Even the pandemic couldn't stop the enthusiasm and participation in the Seventh Annual Westhaven Cookie Exchange this past Sunday! We just needed to make a few modifications to ensure a responsible and safe event: we limited the number of sign-ups, masks were required, each cookie was individually wrapped, and social distancing between participants was practiced. It remains one of my favorite events to build community and simplify my holiday baking.
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| 18 Different Varieties! |
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| Seventh Annual Westhaven Cookie Exchange - 2020 |
This year, we had 17 participants who each brought at least 6 dozen cookies of one kind. It still baffles me how duplicates are rare. As always, each variety is delicious and comes with a sweet story. For example, Beth Ann Stromatt reminisced how her grandmother would time her cookie baking so that they would be fresh from the oven as she came home from school. What a sweet legacy!
I made something new this year. I wanted to make a gluten-free variety so that Max, my new son-in-law, could enjoy them. Keely suggested hot chocolate lace cookies from halfbakedharvest.com. So good! I'll be making these again. They reminded me of a milono cookie, except these have a soft, chewy texture.
Here are the other wonderful varieties (in no particular order):
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| Iced Sugar Cookies - Andrea Davis |
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| Swedish Ginger Cookies - Michele Stephens |
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| Grinch Cookies - Lara Travis |
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| Triple Layer Ooey Gooeys - Cindy Barker |
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| Swedish Spritz Cookies - Barbara Wetzell |
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| Spicy Oatmeal Cookies - Beth Ann Stromatt |
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| Chocolate Chip Cookies - Barbara Forbes |
No doubt family members will be delighted with the variety of baked goods now available to enjoy. Cindy Barker's son said, "This is the best Westhaven mom event you've ever been a part of!" (I'm thinking her smart college guy knew he was going to be on the receiving end of some of these goodies.) Regardless of the reason, I couldn't agree more! :)
