaOz4/s200/Easter+Cookie+Cake.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 547px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 317px; visibility: hidden;" width="72" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHhrTXg1y065wsIYL0nQ5JrFLVFE0WWF6bmKHxeaS_qEpglgYmlmxmahFeZ7JKW7TxTEi7kthdtSKh47PYsZpBKHXENKSKR2wk-z-McDt0YIXTwFtFyUmVaSljKAkOYAkHtzc-KTaOz4/s1600/Easter+Cookie+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHhrTXg1y065wsIYL0nQ5JrFLVFE0WWF6bmKHxeaS_qEpglgYmlmxmahFeZ7JKW7TxTEi7kthdtSKh47PYsZpBKHXENKSKR2wk-z-McDt0YIXTwFtFyUmVaSljKAkOYAkHtzc-KTaOz4/s200/Easter+Cookie+Cake.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Signature Cookie Cake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On a side note, April 2 marks the one year anniversary that we moved into our current retail location. And you loyal customers already know that June 22 </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is the one year anniversary of opening our doors to the public. Thank you!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-46658966879571172322011-03-21T06:45:00.000-07:002011-03-21T06:45:08.346-07:00Our Mission Statement<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A mission statement is a "statement of purpose" or "guiding hand" for a business. In business school we are taught that it is one of the first things a new enterprise should define. After all, how will you know "what to do" if you don't define your purpose from the beginning?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good or bad, we did not write a mission statement when Michael's Cookie Jar opened for business in the autumn of 2006. Back then we operated out of a shared commercial kitchen in Tomball. We knew at some point a mission statement would be a good idea, but at the beginning we were satisfied following our instincts and simply make "cookies that are beautiful to the eye with a taste that exceeds your expectations." That meant using real ingredients, like butter, sugar, eggs and natural flavors. It also meant using time-honored culinary techniques. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we approach a milestone (on April 2nd we will celebrate the "move in" date to our current retail location) we have finally defined our purpose! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Writing a mission statement is not easy. It must be concise, accurate and inspiring. We knew there had to be something about great tasting cookies in the mission statement, but we wanted to be a little more than that. After all, cookies are not produced in a vacuum. It's really about people: the people who make the cookies, the people who eat the cookies and the community it creates.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With that, we present the "Official Michael's Cookie Jar Mission Statement." You feedback is welcome!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Michael’s Cookie Jar is dedicated to graciously serving our community exceptionally delicious cookies made with love, care and natural ingredients.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"></span></div><div><span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will accomplish this by:</span> </span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Creating an environment that nurtures our people and nourishes our community.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Respecting, developing and rewarding the labor, talents, and dedication of our people.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using time-honored culinary techniques and real ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour and natural flavorings.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Charging a fair price with the expectation of a reasonable profit.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Giving back to the community that supports us.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Accepting that every member of this organization plays a vital role in achieving these common goals</span></div></li>
</ul>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-66049550213549401452011-01-12T10:28:00.000-08:002011-01-12T10:28:25.721-08:00Generosity<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB30mkUoGiuTQkym9KRbgoqLhg5TxTvnh-mP_OtHvuOm-jmcNQS_OjeYi7l39TwR2qQD6Gg5kPLIa9__JGqtSOr-ceKYE48uo6W-VdAf8Z9WKs4URHUgTV4spuaaefc4Npef7dwVzlAE/s1600/Generosity+452x386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB30mkUoGiuTQkym9KRbgoqLhg5TxTvnh-mP_OtHvuOm-jmcNQS_OjeYi7l39TwR2qQD6Gg5kPLIa9__JGqtSOr-ceKYE48uo6W-VdAf8Z9WKs4URHUgTV4spuaaefc4Npef7dwVzlAE/s200/Generosity+452x386.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.morrismalakoff.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">www.morrismalakoff.com</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we begin the new year, I was thinking about themes to work on for the month of January. Other months with major holidays have easy to identify themes, like Halloween or the 4th of July. January is a time of renewal and reflection as we assess the previous year and look forward to the new year. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One theme that keeps coming up for me is "generosity." True, there is a lot of injustice in our world today, but there's also a lot that works well. And often, what works well in our lives is simply the result of our own generosity and the generosity of others. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you look around, you can see examples of generosity everywhere and everyday. I think it's important to be aware of those moments because that's what gives us hope and happiness that things will work out. Stinginess may put a few extra dollars in the bank, but it won't lift your spirits or give you the truest sense of security and well-being.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The theme of "generosity" is something we try to live by everyday at Michael's Cookie Jar. When I started the business in 2006, it was important to me that we go back to basics and provide people with something real and sustaining and delicious. To me, that started with using only butter, sugar, eggs, flour, fresh nuts, imported chocolate and natural flavorings in all our cookies. That wouldn't have been a very smart move if the final product didn't taste any better than our competitor's products, but they do. And the customer notices. At first I was worried about the cost of using these ingredients, but our food cost for 2010 was less than 15%. I'm glad we decided to not skimp on quality ingredients and I'm even happier that our customer notices and is willing to pay the little bit extra for it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beyond the ingredients, we have a commitment to making all our cookies by hand, in small batches. We offer samples to everyone the moment they enter our bakery. And most times when customers place special orders, they receive a few more cookies than they originally requested. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've also started building relationships with area schools. I'm happy to say that we've provided many cookies for school benefits so they can raise much needed money to improve their educational programs.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're building a business on the idea that giving generously will create loyal customers who visit us often and remember us for their special occasions. At Michael's Cookie Jar we hope to be part of what works well in the world. All the best to you in 2011.</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-52100607449025464702011-01-07T07:17:00.000-08:002011-01-07T07:17:46.738-08:00Pumpkin Moon Cookie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoq5gVPX7c9C_CCOkHpbfvCioMSsq7cRSHJQuWXc-xAcHtMJXP8NJbWTorp46faLf2hDSnqLuMsxGYqHyTx7OxrIEU4dNkypqiXiGrOfd8nN5h1IyMvBZi0vuLJZMMlEOARHvbUVHzS0/s1600/Pumpkin+Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoq5gVPX7c9C_CCOkHpbfvCioMSsq7cRSHJQuWXc-xAcHtMJXP8NJbWTorp46faLf2hDSnqLuMsxGYqHyTx7OxrIEU4dNkypqiXiGrOfd8nN5h1IyMvBZi0vuLJZMMlEOARHvbUVHzS0/s200/Pumpkin+Moon.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok, I'm very proud of this cookie...even though its debut is about four months late, which reminds me of something else. Customers always ask "what's my favorite cookie." Honestly, I love'm all (how many people are willing to name their favorite child?). I don't put a new item into our pastry case until I taste its specialness! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that brings me back to the late debut of the Pumpkin Moon Cookie. We were testing recipes in the late summer, but not really liking the results. This cookie, which is really a little cake that is baked and then the bottom side is iced, had to be moist with a distinct taste of pumpkin and a hint of spice. We tried several versions of a recipe, but the results were disappointing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once we got into the autumn season, there was no time to test recipes anymore. The holidays were upon us and all our energy was focused on filling orders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After Christmas, I remembered that a customer had brought me a recipe during the summer for a pumpkin cookie that she liked. Initially I didn't think much of it by looking at the ingredients. Well, later in the autumn, that same customer came in with a sample of her cookie for me to taste, and it was yummy! I revisited the recipe, made a few changes (omit shortening, replace with butter, etc) and started testing again. Moist! Pumpkiny! With a hint of spice! We added a cream cheese icing and....perfection!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, along with our classic Black & White cookies and Mocha Moon cookie, we present the Pumpkin Moon Cookie!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, dear reader, which version do you like better? The chocolate swirl top or the one that is half dipped in demerera sugar?</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-14138129985508001872011-01-02T14:30:00.000-08:002011-01-02T14:30:31.040-08:00Cold Weather Treats<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy New Year! We had a great holiday season at Michael's Cookie Jar. When people ask how it went, I say we had a "tsunami of cookie orders!" We are very grateful for all our customers trusting us with their holiday cookie needs!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To start out the new year, we wanted to do something a little "out-of-the-box" for a bakery. Since the weather has turned cold (well, sort of....) we thought it might be nice to offer some satisfying, hot beverages. And true to our mission of making everything from scratch, with wholesome ingredients, we have some classically prepared beverages that will take the winter chill off you!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, we start with hot coffee. Nothing fancy here, but we use a full-flavored, robust bean from Mexico that is organically grown and fair trade. Stepping up our game, we next have REAL hot chocolate. It's a brew of Valrhona chocolate, milk, cream and sugar. It's very rich and offered as an 8 oz portion. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lastly, we have something that I just recently discovered myself. At Christmas, I visited Houston friends who are from Mexico. They serve "Ponche de Fruta (Fruit Punch). But this isn't your aunt Bea's fruit punch! This punch is served hot and with generous chunks of fresh fruit simmered in a broth of tamarind and hibiscus petals.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We'll offer these items for a limited time so stop in soon!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-g1VCBeNL4hyphenhyphenU5LRTfpVhPCjatdvs_k6hWY6ilYY4_wKTUU1TDsmSUouK-kBOhhlLMLp10ERGV8SU3T6bLZLmSrmX8_VPFfPIVu_81MPtzf4MeY4cHzFC-nYC6Q2RXM6KCnVv0pNTdKE/s1600/Hot+Drinks+FINAL+336X420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-g1VCBeNL4hyphenhyphenU5LRTfpVhPCjatdvs_k6hWY6ilYY4_wKTUU1TDsmSUouK-kBOhhlLMLp10ERGV8SU3T6bLZLmSrmX8_VPFfPIVu_81MPtzf4MeY4cHzFC-nYC6Q2RXM6KCnVv0pNTdKE/s1600/Hot+Drinks+FINAL+336X420.jpg" /></a></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-65099510923640351992010-11-27T08:23:00.000-08:002010-11-27T08:23:34.978-08:00Holiday Cookies are Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_-Cr2cXd-pdM0HiO5bNFqIb6sWantppuz8JFhLVI7yGv3UNnhR01GX0wPKIbfWgjlNnzhlIlXneRO_KBEFzxQtqmml0saDDPOZf1U1VPZEjwrvtcNODXCKH9jmc94LkuoWVgHSJ2azQ/s1600/Xmas+Cookie+Cake+2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_-Cr2cXd-pdM0HiO5bNFqIb6sWantppuz8JFhLVI7yGv3UNnhR01GX0wPKIbfWgjlNnzhlIlXneRO_KBEFzxQtqmml0saDDPOZf1U1VPZEjwrvtcNODXCKH9jmc94LkuoWVgHSJ2azQ/s200/Xmas+Cookie+Cake+2010.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As busy shoppers swamped the big box stores for various "two day sales, Michael's Cookie Jar decorated for Christmas. Down came the "autumn themed" cookie cake and up went the Christmas Cookie Cake. It's nine tiers tall and has more than 850 cookies. I couldn't decided between an "all-white" theme or multi-color. Since I like diversity, I went with all types of colors, shapes and sizes. I think the result is beautiful...and tasty. Stop by to see all our holiday cookies and have a taste!</span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532556081464817490.post-8707465693090756902010-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:002010-10-06T10:01:03.052-07:00Bellaire Art Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8liReqcvtXFR29a0C7hhyphenhyphenVhrcK7n4_5QnHCFEGLihyphenhypheno5amzYwKU8FtlljAhgOPwPnQugYU6IQiIwKzaZCr62Ze0X10DGBeQiYHbHvynUibzf4kfQv3-5xLKIaxB_QCqF04Zy7AOBSyE/s1600/Bellaire+Art+Festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8liReqcvtXFR29a0C7hhyphenhyphenVhrcK7n4_5QnHCFEGLihyphenhypheno5amzYwKU8FtlljAhgOPwPnQugYU6IQiIwKzaZCr62Ze0X10DGBeQiYHbHvynUibzf4kfQv3-5xLKIaxB_QCqF04Zy7AOBSyE/s400/Bellaire+Art+Festival.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're delighted to be participating in the Bellaire Art Festival for the fourth time! This fun filled day features many great local artists, craftspeople and food! (that's where we come in!) We'll have a great selection of our soft-bake home-style cookies, as well as decorated cookies. Some new items this year include our cinnamon shortbread (ojarascas), Rugelach and Sand Tarts. Stop by! You won't be dissappointed!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.bellaireartfestival.com/">Bellaire Art Festival</a> has been in existence since 1991 is produced twice a year, in April in the Spring and in October in the Fall. The event takes has long taken place along scenic Bellaire Boulevard, between Loop 610 and South Rice Avenue, and now has a new home in Bellaire Town Square. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since its inception, the Bellaire Art Festival has provided a venue for thousands of local artists to display and sell their works - many of whom were just starting their careers as successful artists. Cultivating local talent is one of the many reasons that the Bellaire Art Festival has been so successful and is still around today.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, the Bellaire Art Festival is continuing to expand, and we are looking forward to introducing some exciting new programs over the next few years. Currently, between 150-200 painters, potters, jewelry-makers, glass blowers, metalsmiths, clothing designers, and many other types of artists set up their booths in the esplanade.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And make sure you bring the kids too - the Bellaire Art Festival has a fantastic children's area complete with petting zoo, face painting, bouncy castles, children's art, and entertainment for the young ones. If you get hungry, check out the local cuisine scattered around the park - you'll find anything from corndogs to crawfish to kettle korn!</span></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oct 1st is also very special because we will have our official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the bakery. <a href="http://michaelscookiejar.com/Default.asp?id=284&cookiename=Michael%20Savino">Click here</a> for more information. I hope to see you on Friday!</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><em>photo by <a href="http://www.morrismalakoff.com/">morris malakoff</a></em></span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233048524374159074noreply@blogger.com0