the amazing cookie party (the update)

Last week i went to the MOST AMAZING cookie exchange party ever!

it was my first time but holy crap for my maiden voyage it was done in style.

the deal- bake and bring 12 dozen homemade cookies.

with 12 other ladies doing the same.

we get together and everyone takes a dozen of each kind, perfect for holiday cookie plates .

the idea is to get a big variety but only having to make one kind.

plus fun to take a break and have an evening out with the ladies.

here is the final product.

in the box.... (notice she decorated them fancy!)

here is the massive amount of cookies before we started trading.

here's the ladies that participated.

Lauri is the super fabulous hostess in red in the middle. i only knew lauri and sherry to her left before that night.

i did meet Lori who is friends with a load of my blog friends which was super fun. i see her name on blogs and Fb all the time, but we'd never met. finally we did.

which was fun.

she put on an amazing dinner.

and at the end sent everyone home with a darling parting gift. mine was the CUTEST santa cookie jar.

seriously fabulous and over the top delightful.

i felt so lucky to be invited and holy cow, i hope i get asked back next year. ;)

wanna know what kind of cookies i baked? (i think i post this recipe every year)

Molasses Sugar Cookies -it's a soft chewy gingersnap cookie.

here is our cast of characters-

3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. molasses
1 egg
2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour, sifted
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon

Soften shortening in microwave. Add sugar, molasses and egg. Beat well. Sift together flour and spices, add to first mixture. Mix well. Chill. Form into 1 inch balls and roll in granulated sugar. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375 degrees for 5-7 minutes (do not overbake - the tops should barely start to crack, these aren't supposed to be hard old gingersnaps).

And one tip from my sister: Make all the balls at once and place on a cookie sheet. Freeze. Then pour them into a ziploc bag, toss your sugar in, and shake and bake. I keep the bag of frozen dough balls in the freezer and only use what I need. It's so nice to be able to bake a batch of warm cookies any time you have the urge.

pictures courtesy of Lauri over at Vidal's nest . from her FB page. it was her party and she is the hostess with the mostess. best party all year.

© 2011 crazymamaof6