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[East] Cookie Brigade EAST 2012 - Bake Cookies, help Child's Play!

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Posts

  • KrisstaKrissta New HampshireRegistered User regular
    zerzhul wrote:
    MASeffect wrote:
    I havent yet been accepted as a brigadeer, but am excited. Ive been looking at recipes and am hopeful to make some! Do brigadeers donate all the money they buy materials with, or do they take a few dollars to compensate for the cost?

    (DISCLAIMER: I am not a member of the cookie brigade, but I'm pretty darn sure what I'm saying here is correct)

    ALL monies brought in are given directly to child's play. By signing up, you are donating your time and baked goods (and by proxy whatever materials it took to make said baked goods).

    Keep in mind you won't be selling baked goods for child's play. You will be offering baked goods for free in hopes that someone might donate to child's play because of the awesomeness.
    Yep, you nailed it! Just keep that in mind when you go to bake 100 cookies. ;) (Damn Nutella for being so expensive!!!!)

    What I did is I baked and distributed last year, but I also put out a plea on Facebook a few months before, asking for anyone interested to bake cookies and drop them off to me the Thursday before PAX. I had so many people bake for me, it was awesome! I had so many I couldn't distribute them myself. :)

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  • LokialeLokiale \o/ Registered User regular
    I'm coming in from out of town so baking might be a bit tricky. However I would love to help distribute! Cookie brigade is the best brigade.

    East 2012 checklist: Hotel [X] Travel [X] Pass [X] Make All The Friends [ ]
    2009 Omeganaut
  • MASeffectMASeffect Registered User regular
    Krissta wrote:
    zerzhul wrote:
    What I did is I baked and distributed last year, but I also put out a plea on Facebook a few months before, asking for anyone interested to bake cookies and drop them off to me the Thursday before PAX. I had so many people bake for me, it was awesome! I had so many I couldn't distribute them myself. :)

    That's a great idea. I will absolutely recruit friends to help! Great! Anyone have any idea why I haven't been accepted to the cookie brigade website?

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  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    MASeffect wrote:
    Krissta wrote:
    What I did is I baked and distributed last year, but I also put out a plea on Facebook a few months before, asking for anyone interested to bake cookies and drop them off to me the Thursday before PAX. I had so many people bake for me, it was awesome! I had so many I couldn't distribute them myself. :)

    That's a great idea. I will absolutely recruit friends to help! Great! Anyone have any idea why I haven't been accepted to the cookie brigade website?

    You may not have been accepted yet because VT is very very busy. It takes some time to go through apps I think.

  • punziepunzie Cookie Pimp Registered User regular
    Lokiale wrote:
    I'm coming in from out of town so baking might be a bit tricky. However I would love to help distribute! Cookie brigade is the best brigade.

    You can always bake cookies and ship them to a local brigadier. There are always some people in the area who will accept cookie shipments (I'll probably be one of them this time.)

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  • VThornheartVThornheart Registered User regular
    Aye, as of now the new user registration should (finally!) be up to date! If you created an account, you should have a message in your Penny Arcade inbox waiting for you right now asking you for more information! Please reply to it, and we'll get you going as soon as we can!

    3DS Friend Code: 1950-8938-9095
  • CaveCibumCaveCibum Registered User regular
    I'd love to bake this year, and like punzie, I'm local and could accept shipments if need be.

  • THE NINESTHE NINES Registered User regular
    Cookie Brigade is hands down the best group of people at PAX. Drop $1 for a cookie? Drop $5 for a cookie! Feed hungry gamers in line and help sick children across the globe. God speed you beautiful people.

    "Edamame?! You know, Soy BEANS?! Well if you dont have it why is it ON THE BOARD?! TAKE IT OFF THE BOARD!!" -Edamame Enforcer
  • DurinthalDurinthal Registered User regular
    I signed up. Not sure if I'll be baking yet (need to see if my cookies can do well with freezing), but definitely distribution.

  • resabugresabug Registered User new member
    I'm new to the Penny Arcade forums, but not to Penny Arcade, and I wanted to sign up to be on the Brigade for PAX East this year! I'm just worried that I'll be screened out for appearing out of the ether and being too new. I promise I'm not a creep! Just a fan that has a genuine fear of forums.

  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    resabug wrote:
    I'm new to the Penny Arcade forums, but not to Penny Arcade, and I wanted to sign up to be on the Brigade for PAX East this year! I'm just worried that I'll be screened out for appearing out of the ether and being too new. I promise I'm not a creep! Just a fan that has a genuine fear of forums.

    Just make sure you sign up via the cookie brigade website and you'll get your fair hearing ;)

  • MintMint Registered User regular
    edited January 2012
    woot making cookies again this year!!

    also its a good idea to ziplock your cookies ... and put labels on what they are and what is in them for allergy sakes....
    had good luck with that last year!!

    Mint on
  • LexiconGrrlLexiconGrrl Registered User regular
    edited January 2012
    Is there anyone in the greater Boston area who would be interested in hosting an out-of-towner for a baking party the week of PAX? I'd love to find a kitchen to bake for an afternoon! We're flying in on Tuesday evening.

    LexiconGrrl on
    Happily on Sabbatical. Don't bug me.
  • feitocomfrutafeitocomfruta Denver, Colorado, USARegistered User regular
    I signed up on the one site that I could find, though I don't know where I put the link to the other site we used last year.

    Anyway, I know that I am planning on making at least 6 times the recipe I found online of ricotta cookies to split into three groups of 88. The plan would be to make two batches lemon, two batches orange, and two batches vanilla. These would be the basis of my planned Portal Gel cookies. The glaze topping of each of these would coincide with one of the three Portal gels. Lemon would be the white gel (the glaze being white from the lemon juice and sugar), Orange being the propulsion gel, and Vanilla being the blue repulsion gel. The plan would be that each bag of cookies would be one of each flavor.

    This sounds tedious, but I figure that the basic recipe for the cookies is the same, but I can make the whole dough, split the batches into threes, and refrigerate the dough I'm not using until I get the first ones baked.

  • ransimransim Registered User regular
    Mint wrote:
    woot making cookies again this year!!

    also its a good idea to ziplock your cookies ... and put labels on what they are and what is in them for allergy sakes....
    had good luck with that last year!!

    Ziplocks or a solid seal of some sort, like tight plastic wrap with a sticker, are required. I know at PAX East last year we had someone drop off a tupperware container of cookies unwrapped, which we cannot give out. No one in the brigade wants to be the PAX SARSPoxEbolaDoomitis plague bearer.

    But yes the cookies absolutely should be wrapped/sealed/packaged and labeled with the type of cookie and if you put ingredient we will <3 you forever. People often ask whats in them for allergies sake so its better if we know. And then there are the mystery cookies of unknown type, makes it harder to offer them off to people, unless you get creative.

  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator mod
    I was thinking, a standardized set of stickers for gluten free, nut free, etc might be a good idea. Have them put onto a template for a certain type of avery labels, and the bakers just need to buy label sheets and print them out. This way, it's something easily identifiable and constant across all packaging.

    E6LkoFK.png

  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    Moe Fwacky wrote:
    I was thinking, a standardized set of stickers for gluten free, nut free, etc might be a good idea. Have them put onto a template for a certain type of avery labels, and the bakers just need to buy label sheets and print them out. This way, it's something easily identifiable and constant across all packaging.

    This is a fantastic idea.

  • ransimransim Registered User regular
    zerzhul wrote:
    Moe Fwacky wrote:
    I was thinking, a standardized set of stickers for gluten free, nut free, etc might be a good idea. Have them put onto a template for a certain type of avery labels, and the bakers just need to buy label sheets and print them out. This way, it's something easily identifiable and constant across all packaging.

    This is a fantastic idea.

    This actually really is a good idea. Even if the bakers don't do it we generally know which ones are gluten free etc. I'll toss some designs together tonight:

    Gluten Free
    Nut Free
    Vegetarian

    But I could print out a couple sheets and bring them with me to PAX and label the ones we know are the above.

  • nollienollie Registered User regular
    I would love to help bake this year! We'll be driving up from PA AND I just got a new stand mixer for christmas! Can't wait to put it to good use :)

    Pax East 2012 Omeganaut!
    Pax East '12 checklist: [x] 3 day pass, [x] hotel booked, [x] byoc seat registered, [ ] cookies baked, [ ] omegathon won.
  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    With the designs, just make sure it is VERY easy to understand which is which. I don't think anyone wants to need a key to reference the designs/stickers :)

  • ransimransim Registered User regular
    zerzhul wrote:
    With the designs, just make sure it is VERY easy to understand which is which. I don't think anyone wants to need a key to reference the designs/stickers :)

    How about like this:

    6675587277_2b98885703_t.jpg6675587249_a2e082d413_t.jpg6675587227_6ef106931b_t.jpg

  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    ransim wrote:
    zerzhul wrote:
    With the designs, just make sure it is VERY easy to understand which is which. I don't think anyone wants to need a key to reference the designs/stickers :)

    How about like this:

    6675587277_2b98885703_t.jpg6675587249_a2e082d413_t.jpg6675587227_6ef106931b_t.jpg

    I think those are pretty awesome. I'm not in the CB, so I'd suggest posting them on the CB forums to see how they're received there (I bet well).

  • ransimransim Registered User regular
    Al
    zerzhul wrote:
    ransim wrote:
    zerzhul wrote:
    With the designs, just make sure it is VERY easy to understand which is which. I don't think anyone wants to need a key to reference the designs/stickers :)

    How about like this:

    6675587277_2b98885703_t.jpg6675587249_a2e082d413_t.jpg6675587227_6ef106931b_t.jpg

    I think those are pretty awesome. I'm not in the CB, so I'd suggest posting them on the CB forums to see how they're received there (I bet well).

    Already done ^_^

    But yeah I unfortunately don't think this is something could expect the bakers to do, but its definitely something we can do as we receive items, at least as best as we can manage. But if they go over well I can toss together a avery template with them and maybe something on zazzle or the like at cost for people as stickers.

  • LexiconGrrlLexiconGrrl Registered User regular
    edited January 2012
    One thing to consider is that most people with gluten intolerance or nut allergies are highly sensitive to even the most minute amounts of nut oils or gluten. The stickers are a bit misleading and lead you to believe that the cookies are certified to be free of these things, and since they're being made in private kitchens, they're probably not. I would actually argue for a design that makes it clearer that even though no wheat or nuts were used in the making of the cookies, they weren't made in a certified 'free' facility (unless they were, of course).

    We ran into this exact issue at Prime last year (I made MANY MANY MANY cookies, and about 500 were no-wheat) and instead put "wheatless" on the labels. The difference was very well received by a number of convention goers who needed to know the difference.

    Of course, "nutless" cookies might sound daunting to some of the guys, but I'm sure that some alternative phrase could be used...

    LexiconGrrl on
    Happily on Sabbatical. Don't bug me.
  • LexiconGrrlLexiconGrrl Registered User regular
    zerzhul wrote:
    MASeffect wrote:
    Krissta wrote:
    What I did is I baked and distributed last year, but I also put out a plea on Facebook a few months before, asking for anyone interested to bake cookies and drop them off to me the Thursday before PAX. I had so many people bake for me, it was awesome! I had so many I couldn't distribute them myself. :)

    That's a great idea. I will absolutely recruit friends to help! Great! Anyone have any idea why I haven't been accepted to the cookie brigade website?

    You may not have been accepted yet because VT is very very busy. It takes some time to go through apps I think.

    VT just approved three more admins for the CB site to give him a hand. We're working through the division of labor and hope to be running like a well-buttered machine shortly. Thanks for your patience!

    Happily on Sabbatical. Don't bug me.
  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator mod
    One thing to consider is that most people with gluten intolerance or nut allergies are highly sensitive to even the most minute amounts of nut oils or gluten. The stickers are a bit misleading and lead you to believe that the cookies are certified to be free of these things, and since they're being made in private kitchens, they're probably not. I would actually argue for a design that makes it clearer that even though no wheat or nuts were used in the making of the cookies, they weren't made in a certified 'free' facility (unless they were, of course).

    We ran into this exact issue at Prime last year (I made MANY MANY MANY cookies, and about 500 were no-wheat) and instead put "wheatless" on the labels. The difference was very well received by a number of convention goers who needed to know the difference.

    Of course, "nutless" cookies might sound daunting to some of the guys, but I'm sure that some alternative phrase could be used...

    Maybe a label for each of those as well or another label for "possible cross-contamination" and "no contamination" for further clarity?

    Also there are probably other allergies and food intolerances that should be taken into account such as milk or soy.

    The mayo clinic lists the top 8 for food labeling
    Milk
    Eggs
    Peanuts
    Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts)
    Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder)
    Shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp)
    Soy
    Wheat

    I don't think fish and shellfish apply here though.

    And even though these should obviously be posted to the cookie brigade forum for general use, it could be a good idea to have them posted here too so people know what labels to be on the watch for and what they mean.

    E6LkoFK.png

  • ransimransim Registered User regular
    Well one thing to consider, and like LexiconGrrl said, the brigade is largely a mash up of people, many of the bakers we have no contact with except for them dropping off and many times one of the brigadiers aren't even there for the drop off. We're a fly by the seat of our pants underground group. So yes while we might have cookies that we say are "gluten free" generally speaking when I give them out its generally with a verbal caveat of "Please do not eat this if that allergy might kill you. This is like a bake sale, someone made this in their kitchen and donated it."

    Most people with those allergies also understand that so in most cases unless absolutely sure they avoid it. We have had things there were absolutely gluten free and vegetarian, IE the candy I make which is just sugar, flavor oil and corn syrup. But the vast majority will has the possibility of cross contamination.

    I would worry about getting too over complicated with the labels by adding caveats galore. It makes more sense I think to just advise the distributors to present the warning when people take/ask for those items that it was made in someone's home so there is no guarantee there was no cross contamination and if someone is in fact dangerously allergic they should abstain.

    Milk and soy are also going to be a bit harder to discern, most of the items I imagine will have milk and potentially soy at some level, with exception of course, for the space invaders candy.

  • punziepunzie Cookie Pimp Registered User regular
    The stickers idea is something I talked to VT about last year (though the main point was more about ensuring it came from the cookie brigade and not someone doing it for personal gain). IIRC, it didn't pan out because of concerns over the time it would take to mark EVERY cookie. Yes, some brigadiers will be super helpful and mark their cookies ahead of time. But some poor shlub would get stuck sitting in the cookie pile trying to label last-minute drop offs.
    Not saying it can't won't happen. Just sharing previous discussion.

    Although, I do think vegan should be added (or maybe instead of vegetarian?).

    I'm off to the CB forums to discuss more...

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  • feitocomfrutafeitocomfruta Denver, Colorado, USARegistered User regular
    Moe Fwacky wrote:
    I don't think fish and shellfish apply here though.

    What? You mean I CAN'T MAKE MY FAMOUS HEADCRAB COOKIES!?!?
    :P

  • browncoatbethbrowncoatbeth Registered User regular
    feitocomfruta - ricotta cookies? I have never heard of such but love ricotta so much I sometimes eat it straight out of the container w/ a spoon. you must save me some!!! :)


    "The bass, the rock, the mic, the treble, I like my coffee black just like my metal." - MSI
  • nataliepinataliepi Rogue Astronomer PARegistered User regular
    May I help by buying a ton of cookies? I remember last year's were delicious!

    PAX East 2013 Checklist: 3-Day PAX Badge [x] Hotel [x] Travel [x] Time Off [x]
    t: @nataliepi | fb: fb.com/hernandeznlh
  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    nataliepi wrote:
    May I help by buying a ton of cookies? I remember last year's were delicious!

    No, you may not. However you may donate to Child's Play and also take some great free cookies! ;)

  • LexiconGrrlLexiconGrrl Registered User regular
    Moe Fwacky wrote:
    I don't think fish and shellfish apply here though.

    What? You mean I CAN'T MAKE MY FAMOUS HEADCRAB COOKIES!?!?
    :P

    I am ALL OVER headcrab cookies.

    Or are they all over me?

    Happily on Sabbatical. Don't bug me.
  • nataliepinataliepi Rogue Astronomer PARegistered User regular
    zerzhul wrote:
    nataliepi wrote:
    May I help by buying a ton of cookies? I remember last year's were delicious!

    No, you may not. However you may donate to Child's Play and also take some great free cookies! ;)

    Oh, I'll definitely do that! :)

    PAX East 2013 Checklist: 3-Day PAX Badge [x] Hotel [x] Travel [x] Time Off [x]
    t: @nataliepi | fb: fb.com/hernandeznlh
  • LexiconGrrlLexiconGrrl Registered User regular
    edited January 2012
    Okay, just got a bunch of applications approved on the CB site. You should be seeing a message in your PA inbox if you've been waiting.

    Does anyone know a forum user handled as renetty?

    LexiconGrrl on
    Happily on Sabbatical. Don't bug me.
  • SmallLadySmallLady Registered User regular
    edited January 2012
    Ummmm

    I'm just going to leave this right here

    http://laughingsquid.com/sparkly-rainbow-unicorn-poop-cookies/

    yea... just like that

    edit: for the love of god and all that is holy please somebody make me these cookies. I can't eat wheat and I don't even care. I WILL EAT THESE.. and pay all the monies for them

    SmallLady on
    "we're just doing what smalllady told us to do" - @Heels
  • LinkSmashLinkSmash Registered User regular
    I'm coming from out of town too... California. haha Would it be bad to bake cookies before and keeping them in toe for an 8 hour flight?

  • Lady LilybellLady Lilybell Geeky Crafter & Baker South Shore, MARegistered User regular
    I saw the unicorn poop and though of the brigade also.

    5FzIdZ6.png
    I ♥ making awesome crafts! I ♥ my Cookie Brigaders!
  • LexiconGrrlLexiconGrrl Registered User regular
    BWAHAHAHAHA! Taste MY Rainbow!! Can we call them 'Charlie Nuggets'?

    Happily on Sabbatical. Don't bug me.
  • SmallLadySmallLady Registered User regular
    BWAHAHAHAHA! Taste MY Rainbow!! Can we call them 'Charlie Nuggets'?

    hahahaha!!
    <3

    seriously though. i will empty my wallet to put this glittery badness in my mouth. Ya know.. for children....

    "we're just doing what smalllady told us to do" - @Heels
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