Timelessly delicious Polish cookies
“My fondest and earliest memories of baking were helping my mother when she used to make little treats for us – and when my brother and I used to eagerly await to savour the end products,” Nirosha De Silva says as she recalls those delectable memories of her childhood. Having launched her brainchild “Chesma’s Cookies” last month, Nirosha aspires to bring a taste of the crunchy, crumbly ‘cookie culture’ to Sri Lankan tea time.
Green Tea. Pix courtesy Chesma’s Cookies
Being in the banking industry for 30 years, Nirosha was never able to professionally pursue her passion for baking. ‘Chesma’s Cookies’, a subtle buttery, nutty, cashew shaped cookie has been a recipe passed on in Nirosha’s family. Made from a secret 70 year old Polish recipe – ‘Chesma’s Cookies’ guarantee that customers enjoy a cookie that is “timelessly delicious”.
The brand we discover has a CSR initiative that underlies its operations. “Chesma’s cookies” donate a fixed percentage from their revenues towards ‘The Foundation of Goodness.’ Niosha tells us her main objective was to contribute towards educating rural children.
The namesake “Chesma’s Cookies” is a sentimental dedication to Nirosha’s aunt Kusuma de Silva, whom the late Clara Motwani – then principal of Visakha Vidyalaya – affectionately called “Chesma”. The original recipe of this cashew based confection was handed down to Kusuma from a Polish lady who lived in Sri Lanka with a request to keep it within the family.
Wanting to remain busy past her retirement from the banking industry, Nirosha was inspired to start her venture because of her daughter, who currently lives abroad. “All she wants from Sri Lanka are these cookies,” Nirosha says.
Make no mistake that these Polish cookies are a far cry from the Danish butter cookies available in local super markets According to Nirosha the texture is “very different” and what sets it apart is the “melt in the mouth” experience at every bite and includes a variety of 10 cookie flavours; Vanilla, Almond, Coffee, Strawberry, Choco Chip, Nutella, Rosemary, Red Velvet, Peanut butter and Green Tea. “Chesma’s cookies” is open to customised orders and suggestions. The home baker has also included healthier alternatives such as gluten free and low sugar into her products. There is no added alcohol in the cookies but they do use some artificial flavoring in their varieties.
For the time being Chesma’s cookies come in 03 available sizes; Small (12 cookies) priced from Rs. 300 – 350, Medium (20 Cookies) priced within Rs. 500 – 575, and Large (30 Cookies) priced between Rs. 750 – 850. For the upcoming Christmas season Chesma’s cookies is hoping to introduce an assorted tin of cookies, ideal for a festive present.
Being a small venture for the time being customers can place orders online at mydeal.lk or at orderretailgenuis.com which caters to delivery only. Nirosha could also be contacted through her FB page on facebook.com/chesmascookies/
Chocolate Chip
Gluten free with Japanese Rice flour