It’s that lovely time of year when office break rooms are filled with holiday cards, gift baskets, and homemade treats from friends and colleagues.

This week, our break room (aka the Linhart Café) saw the arrival of two dueling treats – Anna Lindsey’s Haystacks and Dayna Davis’s Peanut Clusters.  A competition was imminent, and all Linhart staff were summoned to the Linhart Café to taste one of each and submit their confidential votes.

First up were Anna’s Haystacks, a complex combination of chow mien noodles, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter.

“Haystacks are a traditional southern holiday treat,” said Anna.  “Even though I almost burned our house down making them last year, my family insists I make them every year because they’re that good.”

Next up were Dayna’s Peanut Clusters, premium nuts covered in three types of chocolate.

“My good friend introduced me to these delicious peanut clusters several years ago at Christmas,” said Dayna.  “Since then, they’ve been a really big deal in Northern Wisconsin, Southern Colorado, Northern California and some parts of Oregon.”

The votes came rolling in, and while Dayna’s Peanut Clusters saw early momentum, Anna’s Haystacks enjoyed a late surge.  With two votes outstanding, the girls were neck and neck.

With baby due in just four months, Ashley Campbell recused herself from the vote at the last minute owing to an immense and indistinguishable appreciation for both treats.

On the edge of our seats, the final and tie breaking vote came in…an unexpected write in for…Dawn Doty’s Buckeyes!