I am hosting my 19th annual Cooking Exchange in December. I feel like I have it down to a science, although every year there is something different with some new and old friends. I have learned to let people know how many guests will be coming (usually around 12-18) so they can wrap cookies in decorative bags so they are easily distributed. After people arrive we have homemade soups and goodies and talk. Then each person shows a sample of their cookies and talks about the recipe, whether it is an old family recipe, from a magazine, or any hints or suggestions. Following that we have a rich, yummy dessert and coffee so we don't eat the cookies! The idea is to take them home and have them for the holidays. Before they go, they gather round the table and take a bag of each kind if they want them. Any leftover or extra cookies I bring to a local shelter for battered women. The shelter looks forward to this every year. I always have some kind of remembrance for my guests too. A little gingerbread ornament or cookie cutter... I love the idea of sharing each cookie's "story". I'm such a baking nerd and would want to hear all of them! kelsey

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