From the spreadsheet to the baking sheet, my annual experiment in small batch gift giving is over for another year. While I didn’t have as much time to labor over every single sprinkle and glaze this year, and I was down 4 hands as Kevin was under the weather and Amy didn’t come home from L.A. until just yesterday, I think the 2012 Cookie Boxes turned out pretty darned tasty!
Cookie Boxes were bursting with: Big Buttery Snowflakes. Chocolate Espresso Snowcaps. Lemon Wreaths…
Lime Glazed Shortbread. Jumbo Fancy Candy Canes. Gingerbread Reindeer…
Chocolate Chip Meringues. Walnut Fudge. Bittersweet Hazelnut Bites. Almond Diamonds…
Peppermint Bark. And Santa’s Sleigh…
I made 30 boxes total. Large ones for groups like Kevin’s team at KEXP and smaller ones for individuals like Charlie’s Godmom, Carol. The process started before Thanksgiving and I still have one box to deliver to Super G. There were first time recipients like my coworkers at Jet City Stream, and folks who’ve been there since the start like Jodi’s husband David, who might just be my biggest baking fan. Sadly, there are some folks who won’t be getting cookies this year who might have gotten them in the past, my Chicago family, for instance, because I haven’t cracked the nut of sending them in the mail. Maybe that will be a goal for next year.
Honestly, I wish I could bake a small batch of cookies for everyone I know. I love the whole, long, turbulent, fattening, fun, painstaking process. My friends always seem grateful when I deliver their box, but I get the biggest gift of all because my noisy, meandering mind focus. That is a win win. So here’s to the 12 Cookies Of Christmas and to spreading and receiving joy this year. Because sometimes one act can do both. And who couldn’t use more joy?
So that’s a wrap on Christmas 2012. May yours be merry and filled to the brim with sweetness. Love, Shawn
These all look great!! I love the reindeer and the sleigh! Happy Holidays!