ROBIN'S COOKIES

In a world ever susceptible to change, Applewood Manor has mastered the art of adaptation while maintaining its charm. The long-standing tradition of welcoming guests with a GooGoo candy cluster came to an end due to unforeseen supply chain issues. Nevertheless, this challenge gave birth to an even sweeter tradition: welcoming guests with Applewood Manor’s special homemade cookies, hot from the oven of Robin Collins. Robin and her husband, Stephen Collins, own the historic (circa 1912) Asheville bed and breakfast inn.

Why do we welcome guests with a gift? It's a tradition rooted in Southern hospitality—a gesture showing our guests how welcome they are from the moment they step into Applewood Manor. It's as comforting and familiar as a glass of lemonade or iced tea on a hot summer day. It's our unique way of saying, "Welcome to Applewood Manor." Plus, there's a bit of magic in these gifts. It's hard to accept a homemade cookie without cracking a smile and sharing a conversation. So, Robin’s cookies help us get to know each other better.

Robin’s cookie recipe is sought after, frequently requested by those who've had a taste of the delectable treats. So, what makes them so special, so tantalizingly unique? The secret, as Robin reveals, is a double twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie recipe. The first surprise is the blend of semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate chips from premium chocolatiers like Callebaut, Scharffen Berger, and Guittard. The variety in chip shapes and sizes adds a delightful textural surprise to every bite. The second twist takes the cookie from ordinary to extraordinary: the inclusion of HEATH BITS 'O BRICKLE toffee bits. This addition, which began as an attempt to create a chocolate-free version for her daughter Julia, soon found its way into every batch of Robin’s signature Applewood cookies and has remained a staple ingredient since.

Every day at the manor begins with the enticing aroma of fresh cookies. To ensure consistent quality, Robin pre-makes the dough, forms it into 32–35-gram balls, and freezes them. These are then defrosted and baked as required, ensuring that a bag of fresh, mouth-watering Applewood Manor cookies awaits each guest upon arrival.

In Robin's words, "Ensuring our cookies always have the same quality and taste requires precision. I weigh my ingredients for consistency. The process of mixing the batter, folding in the flour, and other ingredients, is a meticulous step-by-step process that ensures the perfect balance between a crisp and chewy cookie."

This tradition, borne from necessity, has become a defining feature of the Applewood Manor experience. Change may be constant, but the Manor's ability to adapt and create memorable experiences remains unwavering.

To request a copy of Robin’s recipe, go to https://masterborns12.sg-host.com/contact