Throw yourself a Cookie Swap party for the holidays! (Warning Recipe EXTRAVAGANZZZZA)

Last night brought a bit of a crowd into my apartment. This wasn't just for any holiday party...no, folks it was for a Cookie Swap. It was a devious device used to get a good variety of cookies floating around without spending weeks baking cookies. The whole game was as follows; everyone brings some cookies (homemade, from a tube, from the local market) and a container to carry cookies home in, the cookies get set out on a table to be sampled, everyone loads up containers and carries home what cookies they prefer. We ended up with a pretty good spread of cookies. I brought Coffee Spice Shortbread with Crystallized Ginger and Ambrosia Macaroons to the party. They both turned out pretty well, but if you are anti-ginger or anti-orange  you may not want to bake both of these.

To counteract the sugar rush that would ensue after an evening full of cookie sampling, we had a table full of savory treats. We had some healthy snacks in the form of some Crudites and Dressing,  some delish Baked Brie with water crackers, Cheese Puffs ( which were A-MAZING! best fresh out of the oven with a bit of butter), I also made some Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts in little mini pie crusts (which are always a hit - pretty much a standard make at parties I throw).

Some other quick apps that can become standard at your next party....

Lightly Roasted Asparagus
   Take one bunch of asparagus and wash. Hold both ends of each stalk and snap. It will naturally break at the point you need it too, and the tough ends are gone. Put your asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven for 4 minutes at 400*F. It will be lightly roasted and still crisp. Great with dip for parties.

Puff Pastry Twists
  Thaw your frozen puff pastry according to directions. Fold out and drizzle with olive oil or brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder and chopped fresh herbs of choice ( I like Oregano and Thyme). Cut into 1 1/2 inch ribbons, twist and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350*F for about 15 - 20 minutes. They are done when lightly brown and fluffy.

 Roasted Gnocchi     (warning: when this gets cold, it gets a little tough - make sure it is served hot) 
    Get a package of gnocchi, preferrably potato - it's usually near the pasta at the grocery store, and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 350* for about 20 minutes or so. It will be done when the edges are just a bit brown. Serve hot with marinara sauce as a dip.


   Now you know some of my entertaining secret recipes...make these and people will rave.

                                                   Have a Happy Holiday season folks!