The Annual Cookie Quandary
The Annual Cookie Quandary by Tracy Camera Lockhart
It’s that time of year again. Should I make cookies for the holidays, or not? What kind of cookies should I make—old favorites, or go for something more hip and new? Should I host a cookie swap and try and save myself some time? How do I make cookies and not eat all of them? Is it worth the work and stress to make these memories with my children? On and on the arguments, pro and con, start racing around in my head.
While contemplating this conundrum, I decided to take an unscientific poll. The questions I posed were: What is your favorite holiday cookie, and do you think a cookie swap saves you time and money? I not only got answers, I got help. The water aerobics instructor continued my informal poll throughout the day . The coffee shop set up a written question and tally sheet. I got into the spirit and started making phone calls to other friends and cooks. If I was going to solve this problem, clearly more than just one mind was needed.
Information started flowing in. On the question of baking in general, I’m very happy to tell you only one person surveyed would rather stick a fork in her eye than bake. Women of all ages liked baking cookies for the holidays and while the older generation didn’t mind doing so, the younger women complained of time constraints and (I’m sorry to say) lack of experience and skills.
Clearly the hands down favorite cookie was a Russian Tea Cake or Snowball cookie. A very close second was a Frosted Sugar Cookie. These two were liked by all ages and both men and women. So, I thought, if I make cookies, these two should be part of the mix. Other big favorites were the Peanut Blossom - the peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss in the center-, the Kiefle both nut and fruit filled, and a Pecan Tassie, the little pecan tart cookie. Speaking from a traditional standpoint, a few cookies were sadly missing out of the “favorites” category. What about gingerbread people? This is my specialty and favorite! Macaroons, too, were missing and they are one of the very first confections we can actually call a cookie. My informal editor-friend also lamented the absence of that man-favorite and quintessential Ohio specialty the “buckeye”.
In the past, indulgence was expected at religious observances because we couldn’t afford the exotic ingredients needed on an every day basis. This was when oranges, pineapple and apricot fillings, butter pastry, chocolates, and ribbon candy were the most desired and scarce. Let’s face it, today in comparison with the past, everyday is an indulgent day. Whether we frivolously run off to the store to get that missing ingredient, and waste the gasoline, or stop at the drive-thru, ice cream stand or pick up that impulse buy at the drug store, as a nation we aren’t depriving ourselves of sweets.
The most passionate responses I received were about “Cookie Swaps”. Everyone had a horror story about receiving store bought, or slice and bake cookies in exchange for all their hard work on a homemade favorite. I’ve seen it myself. The concept seems to be misconstrued. The “Cookie Swap” isn’t an excuse for a party. It’s about women helping women to make a memorable holiday with a little less stress, but no less quality. It’s about offering the very best to each other so, as women, we can save a little time for ourselves. It’s about sharing our skills, building relationships and learning something new in the process. It’s understanding that if we help each other in this one small way the benefit is much greater.
The pace of life isn’t going to change, so new strategies are called for to deal with it. First and foremost, do less. Grandma made that same holiday dinner because she could do it with her eyes closed. Yes, it was traditional, and it was one less decision to make or worry about. Stick with what you know, and keep it as simple as possible. The same dinner creates a comforting routine for everyone. Enlist help. Your children, sister-in-law, or husband may gripe a bit, but breakdown what needs to be done- from buying gifts to setting the table for dinner to making the cookies and delegate! This will not only make things run more smoothly, but it actually gives children and other family members a sense of belonging and security. They will thank you later.
As for the cookies, make less variety and hide them if necessary. Start now! Make the dough one night and bake the next. Most important, make just one recipe of each kind. If you make four types of cookies, that’s an average sixteen dozen total. Decide on a time to present them, for instance, the week of Christmas and don’t eat any until then. The anticipation alone will make it all seem more special. If you want more variety and don’t have the time, have a small quiet cookie swap with just a few people. Make a deal to exchange three or four types and don’t broadcast your brilliance. Happy Holidays!