Tis the Season!

Ok, I have failed miserably at posting lately. I will try not to make excuses for myself but I have been busy...really....ok, not busy, just distracted. Ok, not distracted, just lazy. I'll just blame it on the economy. That seems to work for everything else :) Anyways, I just needed a little something to kick my butt back into gear. I needed motivation. I needed desire. I needed a newfound enthusiasm. I needed...something. Well, now I have it! The air is crisper. College football is in full throttle. Stores are getting busier. Calendars are being filled up. All because of the delight of what is just around the corner. THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

What better time to pick back up my baking than the holiday season. There are new recipes to try. Cookies to bake. Turkeys to roast. A casserole to mess up :) I have been getting more and more excited every week about all of the yummy holiday food that is around the corner. My mind has been filled with visions of sugar plums...oh wait, that is another story. Anyways, the point is, I am ready. I am ready to bake again. I am ready to douse myself with flour and dive head first into the kitchen.

I really must give a little credit to my friend Melissa who helped inspire me because she had the great idea of having a cooking swapping party. I had never heard of a cookie swapping party before but the second I heard the words "cookies" and "cocktails" I was sold.

Christmas Cookie Swapping Party:

Essentially, the party goes like this: Everyone bakes a dozen or so of their favorite cookie or candy (or whatever delicious-ness you can think of) for each person that is attending, plus a few extra cookies to munch on at the party. Usually about 10-12 people participate. At the end of the party everyone goes home with a large variety of cookies. It is perfect because it gives you something to bring to Christmas parties and other holiday functions. It is also just a good excuse to get together with your girlfriends and share recipes and be merry.

It should be a fun time! I plan to try out several recipes for the party. Actually, before the party so I know which ones are the best. I am trying my first this weekend. Stay tuned!