Signature sweets ...Peruvian Alfajores... ¡qué rico!
ABOUT US
VISION
Gorda's Goodies (GG) vision is to provide customers with bite size enjoyment of select Peruvian sweets that trigger a treasured memory or create a lasting culinary impression!
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MISSION
Gorda’s Goodies, LLC mission is to incorporate authentic flavors in all products; the goodies are “baked to order” for a more customized experience and to enhance customer service.
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We want GG customers to delight in our goodies and react with a 'que rico' response! Together, we share in the delight for authentic, Peruvian flavorful food!
The name “Gorda’s” is a common nickname in the Hispanic culture and was given to Elsie by her mother (RIP). She noticed Elsie’s passionate nature, especially for food…which remains today and prompted the business launch!
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Like Gorda's Goodies, LLC signature treat, Alfajores (cookies), Elsie was born in Peru but made in the USA! Married and mother of two sons, Elsie resides in Springfield, Virginia and is a native Washingtonian who migrated with her Peruvian parents as a toddler.
Elsie Hasting
Born in Callao, Peru, Elsie moved with her father and mother at the age of 18 months and lived in Washington, DC before moving to Northern Virginia when her first brother was born. She was raised in a typical Hispanic household, always busy in the kitchen helping her mom prepare meals. Elsie's mom was known for her culinary strengths in savory or dessert dished always staying with the traditinoal Peruvian flavors, as best as possible given the limited authentic Peruvian products during her childhood. A family health crisis in December 2021 spurred Elsie to re-evaluate family recipes, flavors and food preparation techniques to change the family diet and explore plant-based ingredients, food allergies and dietary restrictions due to a kidney transplant medical emergency. As COVID evolved, so did family recipes and cooking techniques and perspective on Peruvian food. How to make things flavorful without sacrificing your health became not a challenge but a necessity. The journey began with Peruvian alfajores, a traditional holiday shortbread, sandwich cookie filed with 'manjar blanco' known in other countries as 'dulce de leche'. The rest is history!