By Yasmine Zapp

Every year, right around this time, young people appear that are hard to avoid. We see them outside the grocery stores, the libraries, even going door-to-door, all peddling their wares.

I’m talking about the Girl Scouts.   And, they mean business…cookie buisness.

As I child, I took my Girl Scouting very seriously. Truth be told, I even went on to become a Girl Scout Leader. But, I would have to say that my fondest memories were of the cookies — a fondness that plagues me to this day.

Won’t you take a delicious trip with me down memory lane while we review what cookies the girls are offering this year?

Samoas are round devils covered in caramel, toasted coconut and striped in chocolate. These cookies are delicious, but watch out: They are very high in the calorie department.

Do-Si-Dos are lovely little peanut better sandwiches made with oatmeal cookies. Very comforting.

Thanks-A-Lots are simple shortbread with a layer of fudge on the bottom. What makes these different, are the words “Thank You” embossed on the top in multiple languages. (English, French, Chinese, Swahili and Spanish)  How neat.

Tagalongs are a dream of peanut butter and tons of chocolate. I’d put this in the “danger zone” along side Samoas.

Dulce de Leche is a Latin American inspired cookie made with caramel chips. Small and bite sized, these are great for small hands.

Lemon Chalet Cremes are made with a cinnamon-ginger snap cookie. A very tasty tea time snack.

Running neck and neck with the Chalets are the Lemonades. Shortbread cookies with lemon, BUT stamped to look like a slice of lemon. Visually very cute.

Thank U Berry Much are new this year. It’s our civic duty to give these hearty cookies a test run. Made with cranberries and white fudge they taste a little like trail mix. Yummm. On a side note, it seems like they “test” new cookies on the public. So if you remember a favorite cookie and it’s no where to be found, you’re NOT crazy. (R.I.P. Animal Treasures.)

Trefoils are traditional shortbread cookies that are made to look like the trademark Girl Scout logo. They have been around forever and there’s a reason why…they’re good!

Thin Mints……oh Thin Mints: How I love thee. In the fridge, freezer, or straight out of the box. You are perfect. Round, thin, minty, and drenched in chocolate. I think I may have a consumption problem when it comes to these.

An honorable mention has to go out to the Daisy Go Rounds. They are reduced fat and come in separated snack packs. Easy if you’re counting calories. Not easy if you are really watching them. They are made with crispy cinnamon bites, so maybe that has something to do with it. Very tasty but the words “Girl Scout Cookies” and “portion control” don’t seem to mesh well — the extra packaging isn’t preventative, it just ticks you off because it’s another barrier to hoovering.

All cookies aside, remember that whatever you choose this cookie season, you really are helping a great organization. Your cookie habit funds programs and trips to help these little ladies turn into well adjusted adults…who may or may not have cookie addiction when they grow up. I know I’m still working on it.

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