ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, November 27, 1996 TAG: 9611270005
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 8 EDITION: METRO
WHEN time runs short, as it often does around the holidays, baking can be made easy and fun by organizing a cookie exchange. No one knows who started the first cookie exchange, but everyone who has attended one knows why they continue to grow in popularity. Not only do you enjoy a relaxed social gathering, but you bake only one kind of cookie and leave with dozens of different cookies. There's no better way to check ``holiday baking'' off your holiday to-do list.
Guarantee success with the cookies you bake and share by following two simple rules: Follow the recipe, using the type and amount of ingredients specified, and use quality ingredients.
Now is not the time to experiment with untested recipes. Select recipes that are easy to make, impressive to view and delicious to eat.
Bake with products you know. For example, different types and brands of flour have different protein levels that affect moisture absorption and the texture of cookies. When selecting margarine, choose one with no added water - spreads and whipped products contain more water, which will cause cookies to spread and burn.
If you'll be hosting a cookie exchange:
* Set a date well in advance of the holidays, if possible. This avoids conflicts on busy holiday schedules and gives people plenty of time to do their baking.
* Ask each guest to bring only one type of cookie. Keep track of which type of cookie each person is bringing so you don't have any duplicates. Determine how many dozen are needed based on the number of participants.
* Ask guests to bring copies of their cookie recipe.
* Remind everyone to bring containers in which to take the cookies home. Another option is to wrap cookies to give to each guest.
* When guests arrive, set aside some cookies to nibble. Also, provide some other snacks.
* Label and display the cookies.
* Party and socialize first, then divide up the cookies.
* Ask guests to talk about their cookies and the history of the recipe.
* Enjoy! Your holiday cookie baking is completed.
To find out more about cooking up a cookie exchange, send for the free brochure "Cookie Exchange" in care of Arm & Hammer, P.O. Box 130B, Spring House, Pa. 19477.
As long as you're baking, you might want to cook up a few extra batches to give as gifts. Or, you might want to turn your take from the cookie exchange into edible presents. Here are some packaging possibilities:
* Use white cardboard take-out containers, often sold in gift stores. Let your children decorate them, using markers, crayons and festive stickers.
* Pack your cookies in a basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin; cover with clear wrap, and tie with curling ribbon.
* For a special, reusable gift, buy a decorative cookie jar, and fill with assorted cookies.
* Cloth or paper decorative bags make gift-wrapping cookies a snap. Line the bags with tissue paper for extra cushioning before filling with cookies.
If your cookies will be going across the miles to someone, the following tips will help make sure your baked goods arrive intact:
* Pack your cookies in airtight containers that are unbreakable and sturdy. This will protect both the flavor and appearance of the baked goods.
* Pack containers into a box strong enough to protect the containers during handling and shipping. Wrapping a sturdy box with paper is not necessary.
* Cushion contents carefully with crumpled paper (old wrapping paper or newspapers), foam shells or unbuttered, air-popped popcorn.
* To prevent items from shifting, do not leave any empty space in the box.
* Include the delivery name and address on the inside of the package in case the package is damaged.
* Print the address clearly on the outside of the box, on one side only, with smudge-proof ink.
* Always include the ZIP code of both the sender and receiver.
* Do not use string or twine on your package; it can get tangled in the automated mail processing machinery.
- Fleischmann's Margarine, Gold Medal flour, Arm & Hammer, the Hershey Kitchens and The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Recipes for:
CHOCOLATE-PEPPERMINT BISCOTTI
PRALINE LACE COOKIES
PEANUT BUTTER PALS
COFFEE SHORTBREAD
CARAMEL-NUT BROWNIE BARS
LINZER THUMBPRINT SNOWBALLS
HOLIDAY LEMON COOKIES
HOLIDAY OATMEAL COOKIES
CHOCOLATE SUGAR COOKIES
LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: 1. Chocolate-peppermint biscotti (inset) 2. and (onby CNBplate) Praline lace cookies, peanut butter pals, coffee shortbread,
caramel-nut brownie bars and linzer thumbprint snowballs are great
holiday cookie exchanges. color.