The "Little America"

Maryland

I am not gonna lie, I played Trivia three times this week and I knew way more random facts since I started researching different states for this blog. So I would say my teammates are really thankful that I am contributing to more than just movie titles. 

So with that being said.. let's start with some history. 
Maryland nicknamed," Little America" and also known as the "Old Line State." Maryland got this name because it was regularly lined with troops who served in war. 

When I think of Maryland I think of two main things --
(besides the wonderful people I know that are from there ;))

lacrosse and Naval Academy

I spent many weekends growing up playing lacrosse tournaments and games in the state of Maryland. Lacrosse tournaments in Ocean City, MD were always the best. What more could you ask for... beach, tan, lax with some of your favorite people... maybe even throw in a night at seacrets to top the weekend off.  I can't remember a tournament when we didn't have to face M&D lax, which was always one of our hardest games. Which is probably why this fact is true about Maryland... In 2004, lacrosse became the official state sport. I mean I think it was about time since before 2004 jousting was the state's sport. Also what I gathered at lacrosse tournaments was that they LOVE their flag. I mean LOVE their flag. They had Maryland socks, lax sticks, pinnies, shorts (long boy shorts).. for some reason this look was the cool. And I am 100% guilty of it. 



 I also played a lacrosse tournament at United States Naval Academy. The academy was founded in Annapolis, Maryland in 1845. First and foremost, thank you all for your service but I can't say go navy, beat army... let's just say i'm a little biased. :) However, I did have the most hallmark date of my life in Annapolis. Yes, I know you all really read my blog for my embarrassing stories rather than the historical facts you could google yourself. So with out going into too many details, I went on a date with a graduated navy/marine pilot. We did it all... toured the academy, ate great food, did all things Maryland.. etc. Actually, it was just like a actual hallmark movie.. you know you watch this WHOLE 2 hour movie (30 minutes of commercials that make you cry) then they FINALLY kiss at the end and then the credits start running and you think WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM NOW?! That was kinda like my date.. it was this wonderful date, movie like kiss and then it was basically done after that.. but hey it was a great story.. and If you're reading this.. I hope you're doing well! :)
 
I could also say I remember the beaches from my senior week of high school but nothing about that week would be worth writing about. I mean getting my tragus pierced without my mom's permission would've been my highlight and most "rebel" thing I did.

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So with those memories in the back of my mind...
I went back to Maryland to do a little more research for my ingredients/inspirations.

1 - Old Bay
It got it's name after the "old bay line," that is a line along the Chesapeake Bay. Clearly, we all know that Maryland is known for their crabs. However, something I did not know, Old Bay was made to put on crabs so people would spend more money on drinks at the bar. They had such a high quantity of crab they were giving them out for free so the salty seasoning encouraged customers to purchase more to drink. ​

We had lunch at a place called L.P. Steamers. It was SO unbelievably good and reasonably priced. I was able to get my Maryland fill of crab and Old Bay! :)
Make sure you stop and get your serving! 

L.P. Steamers

2 - Berger Cookies
They go back as far at 1835, when a German immigrant brought them over to the United States and opened a bakery in Baltimore! It is a cake like vanilla cookie with rich chocolate on top. You can literally find them in many gas stations, royal farms (I learned that it's called "Ro Fo") or 7elevens in the Maryland area! You can even order them online on their website!

berger cookies

3 - Dominio Sugar 
In 1922, the domino sugar refinery was built during the revolutionary war in Balitmore! If you walk by the domino factory it still has a smell of sugar! Trust me, I walked it! ;)
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4 - Natty Boh 
National Bohemian Beer is supposedly the reason beer is served in "six packs" since they were the first to issue them in 1940.  The beer is not brewed in Maryland anymore, however a large amount of their sales still supports the City.
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I tried to make Natty Boh an ingredient in the Maryland cookie, but it didn't meet my tasting expectations. HOWEVER, it was consumed during the process of the baking. ;)

The Maryland cookie has been tasted and sample by a few people in Maryland. One of them is apart of a company BMORE around town. They organized social events for you to meet new people and experience more of the city! I was able to attend one of their St. Patrick's day events and had a blast! If you're looking for something to do, look it up! 

BMORE

SO NOW
Introducing the
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"Crabby Patty"
get it like -- old bay = crabs and patty is a synonym for burger :)

A black and white cookie made to look like a Berger cookie made with Domino sugar with Old Bay chocolate drizzled over top!

Thanks for reading and continuing to follow me throughout my journey to create a cookie for each state! 

If you have any ideas or places you want me to visit, email me! 
​I would love to add you to my adventure! 

xo 

Jessica Rose