Baking is a labor of love for Bobby Bryant, culinary operations manager at the AdventHealth Apopka, and he’s embarking on a special mission to honor the women in his life who have fought breast cancer.
“Cooking is my passion, and I wanted to use my culinary skills to bring awareness by creating ‘comfort cookies,’ said Bryant. “These are more than sweet treats; they are meant to bring comfort and act as a reward for the strength these women have during the fight.”
These desserts are made with love and decorated with pink sprinkles in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%.
“I’ve watched the women close to me hold their fears, pain and emotions inside so they can remain strong for their families,” said Bryant. “They suffered in silence, and I want all women to know they are not alone.”
Bryant’s mother and two aunts battled breast cancer and have joined the four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. The original ‘comfort cookies’ Bryant made for his family members were his own creation, made with turmeric, ginger and flaxseed. He called them ‘anti-inflammatory’ cookies and he hoped they would provide a healthy, sweet treat during their cancer treatment – and show his love and support.
In early October, this original recipe of the comfort cookie was delivered to the patients at AdventHealth Apopka alongside a card that told Bobby's about Bobby’s family connection to the cookie creation. This cookie has also been made available every Wednesday in October for all the Central Florida Division.
The pink sprinkled ‘comfort cookies’ will be available for purchase through Oct. 31 at Verbie's Café inside AdventHealth Apopka, where Bryant works.