Gourmet Cookies by Valli

Your sugarplum vision can come to life atop a cookie

   After 15 years as a human resources professional, Valli LaNeve decided it was time for a major change. As she had advised employees and interviewees over the years, she gave serious consideration to what she truly enjoys doing. Her ever-present love of baking, combined with encouragement from friends led her to start a gourmet cookie business two years ago.
    "Baking is nothing but chemistry, " says LaNeve, who has supplemented her knowledge with professional courses. She makes it sound so easy, but this cookie queen makes no ordinary sweets. Her European influenced selection ranges from coconut drops and cream horns to pistachio balls and spumoni squares.
    One of her most eye-catching handmade specialties, know as Springerle cookies, originated in Germany hundreds of years ago. Detailed embossed designs on these confections are formed when dough is pressed by hand into special wooden molds. The sweet, raspberry flavored cookies are available in a host of intricate designs including images of pansies, beehives, rabbits, storks and wedding bells. Customers also can request cookies specifically designed for special occasions and events.
    By incorporating theme colors and appropriate designs, LaNeve has customized cookies for grand openings, weddings and baby and bridal showers. For one bride using a butterfly theme, she designed a 3-dimensional chocolate butterfly that sat atop a cookie. LaNeve's most appreciated compliment from customers: "They taste as good as they look."
   To sample the cookie-maker's wares, look for her at the 17th Street Farmers' Market and special outdoor events at Maymont. For more information or to order cookies, call 360-1963. - Erin Tilley

Richmond Magazine, May 2001

Celebrate Virginia!

Cool Springs Press - 2003

Hanover Herald-Progress
June 29, 2006
Hanover County, VA

For the full article and more pictures, please download this pdf file Farmers Market