The holidays are full of traditions, but the friendly "cookie exchange" is a tradition I can ESPECIALLY do without. For obvious reasons, the cookie exchange parties should be banned and forgotten all together. Why you ask?
It has nothing to do with the eighteen pounds you gain at the "exchange" and more to do with the rules and regulations surrounding the "icky biscuit trade."
Rule #1 involves the mass quantity of hot, homemade cookies needed to enter the exchange. As if I have enough time on my hands to embark on an all day bake off, making SIX dozen or so cookies for a half dozen acquaintances. Not to mention, the "sample tray" of another dozen.
Rule #2 is that the cookies must be homemade. Did I mention this in Rule #1? So, scratching the letters O-R-E-O won't be accepted at the "mistletoe-adorned and silver foiled, wrapping paper covered" front door! (Hey why do people THINK this looks good? I admit I have done this "cheapo door decorating" trick, but... boy its tacky!- Just a side note, sorry, back to the cookie crap!)
Rule#3 relates to the types of cookies no one wants. These may include: any cookie that involves a thumbprint, fruit centers or molasses. Fruitcakes will be turned away too.
Rule #4 says the baker may not arrive with ONE giant cookie, like the ones found at the food court in the mall. This is a sure fire way to NEVER be welcomed back to these Holiday Aproned Betty Crockers...and yes, its a good thing!
Rule #5 asks you to divulge your recipe to the eager beavers who want to make your long lost Auntie's macaroon recipe. There's usually one gal who " accidentally" leaves out one essential ingredient, such as oh... sugar or... butter! This insures others of NEVER baking the cookie " just right". And, that is just SO WRONG!
However, maybe I am just exposing the real reason for my bittersweet dislike for the whole cookie exchange. Because, as I leave for home, I notice all my foil embossed holiday recipe cards blowing down the street...only later to receive a phone call from the local emergency room asking me for a "sample" of my cookie.
Go figure, a couple people did eat my cookie AFTER ALL!
