Let's Have a Cookie Swap

We are so busy during the holidays that we can not bake as many cookies as we would like. However, by having a Cookie Swap, we can multiply the types of cookies.

Invite your family, friends or co-workers to bake 3 dozen cookies and come to a Cookie Swap.

The more you invite, the more cookies to share. Ask everyone who is coming to your Cookie Swap to bake 3 dozen cookies. Make a list of "who" is bringing "what kind" of cookie. This way, you won't end up with 12 dozen Snickerdoodles. Bring the recipe, too. This way, those who have allergies, can see what ingredients are in each cookie.

You can make cookie name cards like "Carol's Sugar Cookies," or Ann's Gingerbread Men."

Use this template at marthastewart.com to make your name cards.

Your guests can take home their cookies in the same container in which they brought their cookies or you can make containers out of ordinary household items.

Save coffee cans, cottage cheese containers, oatmeal boxes, small gift boxes or other holders. Wrap the outside with Christmas paper and line with plastic wrap or foil.

A nice treat is to provide drinks to go with the sampling of the cookies. Punch, hot chocolate or coffee would be appropriate drinks to serve. Recipe for punch follows.....

My Favorite Punch Recipe

Hawaiian Punch or Ginger Ale

Orange, raspberry or rainbow sherbet

Pour punch or ginger ale into punch bowl. Scoop sherbet and place on top of punch to chill it. Everyone loves this punch and it is soooo simple!

Here is a recipe for an instant cocoa to keep on hand for company or to give as a gift!

1 box (8 qt size) Carnation instant non-fat dried milk

1-1 lb box Nestle's Quick chocolate mix

1-8 oz jar coffee creamer

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Mix dry ingredients together. To make drink: Mix 1/4 cup cocoa mix to 1 cup hot water.

Coconut Fork Cookies

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup melted shortening

2 eggs

2 1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

pinch salt

1 1/2 cups coconut

2 cups quick oatmeal

Cream sugars and shortening. Add eggs, then dry ingredients. Add coconut and oats last. Roll in balls and press down with fork. Bake 350 degrees F until brown, but not too crisp.

Chocolate Cottage Cheese Cookies

2/3 cup butter

1 2/3 cups sugar

1 cup cottage cheese

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 3/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup cocoa

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in cottage cheese, eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture. Do not add nuts yet. Chill several hours. Form into 1 inch balls, roll in powdered sugar, nuts or granulated sugar. Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes.