I came across a cookie product that was truly delicious and unique. But what makes the product so much more delicious is the fact that it was made by a woman with the spirit of a true NY Metropolista!

Sara Leand, a former TV producer (who produced shows for E!, Lifetime and TLC) and new mom, traded in her corporate life to focus on her passion for making cookies and other treats.

“Ever since I was a little girl I experimented with fun creations in the kitchen,” said Leand, an Upper West Side resident. “I love coming up with cookies and treats that are new takes on classics. My goal is to bring back positive memories from ones childhood.”

She has succeeded in through her creation, the Chipn’eztel, a sweet and savory cookie made from every one’s two favorite snacks, potato chips and pretzels.

A self taught baker , Leand’s inspiration was her grandmother whose motto was “make people smile.”  The birth of her daughter Lily, named after her grandmother, motivated her to finally take the steps to bring back the Sara Cookie Company, which first came to be in her college dorm. She sold cookies and treats throughout  campus and local store to rave reviews. Eventually she had to but the business on hold to focus on her studies.

The Chipn’eztel come in four delicious varieties: Original (dusted with sugar), dipped Dark Chocolate, hand dipped in White Chocolate, and assorted bite size.

The Chipn’eztel can be found in gourmet stores in and around the city, including Zabar’s Grace’s Marketplace (Greenvale, N.Y.), Westside Markets, Maywood Markets (N.J.), Garden of Eden (all locations), Amish Bazaar (Upper West Side), and Amish Market (45th St.). They are also available in Fanciful Gift Baskets in Los Angeles and online at www.sarasnacker.com.

My absolute favorite is the hand dipped Dark Chocolate, though the White Chocolate is also delicious. Bravo to this amazing woman, mom, New Yorker, and inspirational entrepreneur for following her heart and creating such a great product!