FORFAR - Krista Gill's delicious small-batch cookies make you stop and take notice.

 

Why? They are big and bold with a blending of unique flavours inspired by family members and fond memories - many about hockey. Some have peanut butter cups on top, or sponge toffee or mint patties. Each unique recipe has its own name.

 

Krista's new specialty cookie business - 23 & Co. - is off to a great start. After just one year in business, she is already ramping up production. A new, larger oven has just arrived and Krista is now setting up base for her business in the Forfar Dairy in Forfar.

 

"It's my turn to chase my little cookie dream," says Krista, who lives in the Rideau Lakes area on Lake Opinicon with her husband Todd Gill, now retired famous Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman and Cardinal native. Todd played in the NHL for nearly two decades followed by successful 13-year coaching career.

 

Krista honours Todd's jersey number (23) in the name of her business because he inspired her to create her own flavour combinations. She started baking and collecting cookbooks more than 30 years ago when Todd was playing in the NHL and they were raising their four children. Creating the perfect chocolate chip cookie - the "OG" or the "Original." -was due to Todd's enjoying a really good cookie as part of a game day ritual.

 

"It all started with that and expanded from there. My cookies are based on family stories, fun and sport," she says.

 

Other cookie combinations have followed that are unique to the people who inspired them, including yummy creations for all of her kids and her dad. For example there is the CCM - Classic Chloe McKenna (her daughter) with the York peppermint patty on top. Or her youngest son Jack's half fudge and half chocolate chip. It is the JT.

 

"Every one has a story behind it," says Krista. "The combinations are endless." She also prides herself on using top notch ingredients.

 

"People are more interested in where their products come from as well. There has been a real shift in that direction."

 

23 & Co. cookies can be found at various locations in Leeds Grenville, including Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Foods in Merrickville and Kilborn's on the Rideau. Krista's slogan "Baked by the Lake" comes from the business originating at Lake Opinicon.

 

Krista was baking at the Two Rivers Food Hub in Smiths Falls but she is now bringing production closer to home. The Forfar location has been purchased by Matthew McShane, who is relocating his Sunflower Bake Shop business from Perth. They will share the space. Cheese will continue to be sold at the location along with baked goods.

 

"I've been very excited about the response from the community." Krista says of her success to date. "I've been thinking of this (business) for my whole married life. I love it."

 

Learn more about 23 & Co. on Krista's Facebook and Instagram pages. You can reach out by direct message on both of these pages.

 

If you wish to place an order you can send Krista an email or give her a call at 613-213-3270. Krista also participates in area farmers' markets and continues to provide a delivery service.