Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge: Meet the Chef

While the Happiest Season of All may have just ended, the second happiest is upon us: Girl Scout cookie time! And local chefs are getting in on the action. The Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge will take place from Feb. 1 to 28, and chefs from some of the state’s most popular restaurants will use their culinary prowess to re-imagine one of the beloved flavors of Girl Scout cookies – Do-Si-Dos, Samoas, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Trefoils, Toffee-tastics and Savannah Smiles – into a custom dessert menu item. Each restaurant has agreed to feature its dessert on its menu for the entire month. A portion of the proceeds from each dessert sold will directly support Girl Scouting in our community. Through the end of the month, meet the chefs taking part and their unique dessert.

Name: Paige Murphy

Restaurant: Sorso Wine Room

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Tell me about your Girl Scout cookie creation: Our dessert is the #MintHappens Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Mousse. As its name suggests, it is a chocolate mint cheesecake mousse with a Thin Mint cookie crust, scoop of chocolate gelato and whipped cream on top.

What inspired it? I wanted to make something rich and decadent but also showcase my favorite way to eat a Thin Mint. Refrigerating them so they are cold. The mousse is light and chocolatey and also the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine.

What made you decide to partake in the Cookie Dessert Challenge? I thought it would be a fun way to be a little creative in the kitchen while also giving back to the Girl Scouts. Having been one myself as a child, I think it is a great organization that builds confidence in young girls to go out in their communities and be leaders.

Since February is Valentine’s month, what is your favorite Valentine’s Day dessert? Probably a good warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.