Girl Scouts Samoa Soiree | {Westin Virginia Beach} | Event Photographer

Each year, Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast (of which I am a proud member!), hosts a black tie fundraiser to raise money to fund various Girl Scout programs in our area.  In years past, it was called Desserts First. This year, it was the Samoa Soiree.  Restaurants from all over Hampton Roads descended upon the Virginia Beach Westin with their tantalizing dishes made with Girl Scout cookies!  I was so happy to find out I could actually make dinner with cookies - that one fact totally made my night!  A panel of judges and the attendees voted for their favorites. I've listed the winners here below the pictures and included one of the recipes!
I was honored to have been asked to be one of the photographers for the event.  When asked, I was originally only taking your standard photo in front of the logo banner just like all the other major events.  But we all know how traditional I am, so I convinced the Girl Scout staffers to let me do a photo booth, cookie themed of course!
And oh how much fun was had!  All of these folks work so hard for the girls in our communities, it was so very nice to see them let their hair down and enjoy themselves!  Thank you Girl Scouts for asking me to be a part of your amazing event!

Here’s the rundown of awards:

Judge’s Choice

            Best Dessert: Nawab with Tagalong Mousse,

            Best Hors D’Oeuvre: The Westin with Samoa Masaman Curry Chicken, Sous Chef Jason Peller

            Most Creative Use of a Girl Scout Cookie: The Grey Goose with Ultimate Girl Scout Chocolate Cheesecake, Chef and Owner Dana Epstein

People’s Choice

            Best Dessert: Broken Egg Bistro with Dulce de Leche Cheesecake, Executive Chef Carson Boone

Best Hors D’Oeuvre: The Lucky Star at the Westin with Do-Si-Dos Chicken Sate with Asian slaw and sweet chili sauce, Executive Chef Scott Bernheisel

Here is the recipe for the Do-Si-Dos Chicken Sate with Asian slaw and sweet chili sauce:

1 box of Do-Si-Dos, cream removed and crushed the cookie part

3 eggs, whipped

1 cup all purpose flour

3 boneless chicken breasts cut into strips

24 - 6 inch skewers

Salt and pepper

1 bottle sweet chili sauce

Take strips of chicken and create skewers.  Toss with the flour, then dip into egg wash.  Shake off the excess and roll in crushed cookies.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 9 minutes.  Keep warm.

Asian Slaw:

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1/2 cup oil blend

1 Tbsp sesame oil

2 beef flavored Ramen noodle packs

Splash of soy sauce

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup sunflower seeds

1 large bag of cole slaw mix

Mix everything together (including beef flavor packets), EXCEPT the noodles and slaw.  Whisk thoroughly until sugar is totally dissolved.  Then add in raw ramen noodles and slaw and toss.  Let sit in fridge for at least 2 hours, tossing frequently.

Enjoy!!