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| l-r (Adults Only) Stephanie, Diana, Alexandria, Cassie and Donna |
Another successful Cookie Exchange in the record book. Our group was small this year, but that didn't keep us from having a grand time. Stephanie is our annual hostess, and she goes out of her way to have a lovely snack spread, games (and prizes!), and fine company.
We suspect the weather (-20º F wind chill) may have had something to do with the turnout, but we didn't mind. We're all related! Of course, you will recognize Diana's name (my sister). Steph is her daughter, Alex is Di's daughter-in-law, Cassie is Alex's sister, and those two sweet girls in front are Alex's twin daughters. When it's family, there is always conversation, and we spent some of our visit catching up.
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| Top Left - Clockwise: Diana's chocolate offerings, Alex's Molasses Cookies, Steph's Pizelles, Cassie's Date Cookies, Twins' Cutout Cookies, and my Koulourakia Cookies. |
Diana was the overachiever this year. She brought hot cocoa mix, chocolate marshmallow cookies, chocolate truffles and chocolate no-bake cookies. Alexandria made delicious molasses cookies. Stephanie had time to make cookies, even though she made bbq cocktail sausages and a fabulous charcuterie tray. Cassie made a date cookie recipe that came from her fiancee's mom, carrying on the family tradition. The twins contributed two trays of decorated cutout cookies, and I made our favorite Koulourakia twists, which became a holiday tradition when we lived in Florida. My Panera's group friend, Kathy made them every year, and graciously shared the recipe with me when we moved.
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| Snacks for the attendees |
Everyone brought a dish to share, so we had offerings on the charcuterie tray, shrimp, smoked fish, ham roll-ups, and a non-alcoholic beverage (with the option to add champagne). I stayed n/a. I took a salad that's a family favorite that has a sauteed mixture of water chestnuts, ramen noodles, green onions, mushrooms, slivered almonds, and sesame seeds over Romaine lettuce. The dressing is a sweet and sour sauce.
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| The Giving Plate |
Diana brought The Giving Plates in two patterns, and gave one to each of us. She mentioned that we weren't required to give them away, so I'll probably keep mine at least for this season. Next year I'll load it with cookies to share.
So, that was my Sunday. Cold outside, but happy and warm inside with people I love. Handsome is out from under his nasty cold, so that's a blessing, too. I'll be busy in the studio again this week. I'll tell you tomorrow about the jammies.
That looks like a fun time with great goodies!
ReplyDeleteI did not bake cookies this year, pending prep for another ankle surgery on Jan 2nd.
I'm glad Handsome is feeling better.
Stay warm!
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteWe had fun, and those cookies are all delicious! Talk about spoiled! Another surgery?!! Is this the same ankle or the other one? Goodness, girlfriend. I'll definitely be saying prayers for you! Handsome is nearly back to normal, which makes us both very happy. Thanks for your concern. You stay warm, too!
xoxo
Donna
Same ankle, 3rd surgery, this time a replacement.
DeleteHoping this finally solves the problem.
Marilyn
Hi Hon.
DeleteI bet your sick and tired of dealing with it! I sure would be. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'll pray this is the last surgery and that it's a whopping success!
xoxo
Donna
Ooooh boy - NOT a single calorie in sight! They all look so yummy. I love the giving plates - will have to see if I can find those for another year.
ReplyDeleteHi MA:
DeleteI know! I ought to just slap them on my hips! lol They are all tasty. The giving plates are melmine (or plastic), but they are lovely. I hope you can find some, too. I'll ask Di where she got them and let you know.
Hugs!
xoxo
Donna
Plates filled with amazing cookies surely signals Christmas celebrating is in full swing! What a cozy way to spend a frigid afternoon. Handsome came out from under his cold just in time for those delicious treats 😊 Now, you two, stay warm and healthy!
ReplyDeleteHi Lois:
DeleteI actually think those treats lured him out of his room! He's doing much better today, so I think this bout is behind us. You stay warm, too, dear.
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna
Great photo of all of you. Everything looks so good.
ReplyDeleteAnd I must say I do like an overachiever in baking. Great job Diane.
Good to hear that Handsome is doing much better.
Shirley
Hi Shirley:
DeleteI love these family photographs. All those smiling faces. We really did have fun. Di did make some tasty treats, and her granddaughters are tickled to be able to share with their teacher. Thanks, dear. I'm so glad he's felling better, too. I think he's almost completely over this cold now.
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna