Smart Cooks and Cookies

SOMEONE'S IN THE KITCHEN: The kids' culinary adventures continue. On a recent night, they put a new-to-us chef's torch to use. It worked like a charm for indoor S'mores!

We've wanted a torch forever, it feels like. We watch a lot of "Chopped" and similar competition in the kitchen shows, and they're forever using these little things. I suppose we need to make creme brulee or something soon. I'm not even sure what that is. ... 

TOUGH COOKIE: This week, Monday through Friday, we're helping with a series of many special events at a local learning center as part of a Reading Week celebration.

Yesterday's main attraction was Detective "Cookie" from the Seattle Police Department.

Annabelle was waiting for the officer out in the parking lot, to make sure she got a parking spot, and to escort her into the school.

I've actually known of Detective Cookie for years. I've seen her name associated with a weekly chess club in Seattle. It meets every Saturday at the Rainier Beach Community Center, from noon to 2 p.m. It's super popular and positive, as told in a Seattle Times article last June.

We thought Detective Cookie was going to read a book but the detective (her real name is Denise Bouldin) had other ideas.

She did share a quick poem (as the day's theme was "Poem in my Pocket"), but she opted not to read a book. Instead, she shared her life story, and an interesting one it is. (She should probably WRITE a book!)

Bouldin grew up in the projects in Chicago, and had many harrowing stories to share about living there with her six siblings and single parent mother. She navigated through countless scary scenarios and worked hard to her possibilities open. As a high schooler, she met a police officer who worked at her high school, and admired him and his work. That set her on a trajectory where she could picture herself in a similar role. 

Fast forward more than 35 years ... that's how long she's been with the Seattle Police Department!

Some of the highlights from Detective Cookie's life story include her work as a model, days spent as a "Soul Train" dancer, and she was honored to be invited to work security for President Barack Obama's first inauguration. She said that was the coldest she's ever been in her life, but she was also clearly very proud of that distinction.

Bouldin is being honored in Seattle with a city park named after her. The Detective Cookie Chess Park is in Rainier Beach, a neighborhood where the detective has worked for years. The park features a public art sculpture titled "The King and Queen of Rainier Beach." The sculpture, two large metal chess pieces that glow with a soft purple light at night. It was designed by local artist Peter Reiquam.

Photo: Seattle Office of Arts & Culture

Oh, in case you're wondering, Detective "Cookie" earned her nickname as a kid, due to her penchant for snatching cookies at every opportunity.