Cookie Swap:
Make the most of the season’s baked goods by sharing what you have! A cookie swap is a terrific tradition in my family (and many of yours, I’m sure) that provides a evening of good food, good company, and good cookies! Here’s what you need to know:
Who: our cookie swap started when my mother invited a few of her girlfriends from church to come trade cookies. It has since grown to include other good friends, though we’ve always kept ours girls-only. There’s no reason you can’t invite guys, though—just be sure you invite bakers!
What: a cookie swap is a chance for everyone to come with one kind of cookie and leave with an assortment. Tell your guests to bring enough cookies to share (a small swap would only need a dozen, but the bigger the swap, the more dozens you’ll need). As the host, be sure to have boxes or bags (preferably with festive tissue paper!) for your guests to use to bring home all their new cookies.
Menu: I know I’m biased, but I think my mother’s menu is the best. She makes a leafy green salad with goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts, and one of her friends always brings her delicious sausage and lentil soup. Last year we also served a spiral cut ham with rolls and mustards, and we had crudités and cheeses. The soup and salad is filling but light, so you save plenty of room for the cookies!
When: I think this is a great holiday-time tradition, since so many people bake this time of year, and it’s nice to share what you have and get a mix of everyone else’s. You can host it any night of the week or Saturday or Sunday during the day (in which case, you should also offer tea!).
