I just sent out invitations to my 7th annual cookie exchange to 30 neighbors. Sometimes I think I want to take a year off, but i fear revolt in the neighborhood if I do (and the revolt would be from all their kids)! I send out "guidelines" that state basics such as no chocolate chip cookies, flour must be a main ingredient and cookies must be baked (not no-bake). Every year it seems that someone doesn't follow the instructions; I do find it frustrating but remind myself that not everyone is as enthusiastic a baker as am I, and that part of the reason for the exchange is to socialize with friends and neighbors, may of whom I don't see frequently. I guess if I was concerned about having cookies that are exactly what I would bake, I wouldn't have the party, but then the selection in my house would be pretty limited. I collect everyone's recipe in advance and put them in a "cookie book" that I email to my guests after the party. A couple of years ago, I also implemented voting for serious and fun categories, like "best looking cookie," "even better than it looks," "most sinful" and more. This has become serious competition!

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