‘Houston, We Have a Sweet Tooth.’ Local Restaurateur’s Cookies Bound for International Space Station
Bessilyn Piazza’s sandtart cookies are out of this world–or soon will be. Recently approved to hitch a ride on the Space Shuttle Discovery (scheduled for an April 5 launch), Mrs. Piazza’s cookies are headed to the International Space Station.
The melt-in-your-mouth cookies have been enjoyed by patrons of Bessilyn’s restaurant, The Italian Cafe in Seabrook, for over 20 years. But when one customer requested a batch of cookies for special delivery, NASA called in the order. The customer is Colonel Timothy J. Creamer, Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer, who is currently living and working aboard the International Space Station. Following standard procedure for crew requests, NASA contacted Bessilyn and obtained a batch of cookies for microbiological testing. One week later, the space-bound “to go” order was approved.
“My feet haven’t touched the ground since I received the news,” says Bessilyn. “This is something I never dreamed would happen. I’m still on cloud nine.”
The original sandtart recipe hails from Bessilyn’s late mother, who baked the Italian wedding-style cookies for years for The Italian Cafe. As demand for the cookies grew by the dozen, Bessilyn relieved her mother of the rolling pin and rolled up her own sleeves. She’s been up to her elbows in flour ever since.
“When these cookies board the Space Shuttle in April, it will be the perfect tribute to my mother,” says Bessilyn. “I know how proud she would be to see her sandtarts travel into space.”
Six sandtart cookies for a mere $2.75 are a regular feature on The Italian Cafe’s dessert menu. Shipping is available worldwide–and now off the planet.
About Bessilyn Piazza
For over 20 years, Bessilyn and Frank Piazza have owned and operated the popular Italian Cafe in Seabrook, Texas, serving tens of thousands of satisfied customers. Bessilyn maintains the restaurant’s office and day-to-day operations, while Frank creates new dishes, conducts cooking classes and adorns the walls with his artwork. For more information, please visit www.TheItalianCafe.com. Known to her three granddaughters as “Noni,” Bessilyn is working on a new venture to expand her culinary offerings. Watch for www.NoniPiazza.com, coming soon.
