(Editor’s Note: Diabetics are cautioned not to read further—Nancy’s confections are known as “killer cookies” for a reason…
Our very own Nancy Ponce “out-baked” 12 other entries (wow, a “baker’s dozen”!) in the Staff Assembly cookie contest to win the Grand Prize with her “‘It’s a Rocky Road’ Bars.” Instead of “dough,” her prize consisted of a McConnell’s gift basket which included 6 ice cream pint gift certificates, a scooper, and bowls. The cookie bake off is an annual competition during Staff Appreciation Week, coordinated by the Staff Assembly. To quote Nancy, “I was completely shocked when they called out my name. I like to bake and just thought it would be nice to participate. I never thought I’d win.”
Nancy is our Financial Analyst and is responsible for the financial administration of departmental, gift, and extramural awards, including monthly reconciliation and statement production. She also helps with research proposal preparation, is a backup for our MSO in Geography OR operations, and supervises our Purchasing and Travel Assistant. Nancy also happens to be a terrific cook and often delights the rest of the staff with samples of her culinary expertise. Here is Nancy’s scrumptious, knockout recipe for her killer cookies (maybe, with enough begging, she’ll bake us a batch!):
1 bag milk chocolate, chocolate chips;
2 sticks butter;
2 eggs, beaten;
2c.powdered sugar;
5c.mini marshmallows;
graham crackers
Place graham crackers on bottom of 9X13 pyrex dish. Melt chocolate chips and butter on range. Add eggs being careful not to cook them. Add sugar and fold in marshmallows. Pour on graham crackers and refrigerate until set.
FYI: According to the UCSB web site, “Staff Assembly is UCSB’s chapter of the system wide Council of University of California Staff Assemblies, or CUCSA. UCSB’s Staff Assembly is sponsored by the office of the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services. Its mission is to support the research, teaching, and community service mission of UCSB by serving in an advisory capacity to the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, senior officers, and other campus organizations seeking staff consultation. In addition to coordinating events for Staff Celebration Week, Staff Assembly sponsors the Staff Citation of Excellence Awards as well as ongoing professional development and social events for staff….General membership includes all career UCSB staff members.”
