The latest baking trend: Cookie exchange party

My Linzer Tarts

Patti Boker Elkon here, Shira’s partner and contributor on Tchochkes.com.  I send my blessings to this new food blog concept and Cristen it with it’s first article.  You go Shira!

 I just hosted my first annual cookie exchange party, what a great event for holiday fun.  I have always wanted to try this and now that I have I must recommend that you try it too.  It’s a way to entertain with a purpose, the guests make their sweet contribution and the party fulfills the promise of fun for all.  I have a few tips for those of you interested in hosting a party of your own.    

   Guest Cookies

My guests were rather generous, some made two to three types of cookie each. 

* I think it’s best to have each person make one kind of confection this way there are plenty to fill the take-away plate.  My mom made the most delicious cookies but she only brought a few of each and I found myself wanting more…

*  Also invite those that don’t normally bake.  These participants have the most fun!  they walk away with a sense of accomplishment, what a great holiday gift to give.

*  Invite different age groups.  The masters pave the way for younger generations of bakers and set a standard for the next show.

*  Make your favorite cookie if you have one.  I had everyone share a bit about why they baked the cookie that they brought and this was the highlight of the party. 

*  Serve a simple meal.  My offerings were chips, dips and a tomato tart that was not labor intensive to make. 

*  Taste the cookies at the event!  People love to know how they are doing, especially the new-bees.

** Make sure your guests bring copies of the recipes, I forgot to do this and I was sorry.

Here are a few more shots of my party, enjoy!

Party Table Setting

More Cookies

Above: Russian Tea Balls and “No Fail” Sugar Cookies

Above:  Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods and Seven Layer Delights

Above: Choclate Chip Bars and Russian Crescents

My friend Ellen made these “Cow Pies” as she calls them.  In reality they are solid choclate tarts with nuts, delecious!

For more suggestions on “HowTo” click here.