Monday, December 10, 2012

1st Annual Cookie Exchange

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I held my first ever cookie exchange with much success this past weekend. Until last year, when I overheard co-workers discussing a cookie exchange, I had never heard of such a party.  My experiences with Christmas parties don't really go beyond ones involving a Yankee Swap or White Elephant Gift Exchange.  Out of curiosity, I began researching cookie exchanges, and decided to host one this year.  Below are some of the websites that I gathered my information from.

Good Housekeeping-Host a Cookie Swap Party
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/cookie-party#slide-1

The #1 Cookie Exchange
http://www.robinsweb.com/cookies/index.html

Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=cookie+exchange

How to Host a Cookie Exchange
http://allrecipes.com/howto/how-to-host-a-cookie-exchange-party/

Cookie Exchange Games (We didn't play any games this time, but definitely planning on it for the 2nd Annual Cookie Exchange.)
http://www.robinsweb.com/cookies/games.html

During my research, I came across many versions of an exchange with many different rules and protocols.  Some of them were quite strict.  I am only that strict with 2nd graders, and can't find myself imposing such rules on adults, much less friends.  I made the expectation pretty simple, bake a batch of your favorite cookies and come enjoy the party.  From some of the information I read, I gathered that you don't actually eat the cookies at the party, but with so many delicious cookies staring at us, we said forget the rules, and dug in.  We spent about 45 minutes sampling, taste testing, and sampling some more with cups of coffee and glasses of mulled wine in between.  After all of the tasting, there were still plenty for people to take home.  I have been snacking on cookies since Saturday, and can't seem to stop. 

My friends shared their delicious recipes with me, which are linked below.  I hope they bring you as much joy and laughter as they did for me.


Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies
Lemon Tea Cookies

White Chocolate Candy Cane Drops

Snowy Lemon Cookies

Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies



Sunday, December 9, 2012

Olive Cream Cheese Spread

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In a much delayed update, I am back with more recipes.  I held my first cookie exchange recently, and made one of my favorite party foods.  I loved this appetizer long before I liked olives.  There is something about the interaction between the tanginess of cream cheese and the salty, brine flavor of olives that compliment each other and turn this into a favorite.  Many tasters have said they really like it, yet they didn't like olives.  I found this recipe in Southern Living's April 2007 issue.  Usually, I find something in a recipe to adjust, but this one stands as is.  Out of laziness or lack of time, I will eliminate the pecans and chives to serve a naked cheese log, but it is still just as good.  

Ingredients
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup finely chopped pimento-stuffed Spanish olives
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped, toasted pecans
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives

Directions

  1. Stir together the cream cheese, olives, and mayonnaise.  Shape cream cheese mixture into an 8 inch log.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.  It can be stored up to 2 days in an airtight container.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine pecans and chives.  Remove from plastic wrap, and roll the log in the pecan mixture just before serving.
  3. Add your favorite crackers and enjoy.

Tips
  • I like to use about 3/4 cups of chopped olives.
  • This is best if made the day before.  The flavors have more time to come together.
  • When rolling the log in the pecan mixture, I find that I have to press the pecans and chives into the log to get an even layer.


Picture from: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/cream-cheese-olive-spread-10000001616855/