HOUSTON — Allan Hursig is the "Bearded Baker," a culinary expert prides himself on making tasteful art in the form of a cookie. In honor of the Houston Astros, Hursig is decorating Astro-themed sugar cookies in the shape of baseballs, gloves and baseball jerseys. 

Hursig says the theme is to celebrate his favorite team on its third run at the title within the last five years. Hursig, originally from New Mexico, relocated to the Texas for a career in the oil and gas industry. 

“In 2014 the price of oil and gas dropped and I was laid off,” Hursig said. 

Soon after, Hursig made his way to the kitchen to perfect his craft in culinary arts. Learning to cook, bake and decorate became a passion that introduced him to the Houston Astros.

“I would work for hours and hours a day decorating with their game on. I just grew a passion and love for the team and the sport. So making these Astros cookies has just been phenomenal,” said Hursig

While the custom cookies are a delicious treat, Hursig wants to spread joy throughout the community he now calls home. Hursing is approaching the one-year anniversary of his brick-and-mortar bakery called The Bearded Baker, located in the Houston Heights area.

He believes hard work does pay off when you continue to work at accomplishing your goals. A fitting motto he believes applies to the Astros as well. 

“It’s the same thing for them. They’re never settling, they’re going for it, and hopefully they’ll hit it big and hopefully we’ll hit it big as well,” said Hursig.