It’s All About The Treats At Schmerty’s!
October 4, 2010
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Schmerty’s Monthly Featured Treats
October 4, 2010
Each month
Schmerty’s Cookies
offers a featured Cookie and Brownie.
For October our
Featured Cookie is
Schpooky Cookie
A butter cookie with Halloween sprinkles
Featured Brownie is
Trick or Treat
Chocolate Brownie with Halloween Candy.
The trick is not knowing what treats are inside.
All of Schmerty’s gourmet desserts are
certified Kosher Dairy.
This is our kosher certification.
The Zutzie Story
September 13, 2010
September’s featured cookie is Zutzie, a chocolate cookie with fresh squeezed orange juice, orange zest and orange essence. It’s Schmerty’s version of a chocolate orange peel. This is a very special cookie for Schmerty’s Cookies because it’s in memory of my father, Paul Zutz.
When my dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer and the doctors gave him maybe six months, I wanted to do something to honor him and let him know how much he meant to me. I started playing around with the ingredients in my chocolate cookie recipe. I knew I only had a day or two to really get it down. Since I am not a big fan of chocolate orange peels, I needed to make sure the P-Man gave it his seal of approval. I brought it to the hospital and told him he had to taste it and give me feedback. He ate a cookie and gave it two thumbs up. I told him I was naming it “Zutzie” for him.
My dad passed away 10 days later.
With all the different featured cookies, brownies and bars we’ve created, every Schmerty’s staff member knows this is the most special to me.
Gourmet Brownies – Factors to Consider When Purchasing
August 12, 2010
It seems like the new rage is gourmet brownies. Why should anyone be surprised, after all it is a type of chocolate with plenty of luscious munchies included. As the saying goes, who does not adore chocolate? Brownies make fantastic gifts for all circumstances, as they are not the usual run of the mill gift. Moreover it is a food item and who does not like getting a food gift.
Points to take into account when ordering gourmet brownies:
• Types of Ingredients – Find out what types of ingredients are used? They should be preservative free and all natural.
• Size – Find out the proportions? Standard size is 3×3.
• Weight – Make sure they have some bulk to them. Standard weight is approximately 4 oz. per brownie.
• Flavors – A company specializing in gourmet brownies should offer at least 6 – 10 flavors. When ordering you should have the options of picking certain flavors or opting for an assortment with no added charges.
• Freshness – They should be made the same day they are shipped and individually bagged to preserve the freshness.
• Packaging – At least 3 different packaging choices should be available. For example a gift box, gift basket or gift tin.
• Note Card – You should be able to provide a message with your gift at no extra charge.
• Shipping Protection – Find out what steps are being taken to safeguard your gourmet brownies while shipping? Packaging peanuts and bubble wrap should be used inside the shipping box for cushioning and protection.
• Shipping Choices – Local delivery and nationwide shipping should be offered. Make sure to ask if this is included in the brownie price or is it an additional expense. Most of the time shipping is an additional cost.
• Tracking Number – If your gift is being shipped make sure you are emailed the tracking number so you can stay up to date on the shipment.
• Price – You definitely want to get your money’s worth. The standard price for a dozen brownies is $30.
• Guarantee – There should be a money back guarantee if for any reason the customer or recipient is not happy with the gift.
There is no question about it, gourmet brownies are the in-thing and they are appropriate for any situation. So the next time you need a special and considerate gift, brownies should be your first choice.
A Cookie Basket – The Ideal Gift
August 9, 2010
People adore receiving a cookie basket. There are many factors why it is the first pick for all special occasions: First, it shows that some thinking went into the choosing and it jumps out from the same old common gift. Second, it is sensibly priced and is often much less expensive than the traditional gift. Third, it comes in a countless variety of choices, designs and variations, so you are sure to find one that matches your price range. Lastly, it is very effortless to order and have delivered.
One such company that produces a tasty cookie basket is Schmerty’s Cookies. We realize there are a variety of reasons why a consumer is purchasing and we try to support all of them. When a customer places an order she is putting her trust in us to not only have a scrumptious product, but to create a cookie gift basket that symbolizes the occasion. As a gourmet cookie company we take great pride in completing each and every order!
We can accommodate one to five dozen cookies per cookie basket. The customer has the choice of choosing specific flavors or for those that have not tasted our gourmet cookies; we recommend an assortment of flavors. Each cookie weighs approximately 2 oz and is 3.5 inches in diameter. All our cookies are individually wrapped for freshness purposes.
Our stylish baskets are crafted of wood and metal. Each gourmet cookie is carefully positioned in each basket to avoid breakage. Once the cookies are secure inside the basket, it is then wrapped up with our lovely clear cellophane for appearance purposes and to hold the cookies in place. The cellophane is then tied with our beautiful antique blue ribbon. This finishes the packaging and wrapping process. Also, included with each cookie basket is a personalized note card from the customer that is stapled to the ribbon.
We have made the ordering process as easy as possible by offering, in store ordering, by telephone, over our website and by faxing. For a customer needing her cookie basket shipped, we have local delivery and nationwide shipping via FedEx.
At Schmerty’s we try to accommodate all your cookie basket needs. We are in the business of making you, the customer look good, whether your gift is personal or business. Please say hi if you are ever in the Santa Monica neighborhood.
The Making of Gourmet Cookies
August 5, 2010
Individuals buy gourmet cookies for a number of reasons; childhood memories, a way to unwind, a reward or merely because they have a sweet tooth. No matter the purpose, cookies have been and always will be the go to treat when craving consolation food.
At Schmerty’s Cookies, we go through a carefully thought out process so each customer has a memorable encounter each and every time they stroll through our door.
It starts with the ingredients. We use all pure kosher ingredients and absolutely no preservatives. Our Rabbi is similar to the health department for the kosher population. We have unannounced visits like the health department. He looks at all our ingredients to make sure they comply with the kosher guidelines he represents.
The sequence of each ingredient being blended is very crucial to the outcome of both the look and taste of each of cookie. Right after the dough is created, we then hand scoop it into dough balls for immediate or future use. This in our view is what gives each gourmet cookie its homemade look and no two cookies will look precisely the same. Sort of like a snowflake.
Dough balls that are instantly used are placed on a sheet pan and pressed down a little bit to help it spread out throughout baking. Once this is finished, we put additional goodies on top to make the gourmet cookies look even more delicious. For example, if our white chip macadamia nut dough balls do not show enough white chips and macadamia nuts, we add even more. Now they are all set to be baked. Depending on the number of trays baking and the flavor, this determines the baking time. Our goal is for the cookies to bake to a golden brown. Once they are finished cooking, each tray is then placed on a cooling rack. They need 10-15 minutes to cool until they can be put on exhibit for selling or packaging.
While the cookies are baking and cooling, the entire store smells of heavenly yummyness. Customers walk in and inform us they can smell the awesome aroma of gourmet goodness from down the street. We exhibit our gourmet cookies in a beautiful and scrumptious manner inside a bakery case. After all, they are the first thing customers see as they walk into our store. When offering 16 gourmet flavors as we do, it can be a little too much the first time you step into our store, so customer service is incredibly important. This is why our associates are always ready, willing and able to help with any questions. What is most satisfying is when a customer bites into one of our tasty gourmet cookies and a big smile comes over her face. That makes all the tough work well worth it!
As you can see there is definitely a method to our cookie madness. Sometimes the process gets tedious, but it is very satisfying to see all our difficult work make people happy, even if it is for just a temporary moment in time. Please stop by and say hello, if you are ever in Santa Monica.
Back 2 Back Festivals for Schmerty’s
June 15, 2010
This past Sunday, Schmerty’s participated in our second festival (we’re on a festival role). PEACH2FEST, which was put on by our friends Linda and Carolynn of Peach Tree Pottery.
This festival was different from the previous one. PEACHFEST was smaller and had a block party feel. What set it apart from a typical block party was the music, it ROCKED! I don’t know where Linda and Carolynn found all these bands but we felt like we were at a music festival Sunday!
To add to the excitement, Raffle tickets could be purchased (all proceeds went to the American Heart Association) and throughout the day they had drawings to win awesome gifts that were all donated by various companies…like a Schmerty’s gift combo.
Thank you Peach Tree Pottery for inviting Schmerty’s to participate this year. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Schmerty’s First Festival
June 8, 2010
On Sunday, June 6, Schmerty’s participated in its first Festival. It was the 13th Annual SoRo Festival and a great learning experience. We had no idea how many cookies and brownies to bake for the day or what to else we needed for our booth.
The first lesson we learned was to bring a change of clothes or at least a t-shirt to set up the booth in and change at the start of the festival. Another lesson, put sunblock on again as the hours pass and the sun gets brighter. Those were the two biggest lessons learned. Okay, there was one more…don’t plan or expect every person in attendance to purchase products from us.
We also decided to bring only five cookie flavors; semi-sweet chocolate chip, snicker doodle, oatmeal with cranberries, oatmeal with chocolate covered raisins and red velvet. And three brownie flavors; classic, toffee pieces and peanut butter. It was a nice selection but not too much to overwhelm folks.
We had a fabulous experience and everyone involved with the Festival was so nice and friendly. We met new people and saw old friends as well.
Thank you SORO community for welcoming Schmerty’s to our first Festival!
A Schmerty Celebration
June 8, 2010
Oops, I could have sworn I posted this last week?! Oh well here it is now…Last night we took Sarah, Thea and Robert to dinner to show our appreciation for all the hard work they do for us and Schmerty’s. We had a fun-filled dinner with laughter and crazy stories.
Jeff and I adore these three and are so fortunate to have them working with us. We trust them and are extremely confident leaving them in the shop to run things.
Thanks S, T, R for all your hard work and know you are very much appreciated.
Schmerty’s is participating in 2 Festivals!
May 26, 2010
Schmerty’s has been asked to participate in two festivals during the month of June. This will be the first time Schmerty’s has been involved in any festival
We will have a booth at both festivals and are excited and a little nervous. We’re trying to figure out exactly which cookies and brownies to bring and how many of each flavor.
The first festival will take place on Sunday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The SoRo Community Festival is put on by the South Robertson Neighborhoods Council and SoRo, Inc. and funded in part by a grant from the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department. Admission to the SoRo Community Festival is Free. Attendance at the SoRo Festival ranges from 6,000 – 10,000 people each year. To learn more, visit their website,
13th Annual SoRo Community Festival.
The second festival, PEACHFEST, takes place the following weekend, Sunday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. PEACHFEST is a neighborhood festival of art, live music, food, block party and fun. A percentage of sales will benefit the American Heart Association. Learn more about PEACHFEST.
We would love to see you so if you’re in the area on either Sunday, stop by and say, Hello.
