Chicago - August 31, 2009

Blend Setter

Sweet Girl Dessert Kits

Betty Crocker and sea monkeys have a lot in common: For a few bucks and some tap water, they can hatch a great party.

Score real brownie points with Sweet Girl dessert kits. Creators Dana Benigno (Chicago Cooks founder) and Tara Lane (former pastry chef at Blackbird and Avec) met while giving cooking lessons to underprivileged kids. Now they sell preservative-free, gourmet treats — so prepare to feign talent at the next bake sale.

Sweet Girl debuts with an organic, fair trade cacao blend that fluffs into creamy chocolate mousse. In three easy steps (add water, heat, stir in whipped heavy cream), you’ve got yourself a snack. Spruce things up with the chocolate pebbles garnish.

Stock is limited, so get on it.

You’ll go ape.

Available at Green Grocer Chicago, 1402 West Grand Avenue, at Noble Street (312-624-9508 or greengrocerchicago.com); Southport Grocery and Cafe, 3552 North Southport Avenue, at West Addison Street (773-665-0100 or southportgrocery.com). For more information, go to sweetgirldesserts.com.

  Fair Trade