I was amazed at the grand selection of cookies when I entered Wagner’s European Bakery & Café in Olympia.  Yes, I had driven my ass all the way down to Olympia for some damn cookies.  Shut up, it was worth it.

The glass cases were filled with beautiful cookies.  I couldn’t make up my mind which ones to get, so I pulled a “Steph DeRosa” and asked for one of each.  My two favorites were the Florentine (European) and the Pfuffernuss (German). 

The Florentine’s crispy texture along with its chocolate and caramel taste makes me want to moan in ecstasy.  But I won’t.  At least, not in public.  You can find the Florentine in a wide variety of forms.  I’ll take that combination any way I can get it.

Pfuffernuss.  Say it, it’s fun! And as for taste â€" it’s an ageless flavor of almond (maybe anise), flaky shortbread covered in powdered sugar.  You might say it’s a variation of the tea cookie or Mexican wedding cookie, or whatever western name its been given.

If you are looking to get away from the traditional American side of your Christmas calories, try and explore your European side.  Your European side might be better looking anyway. â€" Steph DeRosa

[Wagner's European Bakery & Café, 1013 Capitol Way S., Olympia, 360.357.7268]