The Boga Blog: December 2014

Thanks to everyone who voted in this year’s Boga Bake-off and spread the word to their friends and family. Despite our failed attempts to get a re-tweet of the bake-off from @KimKardashian and the @TODAY show, we officially had the highest participation in Boga Bake-off history – 438 votes!

Everyone stepped up their game this year, and we want to give a big shout out to Tim for helping to think of a number of the clever cookie titles. As we know, the cookie title is just as important as the cookie itself. Spoiler alert: the two cookies that Tim made himself got 6 and 11 votes…stick to the copywriting Tim.

And now what everyone is waiting for…the winners! The top three were a great mix of pop culture, art, and romance. And the winners are…

1. Santa Accepts the ice bucket challenge (Robin)

We have to admit the competitors were surprised with the first place finisher, but it turns out people aren’t tired of the ice bucket challenge yet! This cookie dominated the competition, with a significant lead over the other cookies during the entire voting period.

2. It’s a Picasso (Ellen)

Cousin Ellen asked if she could bring printed images to the competition this year for "inspiration" and we agreed. Had we known what we know now, we would have said no! Ellen executed perfectly on the famous Picasso painting.

3. He went to Jared! (Robin)

As many of you know Robin recently got engaged to Patrick (yay!), so of course she had to craft a cookie for the occasion. To clarify, Patrick did not go to Jared, he went to Vishal of Pave Jewelers who did an amazing job. Thanks to everyone who gave the sentimental vote for the cookie.

As you all can see, Robin dominated the competition with two out of the top three cookies (for the second year in a row). She’s been told that she can’t call her streak a dynasty yet…but its getting close.

Close behind #3, was the 4th place winner, “Mia breaks the internet” by Jamie. With only 3 votes knocking her out of a top three finish, let's just say Jamie was a little bitter. Perhaps fans weren't that impressed with her combining her baby's likeness with Kim Kardashian.

And we can’t end a Boga Bake-off without giving a nod to the “Bogas in a-” series. Nancy’s inspiration for her locations is always a source of entertainment, and this year she went all the way up to Everest. Unfortunately this cookie didn’t do as well as others in the past…is the franchise fading? We hope not.

The full rankings:

1. Santa accepts the Ice Bucket Challenge (ROBIN) - 76 votes

2. It's a Picasso (ELLEN) - 59 votes

3. He went to Jared! (ROBIN) - 54 votes

4. Mia breaks the internet (JAMIE) - 51 votes

5. I like my cookies FROZEN! (ELLEN) - 39 votes

6. Everything is Awesome! (ROBIN) - 36 votes

7. Bogas on Everest (NANCY) - 32 votes

8. Mia's first cookie (MIA!) - 23 votes

9. Sochi Wreath Fail (JAMIE) - 19 votes

10. Wanna Byte? (ELLEN) - 12 votes

11. Suarez takes another bite (TIM) - 11 votes

12. Psychedelic Gingerbread Man (JAMIE) - 7 votes

13. Pollock 2014 (TIM) - 6 votes

14. Ghost of Christmas Past (DOUG) - 5 votes

15. Chicas on a Mountain (BARRY) - 3 votes

16. Interstellar (BARRY) - 3 votes

17. Mia the red nose reindeer (NANCY) - 1 vote

18. Crazed honey bear (NANCY) - 1 vote

Until next year!

Welcome to Boga Bake-Off 2014!

This year we brought the Bake-Off back to Santa Fe and once again huddled around the kitchen island with little pots of icing, 15 types of sprinkles, and our implements of toothpicks and mini spoons. We had full participation this year from all Bogas (including Doug), Tim, cousin Ellen & Barry Libert, and even baby Mia. Her dexterity with a spoon was inspiring.

From the Cubist period to the Kardashian era, cookie themes widely varied. And don't worry, "Bogas in a..." are still here. We hope you enjoy voting as much as we enjoyed baking :)

Enlarged images are included first below, followed by the poll to vote.
Select your three favorite cookies in the checkboxes, and vote once.

Voting ends Friday, 12/26 at 6pm EST. We'll reveal the winners on Friday! Thanks for voting :)