DC is a serious foodie town. And serious foodie towns love their serious local chefs. So yay José Andrés (by adoption), but also yay Chef Dana Herbert, winner of the Season 1 of TLC’s “Cake Boss: The Next Great Baker.” Herbert now lives in Delaware, but he’s originally from DC, so we claim him as our own.
Herbert has become famous for blurring the lines between dessert and savory, most notably with his cookbook, Sweet and Savory Union. We’re a fan. He also gives back by educating people with diabetes on how they can pursue a sensible yet delicious diet. And did we mention he’s from DC?
Chef Dana
Favorite thing to do in DC?
Chef Dana: “Other than eat? Cousins always wanting to drag me off to clubs (which are always changing their names).”
Favorite DC restaurant?
Chef Dana: “Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons. Lima. The Oceanaire Seafood Room. 15 Ria.”
Favorite sugar substitute, and why?
Chef Dana: “Splenda – it’s versatile, bakes well.”
Advice for young professionals learning to cook?
Chef Dana: “Don’t be afraid to try new things – be courageous, mix new flavors together.”
What should we bring to the office for our coworkers?
Chef Dana: “Chocolate chip bacon cookies.”
Obviously. We’re in serious territory here.
Chocolate Chip Bacon Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 sticks butter (3/4 lb)
- 1 & ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pastry flour (note: I used cake flour, available at most grocery stores)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- I bag (12 oz) chocolate chips
- 1 cup crumbled maple bacon*
Directions
Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
Cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined
Add flour mixture and gently mix until incorporated.
Stir in chocolate chips and bacon.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool on the tray. Eat.
* Make sure the bacon is cooked until it’s really, really crispy. Then crumble gently by hand. Take out the pieces that resemble beef jerky. Eat them separately.
NOTE: I halved the recipe. The one Chef Dana gave me would feed all of DC.
Thanks to Chef Dana Herbert for sharing his secret recipe with us. Enjoy!
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