Cookie Swap Part 2

It’s time for the recipes! I have picked out ten Christmas cookie recipes which seem to be delicious. So, get your flour, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, baking soda, and what ever else the recipes call for. It’s time to BAKE!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

According to “General Mills, Peanut Butter Blossoms are the most popular Christmas cookie in the country; it’s the most-visited cookie recipe in seven states, which means it’s the most common favorite cookie in the U.S. That’s a pretty high honor! Jul 30, 2022”

I am a fan of PBB (Peanut Butter Blossoms), and they are in my cookie tins each year! So, let’s see what makes them YUMMY!

Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies…have to admit, not really a fan. I have nightmares of millions and millions of cookies being made by my mother and aunts and our duty as children, my cousins, my sister, and I, was to frost said millions of cookies. We never thought the day would end when we had to frost the sugar cookies! Do you remember the dragees that were silver? Those things could zing your fillings like nothing else.

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Growing up, gingerbread cookies weren’t usually on the menu. We would get the ginger snaps through out the year, but back in the day, those gingerbread men were to tough to bite into. However, I have grown to like gingerbread cookies over the year. Can’t wait to try these out!

Both the Sugar Cookie and the Gingerbread Cookie can be frosted many different ways. Check out the links on some of the millions and millions of ideas out there!

Candy Cane Cookies

While I am reminising about childhood cookies, the CCC (Candy Cane Cookies) were my favorite! They were so yummy, sadly as I grew up, I found they were extremely hard to make. The dough would be too dry and fall apart, we would over bake them, it was a never ending struggle. But, here, we have an updated version!

Christmas Snickerdoodles

The Snickerdoodle, not on the childhood cookie list, however, it’s a must make in our house now and is usually one of the first cookies to run out! (Just a note, Snickerdoodles can be made with or without Cream of Tartar Pictured on the right)

Here we start the; Never Have I Ever part of the choice of cookies.

I choose the FCDC (Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies) as I have found I love cranberries, but not that nasty stuff out of a can (sorry to those who like it).

Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies

Oreo Balls

Appears to be something in the neighborhood of a “truffle” or “cake pop”. Every single time I try to dip cake pops in the chocolate, they fall off the stick, fork, or anything else I try!

Raspberry Pistachio Linzer Cookies

I have never had a Linzer or raspberry and pistachio together, this should be interesting!

See, don’t they look yummy!!!

Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies

Can you even go wrong with Andes Mints? In a chocolate cookie? My mind suggests not!

Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Kind of like the AMCC there is nothing wrong with peppermint and mocha together!

So there you have it. Ten of the most delicious looking Christmas cookies I have seen in a long time. Mine never look anything close to these pictured here, but when I make my cookies, I will make sure and share with you what they looked like. Share yours too, if you like!

“I sure do like those Christmas cookies, sugar
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, babe
The ones that look like Santa Claus
Christmas trees and bells and stars
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, babe”
George Strait, Christmas Cookies

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DK

Cookie Swap Part 1

Tis the Season…falalala lala LA

It’s that time of year, you know the time. Your pants get to tight, the cashiers are grumpy, the kids are acting like hooligans and the same obnoxious Holiday Carols are playing in every store you go! Ok, all grumpiness aside (for the moment), I’m gonna help you stir up some holiday joy! I’m talking friends and/or family and COOKIES!!! Let’s plan a holiday cookie exchange!? Seriously, what could go wrong?

Step One:

Read this entire post, make notes, grab ideas and get ready to get happy!

Step Two:

The “rules” or rather guidelines of engagement are: Everyone brings a big batch of (preferrably homemade), cookies to distributes roughly 6 – 12 cookies each to the other guests. Which will either result in a tummy ache or a grand assortment of delicious cookies.

Step Three:

Invite friends, family, co workers, neighbors, the possibities are endless. But, don’t over do!

Remember, you’ll be baking enough cookies for every guest to take home. Shoot for eight to 10 people who like to bake and will have fun spending an evening together.

AND…if you get ambitious, you and your group are, you could incorporate a Secret Santa gift exchange. If you decide on that option, have everyone bring a baking-related gift  under $20. Of course, this is going above and beyond the “traditional” cookie swap, however, besides really yummy cookies, you could end up with a really cool spatula! Or measuring spoons (that would be what I’d like, if I were to get a baking related gift). You may even want to have the guests print off their recipes so they can become your next favorite cookie!

Next:

Determine How Much Everyone Should Make

Usually, guests bake a dozen cookies for each guest (that is why we don’t want to invite the entire neighborhood) or you could do a half dozen per guest if you decide on 10 or more guests. Don’t forget some of your treats for sampling.

Also:

Set Ground Rules

It is a “party” however, if you are a cookie artist and go to extreme lengths, you may not be happy if someone shows up with Oreos (still in the package). Let’s be fair though, should you want to go all out, go for it! Just don’t expect fancy cookies from the others, unless, those are the friends you invited. Then I would suggest Cookie Wars! The “rules” should be simple; cookies should be made from scratch and/or holiday-themed. Also…please! Ask guests to let you know of any food allergies so you can make everyone else aware.

What’s Next?

As the date gets closer there are some things YOU should be doing.

First:

Check RSVPs and Ask Who’s Making What

You really don’t want three different people making (almost) identical sugar cookies or everyone bringing chocolate cookies (which, let’s be honest, that may not be such a bad thing). Should you have a few duplicates you could, tactfully suggest someone switch if there’s an overlap. Picking the most experienced baker or may be the best idea and won’t be someone who gets frazzled by changing their plans.

Second:

Decide on What Cookie You are Making and Shop for Ingredients

Remember, this isn’t a competition (unless you go the Cookie Wars route) and you definetly want to make cookies everyone can be happy to receive.

Also:

Figure Out a Menu of Other Snacks and Drinks

Consider non-sweet dishes like vegetable dips, cheese balls or finger sandwiches. You could also request guests to bring a small contribution of the non sweet kind to help out.

And:

Designate Your Largest Table

For this, you will need to find your dining room table, or throw together some folding tables. This is going to be a long buffet where the guests will show off their wares. Grab a decorative table cloth from the dollar store, borrow one from the neighbors or cover the tables in wrapping paper, this is to help eliminate or reduce the chance of any damage to your tables.

It’s getting closer. Hopefully, you have heeded my advice thus far and followed everything to a T. Or you can be a renigade like me and fly by the seat of your pants! However, should you choose to be organized and prepared, here we go!

One week before –

1. Gather Serving Trays –

Make sure you have platters to display the cookies or let the guests know to bring their own. Kicking up the displays of goodness might include a festive basket, a holiday themed tray, a decorative box or inside a gift-wrapped box.

2. Buy Extra Plastic Wrap and Storage Bags –

You know there will be at least one guest who forgets to bring a container to take home their cookies, so… have supplies, like a box of 1-gallon plastic bags, simple gift boxes or throw away trays on hand. Again, the dollar store would be a great place to get these!

3. Bake Your Cookies –

If you’re cutting it close to find time to make the cookies, bake them when you have a day and then freeze them. Some recipes, you can even prepare the dough well in advance, some up to three months in the freezer.

Stress is setting (ok, maybe that’s just me).

The Day Before:

Set Up the Room

• Decorate the table with a festive tablecloth or a holiday centerpiece.
• Push furniture aside so it’s easier for people to cruise through the cookie buffet.
• Have the non-cookie food in the fridge ready to go.

Thaw Any Frozen Cookies

If you baked ahead and froze the cookies, set them out to bring them to room temperature overnight. OR…If you haven’t baked them yet, now would be a great time!

Finally!

The Day of the Party

Set Out Food and Drinks

• Have cocktails, mocktails, hot tea or coffee ready
• Make appetizers available early in the event.
• Turn on the Holiday Music (softly!)
• Have the guests choose a spot on the buffet to place their cookies
• Have index cards and pens available in case guests want to ID their cookies

I am NO Betty Crocker or Miss Manners by any stretch of the imagination, so here are some other ideas to help the party go smoothly

Welcome Guests and Direct Traffic

Ask for the group’s attention and thank them for coming. Go around the room and give everyone an opportunity to name their cookies, tell where they got the recipe, and describe why they love them. (No pressure: They can say, “Taste and see for yourself!”) OR…they can add that information to the index cards as well.

Then it’s ready, set, and go!

Enjoy, Relax and Have Fun! Make Memories and don’t forget the photos!

I’ll be back soon with cookie ideas

Cookies!!! Umm num num num num!!! (Cookie Monster)

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*this post may contain information which are not mine, no copyright infringement meant* Disclaimer

DK

December: Top 10 Most Cherished Christmas Cookies (Part 2)

Some more cookie baking fun! Hope you enjoyed the 1st part, leave a comment or photo of your baking fun!

#6. Linzer Tarts

Raspberry Linzer Cookies

Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Linzer Cookies

Cranberry Linzer Cookies

#7. Shortbread Thumbprints (Raspberry and Almond)

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprints

Christmas Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

Easy Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

#8. Chocolate Crinkles

Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

#9. Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

I have to admit, I love Biscotti, but hardly ever make it and have never really thought of it as a Christmas/Holiday cookie.

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Cranberry Orange Pistachio Biscotti

White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

#10. Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons (different)

Easy Almond Joy Coconut Macaroons

“I sure do like those Christmas cookies, sugar
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, babe
The ones that look like Santa Claus
Christmas trees and bells and stars
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, babe”

George Strait, Christmas Cookies

Up next…Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner

*this post may contain information which are not mine, no copyright infringement meant* Disclaimer

December: Top 10 Most Cherished Christmas Cookies (Part 1)

Welcome to one of my most favorite parts about Christmas and the holidays….Baking!!! I love baking all year, but I especially love Christmas cookies!

According to google, the next 10(ish) cookies are the 10 most cherished Christmas Cookies recipes from Pinterest.

#1. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Christmas Chocolate Chip

Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Neiman Marcus Cookies

#2 a. Rolled Sugar Cookies

The Best Sugar Cookies Ever, Seriously

Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies

#2 b. Soft Sugar Cookies

Soft & Chewy Frosted Sugar Cookies (Lofthouse Copycat)

Chewy Sugar Cookies

#3. Snickerdoodles

Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies

Maple Snickerdoodles

Chewy & Delicious Snickerdoodles

#4 a. Soft Ginger Cookies

The Best Gingerbread Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Cookies

#4 b. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

#5. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Brown Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Covered Raisin Cookies

“Now I’m only five years old
I’ve got to do just what I’m told
‘Cause Santa Claus is gonna be dropping in on me…

…Now I know what he like for a late night snack
For years now it’s been bringing him back
Milk and cookies”

Clint Black, Til Santa’s Gone

*this post may contain information which are not mine, no copyright infringement meant* Disclaimer

New Job…Week One & Two

I have to say, I have missed my time sharing the ups and downs, travels and recipes. Well, time to get back to the fun.

I have recently started a new job, one I never thought I would have had. It really is a dream job (of sorts). I used to be a baker & cake decorator. Loved that. So, I was just applying for jobs, I found one which just spoke to me. I told myself, this is MY job. I told the hubby, this is MY job! Went to the group interview, which I am really not a fan of, and I knocked it out of the park. The director of the (place I applied), was just impressed with me! The only problem, it was PRN (which is as needed, not sure where the PRN comes from) and she wanted me as full time! 

Background check, drug test, reference check all done. And with that, I went to full time! Sun & Mon off, which is perfect, as hubby has those days off and my permanent place (after training) would be 12 pm – 8 pm! Heck yeah! 

Orientation day was a long day, company’s really need to find other videos for people to watch, other than the ones made in the 1980’s! Three other people were there with me. Three dietary aides (like me) and one CNA. I now am employed at one of the area rehab and care centers. I would have to say, it’s more of a nursing home, and that’s OK. My training schedule was going to kill me. Seven straight days of 5:30 am – 230 pm: FOR TWO WEEKS! I am NOT a morning person and I haven’t been on my feet working in over twenty years. I’m going to die. At the same time, a new chef was hired and he agreed my schedule was brutal and we worked out a better schedule. Still three weeks of 4 am get ups! UGH! My schedule did change to Fri & Sat off and 12 pm – 8 pm. OK, still not bad, but never going to see the hubby. 

First week went well. Then disaster happened. Well, two disasters happened. Have you ever worked some place where you know you are: 1. Not wanted. 2. Expected to know more than you do. 3. Realize you are in over your head.  Those were just the first disaster. Heartbreaking, discouraging, frustrating. Second disaster: I got sick. I’m talking contagious virus which mimics the influenza with acute pharyngitis. Had to leave early one day and then out for another four days (and two days off). There went one week of training. 

I head back to work with major anxiety and fear. I did not want to go back disaster I had left a week prior. Game change! It pays to keep in touch with those who really want you there! I went back to work today and chef tells me, I will now be scheduled Mon – Fri, 12 pm – 8 pm. WHHAAAATTT???? AND I got my new shoes! 

New non slip shoes. Loving the colors

What will this week bring? Will I be the person they are expecting in the kitchen? Will I finally finish my training schedule? Will I like my new shoes? And will April, the giraffe, EVER have her calf? And why am I glued to YouTube watching her? 

This is NOT April.

“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” ~ Mary Kay Ash

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DK