Holiday Cookies Made Easier
Last year when I took a plate of Christmas cookies to my daughter’s preschool teacher I was surprised by her comment.
“Thank you. Not many people give homemade Christmas cookies anymore. It seems to be a lost art around.”
That made me sad to hear that so many people forego this holiday tradition. Growing up my mom always filled shoeboxes of cookies for neighbors, relatives and friends. It was her gift to them. And they’d come to expect it every year and cherish their favorite cookie recipes.
I have to admit I don’t bake nearly as much as she still does. One of the reasons is that it’s too stressful cooking with four kids underfoot and trying to do everything else for Christmas. But if you still want to bake and give those holiday cookies without the stress, here are some great ideas that have helped me.
Start baking now!!! Pies, cookies, sweet breads are all freeze great!! So don’t be afraid to freeze them. I usually freeze holiday cookies (and cookies throughout the year) for those unexpected guests! Then I just pull them out and let them defrost!
Organize a cookie exchange!!!This is the BEST way to do the least amount of work and get the most variety of cookies. Invite your friends over to a cookie exchange party. Then have everyone bake a couple of dozen of one or two varieties of their favorite cookies. On the day of the party, break out the Christmas eggnog and coffee, scented candles and music and arrange all the cookies on the dining room table. You can even have everyone bring their favorite snack to share at the party.
Make sure everyone brings and empty container to take home cookies. Then after you visit for a while, start revolving around the table grabbing 3-4 cookies of each variety. If you brought 3 dozen cookies, you take home 3 dozen. If you brought 2 dozen, then you leave with two dozen.
Then take them home and enjoy. I usually share my goodies with teachers and friend. They don’t have to know you didn’t bake them all!
Cookies in a Jar!!! This has been my standard teacher’s gift for the last couple of years. It is so easy to do, and everyone loves to make their own cookies without all the measuring and the mess. You can make them months ahead of time, so start saving those applesauce, mayo and tomato sauce jars now!
Here’s some recipes to get you started. You may have to cut the recipes in half for smaller jars! Don’t be afraid to change up the ingredients and get creative!
Next week I’m starting a new tradition! Thanksgiving cookies! I’m going to bake and deliver my cookies and breads early. Why? For one thing, the teachers won’t be expecting goodies at Thanksgiving time. Plus it’ll lesson the stress for me when it comes time for Christmas!
For more ideas on “Holidays made Easier,” visit Eileen aka Cybercelt at CoolAdzine.
For more great Christmas idea visit Rocks in My Dryer!
