For MOMS & MOMS-TO-BE and TODDLERS 4 YEARS +*
Let me start off by saying that my father-in-law is Italian. In fact, he was born in Italy and spent much of his time there, and is basically as Italian as they come. With that said, he believes that “all good things” come from Italy and that Italians really can do everything “better”. This goes for just about everything – with food being no exception.
Having been raised on lots of pastas, deli meats, and Italian-style pastries, you can see where it has been a struggle for me coming in as this [basically] vegan nutritional chef who believes that vegetables should be the biggest portion on your plate and that eating overly-processed white carbs, sugars and meats are not something that should be partaken in on a daily basis (or really at all, for that matter).
Fortunately, my husband has taken pretty well to my way of cooking and actually really enjoys eating healthy meals throughout the day (I’ll give that credit to my “chef” experience ;). However, there are those certain foods that he believes “cannot be messed with” – Italian desserts in particular.
That’s why I was so amazed at not only the selection, but the quality and tastes of the Cookies con Amore products. I’m almost hesitant on eating them since they really are that good, and it’s hard for me to believe that they are at all nutritious.
I said almost.
THE PRODUCT: Cookies con Amore believes that great Italian cookies are a result of fresh, quality ingredients, a commitment and passion for excellence, love, and a desire to create a memorable taste experience that will leave you wanting more.
Baked with care, rich and irresistible, all of their cookies are handmade, inspired by old-fashioned recipes that can be traced back five generations. Furthermore, they have taken all of their love and special care to detail one step further by creating a whole line of Glutenetto [gluten-free] cookies, as well as those that are dairy and/or sugar-free – something that you don’t usually find in such traditional, old-world recipes.
Growing up as childhood friends in the south of Italy, Fernanda and Angelo Capraro both came from families where grandmothers baked for love and honor, and cookies were a mainstay in their homes for both friends and family alike. Eventually getting married, Fernanda and Angelo took their love for cookies to California in the 1970s, starting a family of their own and opening a series of Italian delis and the much-loved Villa Romana restaurant in Laguna Beach.
During each holiday season, the Capraros followed in family tradition and baked batch upon batch of homemade Italian cookies for friends, family and favorite customers. After years and years of their popularity growing, Fernanda and Angelo decided to devote themselves to making cookies full-time, and in 2005, Cookies con Amore was born.
The company has now grown to over 20 employees, but all orders are still baked with love in small batches and packed fresh directly from their ovens to your table.
With multiple collections of cookies available, including their classic, gluten-free, sugar-free and seasonal lines, you are certain to always find an excuse to have a box of Cookies con Amore on hand. (Mother’s Day anyone?? You’ll find a 20% off code below.)
NUTRITION-WISE: Uniquely Italian, Cookies con Amore contain the best ingredients available including organic butter, free-range eggs and premium grade extracts. The best part is that they have an entire line of Glutenetto cookies (as well as sugar-free and even dairy-free), many of which are based off of the original recipes, which themselves were gluten-free; others were re-imagined.
Using small production methods in order to ensure the taste and quality are there in every batch, those at Cookies con Amore use their traditionally Italian palate to focus on the subtleness of essential flavors, and nothing else, as can be seen in the simple deliciousness of every bite.
Coming in at around 100 calories for a 1oz serving (approx. 1 cookie), with 36 of those calories coming from fats, there is also around 1 gram of protein, and 6 grams of sugar, depending on the product you choose.
*As you all know by now, I am not one to recommend giving sweets to young children. However, I’m also not naïve to the fact that children will be exposed to these foods eventually (at school, or otherwise). And, I also know that a little bit of sugar every now and again won’t kill them – I’m just under the mindset that what they don’t know, can’t hurt them and that exposing them to sweets too early will leave them craving and/or expecting them when there are plenty of other great tasting, yet healthy foods that they could be eating.
With all that said, coming in at around 6 grams of sugar per cookie, a bite here or there, especially for a special occasion will probably be just fine. Or, you can save them all for you, your significant others, and/or special guests since once you try them they will be hard to keep around for any length of time ;).
WHERE TO BUY: Cookies con Amore are sold at Whole Foods and many gourmet grocery stores around the U.S. You can also order directly from the Cookies con Amore Online Shop where the entire line of classic, gluten-free, sugar-free as well as seasonal cookies are available.
As a bonus, Cookies con Amore is offering our readers a special 20% off cart total discount when you use the coupon code “FITFABMOMS”. The code expires May 31st, so stock up while you can ;).
And remember, Mother’s Day is almost here and they have a special Mother’s Day gift box that is absolutely amazing!!
FINAL THOUGHTS: I’ve never been much of a cookie person myself, but definitely can appreciate a good baked treat every now and again. However, as someone who steers clear of gluten and dairy, finding something that is really worth eating can be tough. Now add to that the fact that my in-laws (and obviously husband) are Italian, and finding an Italian cookie that is not only up to their standards, but meet all my “dietary requirements” as well can be pretty impossible.
That is until I discovered Cookies con Amore. With many of your Italian cookie favorites available, from their classic line to those that are free of gluten, dairy, and/or sugar, you can shop cookie flavors individually or choose an assortment. And if you order them directly online, you will be able to tell all the love that goes into each batch, just by looking at how well they are packaged.
On another note, the shelf life of these cookies are 180 days, although the online assortment is in an open kraft-box and they usually recommend customers to put them in a sealed container. Their cookies also freeze great and last over a year – you won’t even be able to tell they were in there at all!
It’s safe to say that I have found a new family favorite, as well as the perfect gift for my Mother-in-law this Mother’s Day – and for many years to come ;).
Try any or all of Cookies con Amore assortments today and see for yourself how delicious Italian-inspired cookies can be!
To learn more about Cookies con Amore, please visit their website and check them out on Facebook.
And remember, Contact Healthy.Fit.Fab…Moms today to create a personalized plan so you and your family can live a healthy, fit, and fabulous life!
