Saturday, December 18, 2010

Day 21 - Christmas Cookie Party

~Practically Perfect Christmas~


Christmas Cookie Party


Every year a friend of mine plan the most amazing… yet simple Cookie Party. I am not one for lots of parties and events during Advent, but this is one we do enjoy taking part in!

What we do…

Each woman makes 6 dozen cookies (all the same type). The hostess makes sure there are no “repeat” cookies and that each woman brings a different type. They don’t allow dipped cookies or more than one type of fudge.

We bring them all to the specified house along with an appetizer. We all sit around and talk and eat, until it starts to get late, then we take as many cookies as the hostess will allow from each platter (usually around 10 cookies from dozens of platters).

What we end up with is a HUGE variety of cookies to take home and share with our family. It is a wonderful way to share the burden of Christmas and enjoy living life together with friends.

This is my favorite cookie to make and bring because it is a bit different than most of what you get… plus, they look adorable.


. Dutch Treats .

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened 3 large eggs

8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar

2 cups flour 8 oz. almond paste, cut into cubes

Sliced almonds

Directions:

1. In bowl, cream butter and cream cheese, gradually add the flour, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

2. Roll into 1" balls.

3. Press dough in greased miniature muffin tins -- set aside.

To Prepare Filling:

1. Beat eggs in a mixing bowl, until light and fluffy -- add sugar, beat well. Add almond paste, beat well.

2. Spoon a tablespoon into each cup. Top with three almond slices.

3. Bake at 325* for 25-30 minutes or lightly browned -- and filling is set.

4. Cool for 10 minutes in tins before removing to racks to cool completely.

Yields 5 Dozen



And here is the appetizer recipe I usually make…


Maple Bacon Chicken Fingers

2 chicken breasts uncooked but cubed

1/2 package bacon

1 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon powdered mustard

½ teaspoon ground pepper

Cube raw chicken and wrap in bacon. Secure with a toothpick (allow it to stick up so you can grab it to eat it.)

Mix syrup, mustard and pepper. Dip chicken in mixture.

Place on tin foil lined baking sheet. Cook at *400 for 20 minutes (or until chicken is cooked through).


What fun Christmas parties or events do you enjoy going to?

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