42 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com “A cookie is so simple, but it can change a person’s day.” This fundamental truth was revealed to Annee Martin years ago, when she began offering the treats at Ami Carmel, her boutique gift shop. Just the presence of cookies could visibly lift the spirits of a shopper. Now she plans to spread the cookie gospel, with a cookbook devoted to the virtues of a single style. There’s Nothing a Chocolate Chip Cookie Can’t Fix: Spreading Love One Cookie at a Time will feature 118 recipes from more than 100 contributors. The recipes come from people like Debbie Basham, a retired school administrator, to Todd Trayer, Carmel’s chief of police. There are parents, health enthusiasts, chefs and even professional bakers. Martin was surprised by the versatility of the chocolate chip cookie. There are chapters on the classic style, those with nuts, peanut butter, as well as vegan, gluten free and sugar free—all relatively common. But recipes include those made with fruits, red wine and other unexpected ingredients. It was not the wealth of recipes that convinced her of the cookie’s powers. Rather, she found something remarkable in the stories contributors shared. For Angie Arendt, reaching out through baking was her first thought after seeing news about the death of two police officers in Des Moines, Iowa. Despite living in Canada, the Iowa native was shaken by the incident, so she took a batch to her local station. Arendt also posted her feelings on social media. Some time later, she received an email from the parents of one of the Iowa officers, thanking her with the assurance, “It helps.” “I thought I was writing a cookbook, but I realized the connections,” Martin observes. She adds that a cookie can bridge gaps between people or continue a legacy. “It’s way bigger than I imagined. It’s shared humanity.” Testing 118 recipes demanded a lot of baking (more than 4,000 cookies, Martin estimates) and tasting. But the testament proved true. After sharing batches with crews staging in Marina to battle the Timber Fire, she learned that they had, in turn, brought them to firefighters on the front line. The collection is scheduled for print publication at the beginning of December, but an electronic edition is ready for pre-order now. Martin is convinced that the power of a cookie is strong. “So make cookies. Give them to everyone,” she says. “You will live on.” FIRST COURSE Annee Martin laughs as she compares the subject of cookies with others—politics, for example—that set people against each other. “Everyone will talk about a chocolate chip cookie,” she says. GOODBYE, HELLO…Aabha Indian Cuisine is under new ownership and undergoing renovation for rebranding. Subash Subba Chongbang, who also owns the popular Namaste India Bistro in Monterey, took over the Carmel Barnyard location at the beginning of October. Aabha will be transformed into Niran Indian Kitchen. The restaurant is temporarily closed while renovation work is underway. GOOD NIGHT…The concept is simple: People with disabilities, their family and friends dine out at restaurants on one evening with a goal of belonging. Disability Night Out is billed as a national day of collective presence. Book a table at a favorite local restaurant on Saturday, Oct. 10 between 6-9pm and show up to participate. RICE, WINE…Party with paella, Pinot and other Carmel Valley wines at Carmel Valley Uncorked on Sunday, Oct. 11 from 3-6pm. Ten Carmel Valley wineries will be pouring and Jerome’s Carmel Valley Market will be dishing out the paella at Rancho Carmelo. Tickets are $185 from Joyce Wine Co. or Corral Wine Co. or contact other participating wineries. The event is at Rancho Carmelo, 124 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. FARM TO FUNDRAISER… Everyone’s Harvest is putting on a fundraising dinner event at The Caledonian courtyard at the Kimpton Mirador Hotel from 5-7pm on Monday, Oct. 12. Guests will enjoy bites and a complimentary beverage with silent auction opportunities. $60. 150 Fountain Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 393-4210, miradorhotelpacificgrove.com, everyonesharvest.org. GOOD CATCH…Stokes Adobe is partnering with Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust to host the next Get Hooked dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 5pm. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner featuring sustainably sourced seafood. $102. A portion of ticket sales go to the Trust’s Community Seafood Program. 500 Hartnell St., Monterey. (831) 264-8775, stokesadobe.com. THINK PINK…For the month of October, Fish Hopper is serving special pink drinks and dishes, like the pink crab-crusted salmon to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They will donate 50 percent of sales from pink offerings to Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County, so eat and drink up for an excellent cause. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 3728543, fishhopper.com. By Jacqueline Weixel MORSELS eatanddrink@montereycountynow.com EAT + DRINK DANIEL DREIFUSS Chip Art With an upcoming cookbook, Annee Martin hopes to spread the power of a cookie. By Dave Faries Sharon’s Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies Submitted by Carmel Police Chief Todd Trayer in honor of middle school teacher Sharon Conner 1 pound unsalted butter, softened 2 cups packed dark brown sugar 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract 3 large eggs, room temperature 6 cups all-purpose flour 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1⁄2 teaspoons fine salt 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips 2 cups chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts, optional Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Cream the butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, three to four minutes. Add the vanilla, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and optional nuts. Portion the dough with a generous ice cream scoop, about 60 grams of dough each, and place 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft. Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Slightly underbake for soft centers. Cookies freeze well baked or unbaked.
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