Cookie exchanges a tasty holiday tradition

Around the start of November, after the candy-fuelled sugar high from Halloween passes, my taste buds start to crave the delicious and comforting cookies of the holiday season.

One year, my cravings were insatiable but I wasn’t about to bake piles of cookies as my husband and I didn’t need the temptation to overindulging in our house. After some thought, I asked my co-workers what they thought about having a cookie exchange before the Christmas holidays. Being that a few of them were on their own or were short on time due to busy family activities, they loved the idea. Perfect!

We agreed that we would have our exchange following our December department meeting and that we would each bring one to two dozen of a single cookie. In the end, we each went home with about 20 different delectable cookies — a huge bonus for a small investment of time! Four years later, we continue the tradition and we always look forward to the tasty selection of cookies we get to bring home.

Here are a few pro tips for your cookie exchange:

• Plan your exchange so you have enough time to visit and enjoy the experience. The holidays are so busy and rushed as it is.

• You can make a list of who is bringing what cookie or just let it be a surprise. In my experience, there’s never been a duplicate recipe as everyone always adds their own special touch.

• Make your exchange a party — serve punch or a hot beverage, have snacks, play Christmas music.

• Don’t forget to bring an empty container to take home your haul.

• Bring a few copies of the recipe you made to share with anyone that wants it.

If you need recipe inspiration, check out the Lethbridge Public Library’s extensive collection of holiday magazines and recipe books.

Best wishes and happy baking this holiday season!