Last night, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois held their annual Diamonds, Desserts, and Distinction event, honoring women who exhibit courage, confidence, and character. This year’s Women of Distinction award winners were six first responders: Chief of University of Illinois Police Alice Cary, retired Special Agent Kathy Adams, firefighter Whitney Anderson, firefighter Madison Carlton, firefighter Tara Stigers, and Cheryl Horvath, retired Chief.
The evening also had a competition of desserts made by Champaign-Urbana bakers, each inspired by a different Girl Scouts cookie. Guests had a chance to try eight desserts and vote for their favorite.
Dish Passionate Cuisine catering made a caramel cake with the Adventurefuls cookie. The cake was soft, and the silky caramel frosting was delicious. This dessert won the People’s Choice Award.
Martinelli’s Market made a Peanut Butter Patties mousse. I enjoyed the layers of chocolate and peanut butter with the crumble topping; a spoonful of all four elements tasted yummy.
These mini lemon cupcakes were made by Central Illinois Bakehouse inspired by the Lemonades Girl Scouts cookie. The lemon flavor was bright, and I loved how pretty they looked.
This coconut macaroon by Pekara Bakery & Bistro was a clever way to use the Caramel deLight. That sweet caramel-coconut-chocolate combination of this Girl Scouts cookie is my favorite, and Pekara’s dessert served so much coconut flavor and, of course, the cookie’s iconic chocolate drizzle.
Next, Baldarotta’s whipped up a take on a s’more with the Toast-Yay Girl Scouts cookie. Every element of the dessert was made from scratch: the graham cracker, the chocolate spread, and the delicious pavlova with a soft marshmallow-like filling. This was the Judge’s Choice Award winner.
Biaggi’s made a chocolate dessert with the Trefoils shortbread cookie. The crumb layer had some saltiness, which balanced the sweetness of the creamy chocolate center, whipped cream, and little crispy chocolate garnishes.
Krannert Center entered the dessert competition this year with a peanut butter and banana pudding parfait. I liked Krannert Center’s peanut-butter twist on the banana pudding, and the Peanut Butter Sandwich cookie had a prominent role as a yummy bottom layer.
Last but not least, The Wheelhouse of St. Joe made a cookies and crème puff. A soft cake with a Thin Mints cream filling, this dessert wasn’t overly minty and had a really nice balance of chocolate and mint in a single tasty bite.
It was a deliciously sweet evening celebrating women of public service and fundraising for area Girl Scouts troops. If you’re wondering how to support Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and eat eight different desserts (and vote for the winner!), this event is annual. Read about last year’s event and 2021.
Follow Girl Scouts on Facebook page for updates about future events.
