Last night I baked cookies for an exchange at the office today. A lot of cookies. The recipe for Bird's Nest Cookies didn't say how many cookies it made, so I thought I should double the batch. Just in case. About seven dozen cookies later, I realized I had more than enough cookies. In fact, I had long since run out of Special Dark Kisses and switched to peppermint.
(Yes, as a matter of fact, I DID have to buy a new plate to display my cookies. Don't you think they look SO MUCH better that way?)
So in that photo above, I have maybe half of them or a bit less; the rest are in the freezer. And who are the cookies in the freezer for? I have absolutely no idea.
You may recall I had an idea when one of the recent designer/blogger Christmas hops started that I was going to bake some/all of the cookies and freeze two dozen of each for Christmas. Who were they for? I have absolutely no idea. I do have about four or five dozen cookies in the freezer though.
After today's cookie exchange, I came home with a tray of cookies. Who are they for? Well, I'm pretty sure Hubby will claim them and the rest of us will get a few too.
Tonight I went through my cookbooks, loose papers, and scraps, searching for all the "must bake" Christmas cookie recipes. Then I made a grocery list of supplies I still needed. I was enthusiastic. Then I thought, "who am I making cookies for?," and I was a little less enthusiastic. But still, I went shopping, spent a bunch of money on fattening stuff none of us needs, and this weekend, I'll bake. Why? Probably some primevil instinct that causes women to bake Christmas cookies each and every year.
So tonight I'm wondering: Do you bake for Christmas? And do you have a special cookie or treat that you absolutely MUST make each Christmas because if you don't, the world as we know it will end? I'd really like to hear what your family can't live without, so please leave me a comment. I have a weekend of baking ahead of me, and I'd like to know that I'm not alone in this obsession.
By the way, those Bird's Nest cookies were really good and a hit with my co-workers. Kind of a not-too-sweet shortbread type cookie rolled in nuts with a Hershey's kiss added after baking. You can click on the name in the first paragraph to get to the recipe. And, by the way, it probably makes about 3 to 4 dozen, depending on the size you make them.
I am not allowed to leave the BIG batch of Spritz cookies for Marty, and Brown Eye Susans for the kid! I have to make sugar cut outs for me!! I sure miss ya!! Hugs!!
ReplyDeletePam
Chewy Ginger Snaps.
ReplyDeletePS - I know someone who would like some cookies ... just sayin'
I am downsizing Christmas hoopla this year, not because of the economy but simply because I am tired of being overwhelmed by it all. That being said, two "treats" have to be made or my son will be very disappointed. One is blueberry muffins served on Christmas morning with hot chocolate and the other is my oatmeal coconut cookies. Because my oldest granddaughter will be here this year, chocolate chip cookies will be made and I MUST make a coconut cake for my daughter in law.
ReplyDeleteYou could rename the cookies..Cuckoo's Nest...as in One Flew Over...you crazy lady....
ReplyDeleteI do; every year. But I change up the cookie menu. This year my recipient of the cookies is my brother. Amelia is helping me with the dough. So far we have one dough done and in the freezer. Need to make 2 more.
ReplyDeleteRight now I really should be getting started on my marathon baking day instead of blog reading, but first thing's first! I will be making about 20 pans of shortbread which is what I'm known for (I'm really tired of making shortbread). Other must do's are pickles, toffee and pizzelles. Once those are done, I hope I have enough energy to make the cookies I want to make this year! Wish I could take a day off work, but too busy right now. o:(
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I am a cookie monster, always have been always will be deep inside.
ReplyDeleteThree years ago I was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease (after 5+years of misdiagnosis). Doctors orders...NO SUGAR in any form, very low fat diet, those are the two things that the bacteria breeds on. Three years later, I still miss my cookies as much as I miss my dad, but my recovery is much better than my close friend who refuses to live by this rule. So Girls, eat a fiew for me, lol.
Christmas Blessings :o)
LOL...well you have plenty of those cute little cookies! They look great.
ReplyDeleteOur gang can't live without Fresh Coconut Cake. I make it from scratch like Grandma did
ReplyDeleteLinda Z
I do the same thing every year and one year decided to cut back and slow down. No baking! I sure missed it. I guess I wasn't baking for anyone as much as I was baking for me, not to eat, but because that is part of Christmas for me. I felt a little let down that year so.. I guess it is kind of hardwired into some women and I am one of them. My favorite cookie is one my aunt gave the recipe for, no name but it has coconut and special K cereal in it and it's yummy. Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteI have to make my version of Milanos each year and Linzer Tarts oh and chocolate chips and butter cookies.....yes the list goes on and on.
ReplyDeleteMaria
I make Aunt Wilma's teacakes and they are so good, last well and just great and makes a lot. You do not have to roll then out which makes them easier. If you would like the recipe, send me an e-mail at devereuxgirl@bellsouth.net. Merry Christmas, Sandra
ReplyDeleteMy must-bake Christmas goodie is apricot bread. We've had this as a Christmas goodie for at least 20 years, and I rarely make it anytime other than Christmas. I think I'll be making it tonight when we're supposed to be getting 7-12" of snow.
ReplyDeleteBack in the day, when the kids were still at home and I still baked tons of cookies, some MUST-bakes were: cherry tassies (like pecan tassies, but with cherry pie filling...like 2-3 cherries per little tart...the CUTEST), Russian Tea Cakes, Magic Cookie Bars, Seafoam Cookies (meringues with nuts and mini choc chips) and OF COURSE roll-out sugar cookies. And chocolate chip cookies. Oh, and gingerbread men, of course. All from scratch!
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of special requests from friends. They are chocolate checkerboard shortbread cookies (Williams Sonoma cookie book), chocolate pistachio trees (Better Homes and Gardens cookie magazine from a couple of years ago), and citrus swirl cookies (Sunset magazine from about 10 years ago.)
ReplyDeleteYour cookies look delicious.
Hurray! someone tried that recipe. We made bird's nests this weekend and I have been eating them non stop LOL
ReplyDelete