Hi Robin:

I hosted my 6th Cookie Exchange on December 15th. Bad weather almost caused a cancellation this year but our dedicated cookie bakers were real troopers. The party was on!

We do a pre-packaged cookie exchange with prizes awarded for Best Cookie, Best Display and Most Ingredients Used.

Everyone is encouraged to arrive hungry so we eat first. This year's menu was Country Ham Bites, Antipasto Appetizers, Turkey Meatballs with my original Cranberry-Pepper Party Sauce, Beer Cheese in the shape of a snowman, Jalapeno Jelly with Cream Cheese, Broccoli Tree with Spinach Dip, Homemade Salsa, assorted crackers, breads and chips. We also had a Chocolate-Cranberry Fudge Ring and Peanut Butter (Buckeye) Snowmen as well as assorted beverages.

Next we play games for prizes. 7-11 is the all time favorite. We also played left-right with ornaments that each person brought, the minister's cat etc. There was also a prize for most festive outfit.

The finale is the judging of the cookies. My husband, Barrie and son, Jon did the honors. Prizes were awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I provide a large gift bag to each attendee for the exchange. We go around the cookie table picking up a package from each display. This year I assembled a cookbook with recipes from all of our cookie exchanges plus the most requested appetizers as a gift for each attendee.

Our annual group photo is taken followed by lots of hugs and holiday good wishes. We all look forward to this event each year. In the hustle-bustle of everyone's busy lives, it is rewarding to play a part in bringing my friends together for a few hours of light-hearted fun.

Donna Bush
Danville, Kentucky