Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Cookie Exchange Extrodinaire



(Several of the dessert plates are hidden under other plates because we had so much!)

I had this great idea last week to get together some girlfriends and do a cookie exchange. I love to take plates of homemade goodies to friends, but it gets a bit overwhelming to think of making multiple desserts in large enough quantities and in a fast enough time that they are still moist. I had heard of this concept of exchanging Christmas sweetness before, but I had never participated--let alone thought of hosting the whole event.

Well, I went ahead and dove in and contacted a bunch of friends--there ended up being 8 of us total--and we got together this morning to divide the spoils. It was absolutely amazing to see that many cookies/treats all in one location.


The way I worked it was to have each woman bring a dozen of whatever she chose to make for each of the other women. So, there were 8 of us total, so I had to make 7 dozen of something to share with the other ladies. I chose to make Chocolate-Peppermint Sandwiches (homemade oreo with peppermint filling, dipping one corner in a chocolate glaze and rolling it in crushed peppermint candies--I know, I know--pretty gourmet--look for my TV show on the Food Network later this year).

(These are the mini cheesecake type desserts)

Well, the cookie I picked wins an award for smallest quantity ever for a recipe. I ended up doubling the batch FOUR times. That's right, if I would've done individual batches I would've made it 8 times!!! AND, that didn't make enough cookies either. I ended up supplementing with a shortbread type cookie called Cinnamon Coins.


The biggest problem with the whole exchange is that after seeing all of these scrumptious desserts, none of us want to give them out! I think a new tradition is born.
Featuring: Coconut Macaroons, Pecan Sandies, Peppermint Oreos, Cinnamon Coins, Nutter Butter Cookie Truffles, Ginger Crinkles, Fantastic Fudge, Cream Cheese Cups, Candied Pretzels & Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chippies!

18 comments:

Lacey said...

This was so much fun! And I definitely agree, all the treats look so yummy! You have to taste test them before giving them out right? It's only polite!

I definitely think this is our new tradition!

Devin said...

Those look so good.

JenW said...

they tasted so good:) i hope some of them from my house actually make it to other people!

Mariley Johnson said...

what a great idea!

Alissa said...

I'm getting ready to have a cookie exchange next week (I'm a first-timer too!). I'm glad to hear it went well!

Lara Neves said...

I've heard a lot about these cookie exchanges! I wonder if I have time to pull one off....

rachel said...

I love it! I am getting them out today before little hands eat them all!! YUM!!

steve said...

Yummm :::mouth drooling::: that looks delicious!! I’m sure I would need to try 3 or 4 of each to really decide my favorite.

I assume you got my email but another song I’m working with that you might like is Dave Barnes – Until You.

Lyndsey said...

how fun and yummy! do you need my address to deliver some? :) totally joking! c you after christmas

Heather said...

Fabulous idea! I love it.

Sabina said...

Yum, I haven't done a cookie exchange in a while. After seeing all those treats, I felt like starting one up. Well...maybe next year. And look at you-in jeans! Looking forward to seeing you.

Annie said...

Sounds like it would have been fun! :)

wackywilsons said...

Fantastic yummy desserts! Savor the sugar for now, workout later:)

You look great by the way!

Chandy said...

Hi Audrey! How are you? I found you from Rachell's blog.

You're still in AZ? I thought you guys moved out of state like Lara Neves and the Esther Dodge.

Lisa says a big hello! She's 16 now!

Brittany and Scott said...

what a neat idea. thanks for the cookies that you left on our doorstop. they were delicious!! :)

Kim said...

Would you email me your address? I'd like to send you guys a Christmas card, if I get pulled together that is! jonkimhawley@msn.com. Thanks!

Tiffini said...

It looks like so much fun! (I'm jealous; I wish I could have been there.)

Ironically, I thought of doing something like this a few days ago, but since it's now so close to Christmas ... and our family gets inondated with birthdays the week before, I thought I would hold it off till next year.

If you have any suggestions, feel free to email me ... :)

Amy said...

I've always wanted to do this! They look scrumptious!

Just blog walking and stumbled on yours. Thanks! :)

I'm for sure trying next year!