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LARK FINE FOODS Whole Grain Lady Birds
COMING UP WITH THE NAME FOR LARK FINE FOODS' Outstanding Cookie winner was a whole- kitchen endeavor. "We started off with Lady Bugs because we were trying to think of something red and black to represent the cranberries and chocolate in the cookies," explains founder Mary Ann McCormick. "In England, they call lady bugs ladybirds and that seemed like a better name for a cookie." Made with 100 percent whole-wheat flour, rolled oats and creamy butter, Whole Grain Lady Birds redefine the traditional oatmeal cookie with their healthy ingredients, crispy texture and, of course, lady bug–like spots of dried cranberries and bittersweet chocolate. The cookies are rich yet light, making them a perfect snack for adults and children alike. "The Lady Bird is my favorite of the moment," McCormick shares. "It's not too sweet and not too salty so you can eat a lot of them!"
Located in Essex, Mass., Lark Fine Foods has a knack for creating unique treats for adventurous consumers seeking the purest ingredients. Instead of offering tired renditions of familiar cookies, the mother-daughter team explores uncharted territory—from the spicy Cha-Chas to the rum-infused CocoLocos to the more savory Scourtins, this year's sofi Gold Winner for Outstanding Cracker (p. S28). The cookies are handmade in small batches and can be found in specialty food stores across the United States. Suggested retail price: $5.50–$5.99/7.5 ounces. Contact: Mary Ann McCormick, Lark Fine Foods; 978.768.0012; maryann@larkfoods.com; larkfinefoods.com.—A.M.
FINALISTS
➊ S16 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE ❘ specialtyfood.com
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COOKIE