Keep It Sweet Desserts Giveaway

Last fall when I was in NYC for The Rachael Ray Show, I had the pleasure of finally getting to meet my blog friend, Lauren, in real life. Lauren and I had been commenting on one another's blogs and talking via Twitter for almost a year, and I was trilled to find out she is just as sweet and wonderful in person as she is on the web. Don't you love it when that happens?

I knew Lauren loved to bake, so when she told me that she was quitting her job in finance to open up Keep It Sweet Desserts, an online bakery and catering company, I can't say I was surprised. In fact, I was trilled for Lauren and her big step! But, as someone who loves to bake myself, I wasn't sure about the notion of purchasing baked goods online; couldn't I just make something myself and save the money?

Lauren offered to send me a mixed dozen of some of her desserts to coincide with the launch of Keep It Sweet Desserts to taste and review. I was a little nervous, reviewing desserts by someone I know and adore.

Well, the package arrived last week, and here's the deal: Lauren's desserts blew me away. Honestly, they are some of the best cookies and bars I've ever had. I can't tell you how trilled I am to share them with you, and offer one of you the chance to win some yourself (keep reading). Here's a look at what I tasted...

Peppermint Patty Stuffed Triple Chocolate Cookies: Mint and chocolate is one of my favorite combinations in a dessert, so it's no surprise that I fell head over heels for this cookie. Lauren totally nailed it on the texture - crispy around the edges and filled with a soft minty center.

Black and White Blondies: These were the by far the biggest hit in our house! When I gave Joe one for dessert, he went crazy over them. In Joe's words: "These are seriously the best dessert I've ever had." He continued to study the blondies as he ate them, saying, "I'm trying to figure out what makes them so delicious." Joe is absolutely right. These blondies are gooey in the center with a slightly caramel-like flavor and chewy and crispy around the edges. Perfection. 

Cinnamon Chocolate Rugelach: This was the only dessert I wasn't crazy about. That said, I think it has much more to do with the fact that I don't really care for the texture and taste of rugelach rather than Lauren's execution of the dessert. If you like rugelach, I would recommend trying it and seeing for yourself.

White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: If you're a fan of chewy cookies (which I seriously am) these are your dessert. While I could be satisfied eating just one rich blondie, I could easily eat a couple of these pleasantly sweet oatmeal cookies. The edges are just a little bit crispy and the centers are soft and peppered with white chocolate pieces and dried cranberries. I had to freeze the rest so I didn't eat them all at once!

Now to the giveaway...Lauren has offered to send a dozen of her cookies, bars or cookie sandwiches to one lucky Espresso and Cream reader!

To Enter: Visit Keep It Sweet Desserts and check out their selection. Then leave a comment letting me know which dessert you would like to try.

More ways to win (leave a separate comment for each):
*Like Keep It Sweet Desserts on Facebook (click here)
*Tweet about the giveaway (leave your Twitter handle for verification)

Oh, and if you don't win? Lauren is offering Espresso and Cream readers a 10% discount on purchases from her site. Just use the code EspressoandCream at checkout!

Madison