Tuesday, January 2, 2024

10th Annual Westhaven Cookie Swap

The Tenth Annual Westhaven Cookie Swap took place on Sunday, December 17, 2023. With each participant bringing 6 dozen cookies of one kind to share, we had fifteen varieties of cookies to exchange. It continues to be a great way to build community. I know I certainly enjoyed meeting new neighbors who participated for the first time. Also, it remains the perfect way to simplify my holiday baking. 

Tenth Annual Westhaven Cookie Swap - 2023

Normally, I share a "tried and true" recipe, but not this year. My dear friend Missy unexpectedly gifted me with a Ted Lasso kitchen towel because she knows how much I love that series, and she also knows how many tea towels I use in my cinnamon roll business. When I saw the recipe for "Biscuits with the Boss," I immediately knew that would be my selection for this year's swap. Well, not immediately. To be honest, I first read the recipe and didn't see any buttermilk which is a must ingredient for any good 'ole Southern biscuit. It was only then that I remembered that the British use the term "biscuit" in place of "cookie." (The Great British Bake Off is another favorite series!)

Ted Lasso's Biscuits with the Boss

Here are the other wonderful varieties (in no particular order) with links to each recipe, if available:

Frosted Ginger Cookies

Bourbon Balls

Twix Cookies

Lemonade Frosties

Almond Joy Cookies

White Chocolate & Peanut Butter Delights


Brown Butter Brown Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookie Sparkles

Pfeffernusse

White Chocolate Cranberry Macadamia Nut Cookies



Decorated Christmas Cookies



Thanks to all who participated in this fun event! And for those of you who are concerned about over-indulging during the holidays, I learned from a neighbor:

"It's December! Those are Jesus calories!" 

And now who is going to argue with that?




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Wednesday, December 13, 2023

My Favorite Things Party - 2023

This is the 10th year I've been documenting what is exchanged at the My Favorite Things parties I attend each Christmas season. It never gets old! (You can search this blog for previous seasons.) I've attended two of these parties so far this year. 

If you're not familiar with this party theme, check out the details here. Here is what I brought to past parties that still remain as some of my favorites:

For one of my parties this year, I brought these amazing kitchen scissors that I use almost daily. I got them at the Le Creuset outlet at the beach this summer, and they were half the price that I'm seeing now. For my second party, I talked about how espresso martinis are currently one of my most favorite things. . . specifically the one served at Stable Reserve, a new bar in downtown Franklin. Since I couldn't wrap a martini, I gave $15 gift cards to Stable Reserve.

Although I'm certain I may have overlooked some items, here are some of the other favorite things shared from both parties (in no particular order):


May your shopping days for stocking stuffers now be merry and bright!
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Thursday, December 15, 2022

9th Annual Westhaven Cookie Swap

Although the crowd was smaller than usual, 9 of us enjoyed exchanging cookies at the Ninth Annual Westhaven Cookie Swap this past Sunday. We each brought 6 dozen cookies of one kind to share. Even with a small group, each of us ended up with a wonderful variety! During the pandemic, each participant individually wrapped each cookie for a responsible and safe event. We continued that process change given its popularity. Such a great way to build community and simplify my holiday baking!

9 Different Varieties!

Ninth Annual Westhaven Cookie Swap (2022)

I made something new this year. Years ago, I had saved a recipe for Orange Coconut Snowballs. Since "my blood runneth orange," I made these in honor of UT's great football season this year. They're super easy to make, and there is no baking involved. I loved them!

Orange Coconut Snowballs

Here are the other wonderful varieties (in no particular order):


Small Batch Almond Joy Cookies
(Leave out the almonds for a delicious Mounds cookie!)

Italian Lemon Ricotta Christmas Cookie



Unfussy Sugar Cookies

Raspberry Chocolate Meringues


Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookie

Iced Butter Cookies


Triple Chocolate Cookie

Lemon White Chocolate Cake Mix Cookie
Have the sweetest Christmas ever!
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Sunday, December 11, 2022

My Favorite Things Party - 2022

One of my favorite things this time of year is a My Favorite Things party. I've already attended several this season! If you're not familiar with this party theme, check out the details here. This year, the limit for each gift was typically $10-15. Here is what I brought to past parties that still remain as some of my favorites:

This year, I brought:
Christmas Tree Book Case


Although I'm certain I may have overlooked some items, here are some of the other favorite things shared from all three parties (in no particular order):

Hopefully this will help give you ideas for last minute stocking stuffers!
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Sunday, December 19, 2021

My Favorite Things Party 2021

A My Favorite Things party is starting to catch on with so many of my friend groups, and I love it! I just finished attending my 4th party of this kind for this Christmas season, and it never gets old. In fact, after last night's party, one newbie exclaimed, "Let's do this again next week!" Haha

If you're not familiar with this party theme, check out the details here. Like last year, the limit for each gift was $15-20. Here is what I brought to past parties that still remain as some of my favorites:


The gifts that I brought to the various parties this year include:
Although I'm certain I may have overlooked some items, here are some of the other favorite things shared from all four parties (in no particular order):

I know Christmas is right around the corner, but hopefully this will help give you ideas for last minute stocking stuffers!



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