Cookie Exchange - Sweet Gesture
By Hklbrries
While this was about a specific event in Spokane, WA, the concept are good and could help anyone create a successful cookie exchange. Original article posted below.
Recipes in collection associated with this article: Russian Tea Cakes, Pecan Tassies,Cinnamon Shortbread Stars,Peppermint Meltaways
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Christmas is all about giving, but it’s also nice to receive. That’s what makes Christmas cookie exchanges such a popular holiday activity. Whether you host an intimate group of friends or make it a gala event, cookie swap parties are a great way to celebrate the season.
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For the past four years, the folks at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane have hosted a cookie exchange at Patsy Clark’s Mansion. “It’s fun, festive and a great way to get a sampling of cookies while supporting Ronald McDonald House,” said Colleen Fox, director of marketing and communications.
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Fox said they’re expecting 100 guests for the fifth annual event next Wednesday. The popular party is already sold out. “We’ll be serving Christmas cosmos, wine and appetizers.”
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And of course, cookies.
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Invitees bring five dozen treats – four dozen to swap and one dozen to sample. Part of the fun is the auction to be first in line to choose an assortment of goodies to take home.
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Guests are also asked to bring an item from the RMHC wish list and are encouraged to make a donation through a special “Share-A-Night” opportunity. Fox said events like this make it possible for the house to collect top-priority items.
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One-hundred guests might be a bit too much for most of us to manage, but smaller parties can be just as fun. Deer Park resident Meegan Ware has helped organize cookie exchanges for MOMS Club of Spokane-North, as well as hosted cookie swaps for friends and family.
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“I started doing cookie exchanges in 2000 because I wanted a lot of different cookies and I didn’t want to make them all myself,” she said.
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Connie McLaughlin, of north Spokane, is also an experienced cookie exchange hostess. “The best part is connecting with friends. It’s a warm Christmas gathering and you get cookies to take home,” she said.
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Ware and McLaughlin both stress that organization and presentation are key ingredients whether you’re hosting or attending a cookie swap party.
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Recipe for a fun Cookie Exchange:
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Cookies: “Make sure everyone brings homemade treats,” Ware said. “No store-bought cookies. Choose a special Christmas recipe, not chocolate chip or brownies. You don’t need to spend 10 hours on one cookie, but make something festive and fun.”
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McLaughlin added, “Take cookies that you’d want to receive and take home to your family.” She often bakes Pecan Tassies, tiny nut-filled tarts that look pretty on a Christmas plate.
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Ware usually makes Nutmeg Logs. “In the past I’ve tried taking new recipes, but then I’m asked, ‘Where are your Nutmeg Logs?’ ” she said. Alas, she can’t divulge the recipe. “It’s an old family recipe from my husband’s side of the family. I’m not allowed to share it!”
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Count: Both hostesses agree that six dozen cookies is a perfect amount to bring. Five dozen should be packaged for the swap, and one dozen left out for guests to sample. If you have a large gathering, you can number each dozen for the swap. For instance, when your first guest arrives, write number “1” on each dozen of the packages she brought for exchange, and so on. If you’re guest No. 1, when you leave you’ll take cookie selections 2 through 10.
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For smaller groups your guests can grab their selection on the way out, or you can pass them around as you sample them.
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Containers: “Flimsy paper plates can be a problem,” McLaughlin said. “Cookies dropping everywhere!” Bring your cookies in decorative Christmas tins or sturdy plastic containers. Dress up your packages with ribbons, bows or Christmas wrap to add to the festive feel. Also, bring a sturdy box or basket to haul your goodies home.
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Cheer: Hosting a Christmas cookie exchange needn’t be a lot of work, but simple things make your guests feel welcome. McLaughlin has a cheery fire burning in the fireplace and Christmas music playing softly in the background. For a small friends or family group, Ware serves simple fare like soup and bread in addition to the baked goods.
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Whether attending a large party like the Ronald McDonald House cookie exchange or hosting an intimate gathering in your home, a cookie swap is a great way to launch the holiday season. Ware said, “I enjoy the camaraderie of getting together and exchanging homemade gifts.”
Ingredients
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Preparation
Step 1
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