Traveling around the planet, it is easy to come across regional and local treasures that excite the palate. On a recent trip to Washington DC, we traveled the backroads to and from the nation's capitol and stumbled upon a supermarket we had never seen before or had ever heard of - Mars. Apparently, Mars is a local chain of grocery stores in metropolitan Baltimore, Maryland. There are currently 17 locations in the Baltimore area.
Bad news, first. Despite its celestial sounding name, Mars is pretty unremarkable and generic as most Supermarkets go. Our measure of Supermarket superiority or inferior status is usually determined in four areas of the store: The gourmet deli Counter, the bakery, the produce section and whatever aisles just happen to feature local goodies you can't easily find elsewhere. We like to visit the snack aisle for local chip and pretzels. The soda aisle often features unusual brands and flavors. And, the packaged cakes section sometimes displays items not found out of a particular area.
It was in the fourth place we checked - the packaged cakes aisle - that we found something very special - Berger's Cookies. Now, THESE are special cookies.
According to its website, the nineteenth century baking company that makes Berger Cookies describes itself and its trademark delight in the following manner:
"From its modest roots Bergers has continued to prosper, and has grown into one of the most recognized –and beloved cookie companies in the Mid Atlantic region. We still maintain the same recipes, with some minor adjustments to adapt to the processing of raw ingredients, as in the 1800’s. Our commitment to produce a quality product… one that our loyal customers can continue to enjoy, and new customers discover, is maintained in our production today."
Berger Cookies are a kind of cookie made and distributed by DeBaufre Bakeries. They are topped with a thick layer of chocolate fudge that derives from a German recipe, and are a cultural icon of Baltimore. The box seems to weigh a ton and are priced just under $5.00 - at least at Mars Supermarket. If you can't get down to the Baltimore area, Berger Cookies can be ordered from the company's website - just not during the warmer months of the year.
Boy are these suckers good, though some may consider them a little rich. You can thank the 1/8" of chocolate fudge weighing down the soft shortbread cookie buried in it. The two tastes make a great combination. Each cookie is about 140 calories of which 40% is fat. But, who cares when it tastes so good. It is too rich to eat more than one at each sitting. Problem is - you might be inclined to have another sitting as soon as the richness wears off!
There is another way to enjoy Berger Cookies. You can make them at home and here is the RECIPE
If my opinion on these cookies need any additional support, here is what another Yummy Finder thinks about this awesome tasting cookie and posted a review on Yelp:
When I was a kid, I could put away four of these easily. These days, I'm lucky if I can eat two in one sitting before my internal sugar police starts strapping on the riot gear. Nonetheless, the wonder that is Berger Cookies still puts a smile on my face whenever I arrive home to a care package from my aunt and uncle in Baltimore.
Over the years, I've gotten three friends, five roommates, and four coworkers hooked on these cookies. Picture, if you will, a plain vanilla cookie. The cookie is nothing special. The cookie is, indeed, nothing more than a token vehicle for the chocolate fudge topping. This chocolate is sugary, delicious, and tastes unlike anything else I've ever had. It will impress and overwhelm you. You'll probably need a drink of milk. And then another cookie.
Yes, Berger Cookies are YUMMY!
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