Jan 19, 2011

Homemade cookies and a menagerieBy Chris WymanStrausNews.com

Vernon — Susan Gregory’s background as an interior designer is evident in the decor of the new store, Drunken Cherry Cookie Company, in the A&P Plaza on Route 515. Her son Justin Gregory owns the business, offering his mother’s sweet treats and more.

Walking into the shop is like stepping into a friendly menagerie. Creatures big and small are perched on counters, resting in large cushioned chairs and waiting in corners. These exquisitely crafted stuffed animals are part of the unique line of gift items available. Set among the all-natural cookies, homemade dog treats and the many treasures to be found, a mood is created: as Susan Gregory put it: “Once upon a time, we all lived together.”

Susan, who is a Zagat’s rated chef and was the owner of Savannah’s Restaurant in Stockholm, developed the cookie recipes. There are four varieties: Drunken Cherry Cookie, Peanut Butter Cup Chunk, Malted Milk Ball Chunk and the Harvest Fruit Oatmeal, which will be coming out in February.

The cookies that leant their name to the shop are happy cookies, Susan said. The cherries are soaked for 24 hours in brandy before they are then added to the batter.

All the cookies have all natural ingredients, no preservatives, are made with unbleached flour and sometimes whole-wheat flour. They also have 50 percent less sugar than the average cookie, but keep the goodness of sweets by using apple juice, Gregory said. In addition, one variety each month will be made with 75 percent less sugar. She also has plans for gluten-free and sugar-free cookies.

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