Yum! November 2005

Welcome to the Canadian Living Test Kitchen bulletin board. This is our space to write about the foodie world -- stories we are working on, tasty new food products and must-have utensils that spark our imagination. We'll report new cooking tricks (and occasionally lessons learned) that come from the day-to-day testing and developing of recipes you find in the magazine. And, as we discover the hottest new restaurants, chefs and gourmet and farmer's markets, you'll be among the first to know.

Nov. 28 kitchen quips: Tips for a cookie exchange
Planning a cookie exchange? Here's a few tips to see you through;

• Early in the holiday season, invite friends and neighbours (ideally six to eight) to a cookie exchange.
• Ask each person to bring a big batch of homemade cookies. Determine how big the batch by the number of people, figuring on one dozen per person. In other words, if there are six people, bring six dozen cookies.
• Make sure no one is making duplicate cookie recipes. Ask guests to avoid anything too fragile or buttery. Sturdy cookies will be easy to transport. Decorated cookies and those with sugar glazes or sticky fillings should also be avoided.
• Each person should have enough copies of her cookie recipe for everyone.
• Ensure that everyone brings containers to pack and take cookies back home in.
• Have plenty of waxed paper on hand for layering and packing cookies.
• Have a few beverages and snacks on hand while guests arrive and settle in.
• After initial socializing, begin the cookie exchange with all of the cookies organized buffet-style on a table. Guests circle the table, putting a dozen of each cookie variety into their containers.
• Advise guests not to pack crisp cookies with soft ones, otherwise the crisp ones will absorb moisture and soften.

5 great cookie exchange cookie recipes to try:
These treats are perfect for a cookie exchange -- they are easy to make, keep (or freeze) well and can be decorated prettily or enjoyed plain and simple.

Sugar Cookies
Double Ginger Drop Cookies
Rugalahs
Almond Crescents
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Bars