User talk:Thecookieking

Robert Merten(born August 15, 1959) is an author and blogger, His highly creative careers in Cosmetology, Floral Design, Visual Display, Interior Design, Cooking, and Baking have earned him the title "Renaissance Man". The owner of Robert Merten, Interiors, in Washington DC for many years, Robert now lives in Beaufort, South Carolina, and has just completed his first book, "The Cookie King" A lifetime journey of cookie baking.

The Start
Robert was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey in the "Ironbound" section, A multi ethnic community known for it's many restaurants and Old World community vibe. As a child he spent summers in Seaside Park, instilling in him forever, the love of sand and sea. After moving to Ocean Grove, New Jersey, Robert began his career in Visual and Interior Design. Always an avid baker from age 9, now on his own, Robert discovered by necessity that he could cook as well, and thus began his long career of baking and catering.

Washington DC
After moving to Washington DC in 1997, Robert was encouraged to start his own design firm by his partner Les Harding. For the next ten years while creating beautiful interiors, Robert branched out to Wedding and Party design and planning, often using his own catering abilities and floral design background to do unique and highly creative events.

The Cookie King
At the age of 9, Robert began his baking career in his Grandmother Fortino's kitchen, baking cookies. Thrilled that he had created something so small and perfect, and so delicious, He began his life long quest of creating perfect unique, sweet and savory cookies.

For thirty-five years, through all of his careers, cookie baking was his passion and salvation. Recipes filled pads, binders held both original and modified versions, and volumes lined his shelves. The King was on a quest, that some day, he would share his passion with many.