Cookie Brigade, PAX East 2011: OVER 9000! ($9600 - and counting - for Child's Play!)

feitocomfruta · November 2010

Oh wonderful! I love these ideas. Now I won't be able to bake all of these myself, so I may need help with making them. Of course it will help with my cosplay, but these could be really good for everyone else.

As for alcohol flavorings, I should also mention that I got a bartending certification a while back, so I can help with that sort of thing. I made Guinness chocolate cupcakes with Bailey's cream cheese frosting for St. Patty's this year. The Guinness gave it a breadlike texture and a really good flavor and I think all the alcohol baked out. The frosting was really strong on Bailey's flavor and alcohol on St. Patty's day, but a few days later, the alcohol seemed to evaporate. Whether or not that is true depends on food science, so we'll have to google it up.

VThornheart · November 2010

We really can't do alcohol flavored baked goods, and the more I think about it we can't even really do completely artificial or "baked out" alcohol flavored treats... I'll go into it more on the Google group. It's a great idea, and I'm sorry that we have to avoid it, but we really must.

Let's head to the Google Group for continued discussion of this matter: it involves issues that probably shouldn't be discussed here. Basically we have to keep this operation as flawless and unimpeachable as possible in order to continue operating. Someday this may change, but for now we have certain pressures that put us in a position where we must be very careful about how we operate. Again, please go to the Google Group for more information, I've just made a post regarding it. We're in a sensitive position in the Brigade and we must be very careful.

PurpleTerrapin · November 2010

I'm planning on star-shaped simply iced (just an outline?) yellow Mario stars and the classic chocolate chip. Sounds like fun!

VThornheart · November 2010

Ooh, that's awesome! I like the idea! Be sure to join the Google Group! =)

VodkaLove · November 2010

My boyfriend and I bought a cookie last year! I decided that I will help this time around and bake my delish S'Mores cookies. I will sign up on the google group soon.

VThornheart · November 2010

Yay! Good to have you on the force! S'mores cookies sound delicious, and they'll definitely be seasonally relevant for PAX East! =)

Facelesscog · November 2010

Just wanted to let you guys know, the Cookie Brigade Holiday Platter went up for auction yesterday evening during Desert Bus. It was pretty heart-warming, with Kathleen reading my story before hand. Whether it was pity from that or the promise of awesome cookies, the bidding was driven up to $1000! A trio of gentlemen in England, bidding together, ended up winning, and will be a delicious collection of cookies!

Looking forward to PAX East!

VThornheart · November 2010

That is fantastic!!! Yay! Thank you Facelesscog for putting that together and making it happen!

And thank you, whoever you were from out there in England!

Moe Fwacky · November 2010

Did anybody record that bit on desert bus? I was watching, but only half paying attention. I noticed the cookies and the shout-out to the brigade, but completely missed the story and bidding somehow.

VThornheart · November 2010

I totally missed it as well, I'd love to see it too if anyone has it =)

aerynkelly · November 2010

I know it's already been said, but as someone who eats gluten free, I wholeheartedly would love to see gluten free cookies

Facelesscog · November 2010

aerynkelly: In addition to her vegan cookies, my wife was also very happy with her gluten free cookies, so I'm sure they'll be making an appearance at PAX East again.

Moe: The shout-out to the Brigade took place on Friday night, while the auction took place on Saturday, which may be why you missed it. Fortunately, I asked Kathleen to record the auction when it took place! So, as soon as Desert Bus is over and they have a chance to decompress, I'll be getting a copy of the video and sharing it with everyone.

feitocomfruta · November 2010

It may seem a little out there, but I just thought you all should know that Desert Bus for Hope, who couldn't stop raving about the Cookies, will likely be over TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS. The Brigade had a small part in helping them reach a huge milestone.

I'm already excited to help raise more money for Child's Play at PAX East.

VThornheart · November 2010

Yeah, the total this year is amazing! Who'd have thought that something so large would result from a satirical video game? It's pretty impressive! I wonder what Penn and Teller think of it, or if they know about it?

feitocomfruta · November 2010

They do, and in fact the support the marathon a lot, by buying them food in past years, calling in, providing an auction item this year (The "Ultimate Desert Bus Experience" autographed by them, consisting of an envelope of Nevada Desert Sand, A bus ticket from Tucson to Las Vegas, and a pine air freshener), and hinting at a possible appearance next year to actually PLAY their game.

Anyway, bringing it back to the Brigade, I think that we have to remember, it's always for the children, but the noms are worth every penny.

VThornheart · November 2010

Oh, that's cool! =)

And indeed, what you say is true!

firemage1026 · November 2010

Cant wait to get some cookies

ransim · November 2010

The first official round of PAX East candy has been made. These are orange flavored and as a bit of an experiment. I tried out adding Sour Salt (Citric Acid) to the sugar mix before pour it into the molds. The results I must say are phenomenal.

There are also ╥ (PI) symbol candies as well as i tested out a new mold I picked up.

I'll hopefully be experimenting with the sugar free recipe in January, though I need to find a guinea pig to test them as I'm not really a fan of fake sugar so I wouldn't know if they're tasty or not.

VThornheart · December 2010

Ooh! It looks great ransim! Well done!! =)

drspacemonkey2 · December 2010

ransim wrote: »

The first official round of PAX East candy has been made. These are orange flavored and as a bit of an experiment. I tried out adding Sour Salt (Citric Acid) to the sugar mix before pour it into the molds. The results I must say are phenomenal.

There are also ╥ (PI) symbol candies as well as i tested out a new mold I picked up.

I'll hopefully be experimenting with the sugar free recipe in January, though I need to find a guinea pig to test them as I'm not really a fan of fake sugar so I wouldn't know if they're tasty or not.

Are those gummies or hard candies?

ransim · December 2010

drspacemonkey2 wrote: »

ransim wrote: »

The first official round of PAX East candy has been made. These are orange flavored and as a bit of an experiment. I tried out adding Sour Salt (Citric Acid) to the sugar mix before pour it into the molds. The results I must say are phenomenal.

There are also ╥ (PI) symbol candies as well as i tested out a new mold I picked up.

I'll hopefully be experimenting with the sugar free recipe in January, though I need to find a guinea pig to test them as I'm not really a fan of fake sugar so I wouldn't know if they're tasty or not.

Are those gummies or hard candies?

Hard candy, and unlike for PAX Prime they are actual hard candy and not accidentally chewy.

Edit: I was thinking about experimenting with gummy versions that I can give to my niece and nephew but I haven't had the time. If I do I'll see about making some for PAX East as well.

Krissta · December 2010

ransim wrote: »

drspacemonkey2 wrote: »

ransim wrote: »

The first official round of PAX East candy has been made. These are orange flavored and as a bit of an experiment. I tried out adding Sour Salt (Citric Acid) to the sugar mix before pour it into the molds. The results I must say are phenomenal.

There are also ╥ (PI) symbol candies as well as i tested out a new mold I picked up.

I'll hopefully be experimenting with the sugar free recipe in January, though I need to find a guinea pig to test them as I'm not really a fan of fake sugar so I wouldn't know if they're tasty or not.

Are those gummies or hard candies?

Hard candy, and unlike for PAX Prime they are actual hard candy and not accidentally chewy.

Edit: I was thinking about experimenting with gummy versions that I can give to my niece and nephew but I haven't had the time. If I do I'll see about making some for PAX East as well.

That is so awesome!

VThornheart · December 2010

Yay, we're alive again! =)

drspacemonkey2 · December 2010

ransim wrote: »

Edit: I was thinking about experimenting with gummy versions that I can give to my niece and nephew but I haven't had the time. If I do I'll see about making some for PAX East as well.

Gummies are easy to make. Drop me a line if you want a recipe.

H2O Shoagie · December 2010

Did the Buckeyes go over well enough for me to bring another cooler full? Yes, I will bring the cooler regardless because you found a use for it.

punzie · December 2010

H2O Shoagie wrote: »

Did the Buckeyes go over well enough for me to bring another cooler full? Yes, I will bring the cooler regardless because you found a use for it.

Please do! Those were delicious.

VThornheart · December 2010

Indeed, people loved them Shoagie! You definitely can't go wrong with buckeyes! =)

mouseydew · December 2010

Ooo, cookies. I'd like to help

I live on the North Shore outside of Boston. Who's the head baker and are there any others in the area that want to have a big bake session?

VThornheart · December 2010

Hi Mouseydew! =)

For now, join our google group linked in the OP so we can chat about baking! We're JUST on the verge of releasing a site to replace the Google Group... I still need more beta testers, I've not gotten much input about the site so far... so when you join the google group, be sure to join the beta test site too (it's linked over there)!

I think a baking session would be awesome!

VThornheart · December 2010

Phew, after a rocky landing for the website in its own domain, we're almost there! In the next few days I will be making an announcement about the new website.

Any and all Brigadiers will want to join the new website as soon as possible, and migrate away from use of the existing Google Group.

We'll be improving on the new website as we go, but for now it already has the essential elements we need:

* Partitioned Forums and Groups for focused conversations on topics
* Privacy to allow us to make our plans
* Achievements to help motivate everyone to success
* Built on WordPress to allow us to (hopefully) easily add other new features quickly

Check back here soon for the final announcement! People who move to - and start using - the new website before January 1st will receive a special "Early Adopter" achievement!

Also, if any of you have skills of an artist, I urge you to check this forum post. I have put out the plea to the art community of the PA Forums, but if any of you are here who are artists but don't check that section of the site, go here for more info: http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=133093

EDIT: Ah, scratch that artist request: mully from the art forum has just volunteered to step forward as our Artistic Liaison! Thanks Mully, you rock!

Facelesscog · December 2010

Those Brigadiers that I met during PAX East 2010 may remember that I was the cheerful guy in the wheelchair with the BAGS of cookies hanging off the back. Since then, unfortunately, complications from my original surgery have led to the amputation of both legs below the knee.

Now comes the good news! Tuesday of last week, for the very first time, I got to stand up (and even walk around a bit) on my new legs! The test of the sockets went extremely well. They were more comfortable than I thought they could be, and after a minor adjustment to the pitch of the feet, I felt like I could have walked out of the office with them.

Pictures of the day can be found here: Picasaweb
Video can be found here: Youtube

If you don't feel like viewing everything, though...here's the most important shot:

Spoiler:

hml151 · December 2010

Facelesscog wrote: »

Those Brigadiers that I met during PAX East 2010 may remember that I was the cheerful guy in the wheelchair with the BAGS of cookies hanging off the back. Since then, unfortunately, complications from my original surgery have led to the amputation of both legs below the knee.

Now comes the good news! Tuesday of last week, for the very first time, I got to stand up (and even walk around a bit) on my new legs! The test of the sockets went extremely well. They were more comfortable than I thought they could be, and after a minor adjustment to the pitch of the feet, I felt like I could have walked out of the office with them.

Pictures of the day can be found here: Picasaweb
Video can be found here: Youtube

If you don't feel like viewing everything, though...here's the most important shot:

Spoiler:

I didn't get to meet you because I don't go to PAX East, only PAX Prime. I live near there. That is great, awesome news. I hope all goes well for you and that you enjoy this coming PAX, you definitely deserve it.

VThornheart · December 2010

Awesome Facelesscog, I'm psyched that your recovery is going so well! Woot! It'll be good to see you at East! =)

crimsong19 · December 2010

Facelesscog wrote: »

Those Brigadiers that I met during PAX East 2010 may remember that I was the cheerful guy in the wheelchair with the BAGS of cookies hanging off the back. Since then, unfortunately, complications from my original surgery have led to the amputation of both legs below the knee.

Now comes the good news! Tuesday of last week, for the very first time, I got to stand up (and even walk around a bit) on my new legs! The test of the sockets went extremely well. They were more comfortable than I thought they could be, and after a minor adjustment to the pitch of the feet, I felt like I could have walked out of the office with them.

Pictures of the day can be found here: Picasaweb
Video can be found here: Youtube

If you don't feel like viewing everything, though...here's the most important shot:

Spoiler:

That is absolutely awesome!

crimsong19 · December 2010

Also, guys, I plugged the Cookie Brigade while talking about Child's Play in the Project For Awesome video I made for this year's project. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnomEDW4plA

VThornheart · December 2010

Awesome Crimsong! I love it! =) You rock! =) =)

crimsong19 · December 2010

VThornheart wrote: »

Awesome Crimsong! I love it! =) You rock! =) =)

Thanks, VT!
I wanna try and get lots more Child's Play footage from PAX East in March from all charitable aspects, including the Cookie Brigade, so I'll letcha know more as my plans develop and PAX East gets closer.

feitocomfruta · December 2010

Also, in Crimsong's video, that "Tim" character looks like kind of an asshole...
<.<
>.>

*cameo-in-awesome-P4A-video get*

VThornheart · January 2011

The new website is up and running!

Anyone willing to volunteer their time for the Cookie Brigade should go to the following site and register:

http://www.cookie-brigade.com

Make sure to put in your real Forum Username and as much contact info as you can: if you're going to be volunteering, we need it!

Also, if you're not a frequent poster in the forums, please understand that we may put you through some security questions and checks. As has been eluded to before, we're an underground organization... and we can't risk the Brigade by letting in people who aren't frequenters of the forums (and thus who might represent certain interests that might be harmful to the Brigade).

Menolly07 · January 2011

I actually officially joined the forum specifically FOR this. Choco-chip type cookies (in a myriad of combinations) are my speciality. I registered on the site as well. Last year was my first PAX ever, and I had such a blast with my husband that I was more gung-ho than him. Seriously, I stalked the page and reged the DAY it came available. I'm not really the gamer geek type (I've been left behind because I'm a side scrolled kind of girl) and The Cookie Brigade is way up my alley. I'll have to ask a friend of mine what kind of cookies she makes. She's got Celiac disease so is gluten free. She makes peanut butter cookies that are to die for, but she also has a choco-chip she's made that isn't bad. Might get that from her as well, for a no peanut option.

Penny Arcade

Cookie Brigade, PAX East 2011: OVER 9000! ($9600 - and counting - for Child's Play!)

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