The cookies looked wonderful.

I know for me the problem is that it is my daughter's birthday weekend, but she'll be at college next year. I had a lot going on and no time to bake this year. December is tough all the way around, but earlier is usually better than later. The very end of November might not be a bad idea.

irisarbor wrote:One thing we discussed, that we'd like to get some thoughts on were 2 options for increasing attendance for the cookie exchange:

1. a different date- perhaps the weekend before Thanksgiving (NOT Thanksgiving weekend) or the weekend after the LTH party (later than now)
2. make fewer cookies- so each person exchanges 6 or 8 of each type instead of a full dozen.

It seems like needing to make 12 dozen cookies may be overwhelming for some and 6 doz might not be.

What do others think?
Thanks and happy holidays!

I am going to a non- bakecentric cookie gathering that is always held the last Sunday before Christmas. It requires a mere 2 dozen cookies or alcohol( many guests provide both).

I've always been able to bring back plenty of cookies and it was still enough time to bake the winning recipe and ship out for Boxing Day! Obviously, the requirement of 2 dozen cookies or alcohol let those of us who feel unable to commit to large amounts or to baking at all participate. It was ultimately about the company.

12 dozen is overwhelming for me. That was only part of the reason I couldn't make it; it was too busy all around that weekend. Maybe another year, but thanks for inviting me anyway, Cookie Monster.

Those cookies look delicious. Irisarbor...the Black Magic sounded so unusual that I looked it up as soon as I got home and added it to my collection of 1100+ loose recipes. Cuz 180 cookie recipes isn't enough.

cookies look delicious, I hope to make it next year. Also very interested in the Cancun chicken salad

Pie lady-
PM me for the recipe, because there are some errors/omissions in it.
I had to make some corrections to get it right.
I'll send you the corrected word doc.
E

http://www.best-ever-cookie-collection. ... okies.html

I don't love cookies enough to do cookie exchanges but I've been roped into a few because of relationships with the hostesses and I've never been asked to do more than 1 doz cookies to eat at the party and a dozen for those taking home. No one ever wanted 12 dozen cookies at their house, let alone the responsibility of baking that many to contribute. I could see upping that by a dozen or so but no more than that. Just a non-cookie-exchange-lover's 2 cents

HI,

A cookie exchange is about having a variety of cookies without having to make a number of recipes. I would like to retain that feature. If people don't wish to bake, there are lots of other events to participate in.

I have a friend who begins making Christmas cookies in early November. As another alternative date, how about ten days before Thanksgiving? It is totally apart from the flurry of activities, which begin to overwhelm many of us. These cookies can be frozen or sealed and kept in a cool place until Christmas.

I am a rule of threes person, if there are six, nine or a dozen, it is easy to assemble a cookie plate to give to someone else. If someone wishes to make six (or nine or a dozen) cookies, I will gladly make them a bag of six (or nine or a dozen) cookies. Whatever quantity (6, 9, 12), I will gladly share a like quantity with you. In all cases, there must be one cookie to sample for each person who attends.

A sample roster of four participants:
Cathy2: 12 - will bring 31 cookies
Irisarbor: 9 - will bring 28 cookies
Pie Lady: 6 - will bring 22 cookies
Cookie Monster: 12 - will bring 31 cookies
Samples for exchange: 4
(Edited: to correct math)

All levels are accommodated and those who want more will have more as well as those who wish for less.

Regards,