Any interest in the 3rd Annual NYC Holiday Cookie Klatch?

[helios7]

Hey New Yorkers,

Just wondering if anyone was interested in the annual NYC cookie klatch? We usually start talking dates around this time.

In the past we've done a Sunday in December, usually mid-afternoon. I'm willing to host (pretty centrally located in Brooklyn near all trains/parking garage in building) but I can only do it on Sunday December 10th or 17th. But if someone else prefers, I'll gladly pass the torch.

So... any interest?



Mintywiches ... mintywiches.... mintywiches.... mintywiches.... ignore the subliminal message along the bottom of your screen ... mintywiches... :)

[newtricks]

Oh, the mintywiches are beckoning! :)

[KGL]

Hi Helios,
As you know, I'm in Brooklyn too and depending on what the "Klatch" is, and when it is, I might be happy to join too.
Please explain it to me.
Thanks.
Karen

[greysangel]

I was just talking about this with LauraB :D

I'm totally willing to host and of course just eat and make merry :D Maybe we should get some opinions on location? I know for me Brooklyn is a little out there and there are a few other Jersey gals that participate, but if it works for the majority than we should go for it!

minty witches, cranberry slush...mmmmm

ps 10th or 17th is good for me too

[gertdog]

Yes!!! I am interested. Especially if there are mintywiches involved.

I have to admit that I suck, because I had said over the summer that I wanted to organize some kind of cookout klatch at my house, and I never did it. I am happy to offer up my Jersey house for the cookie klatch too, though it is probably a lot less convenient for the car-free city folk. Otherwise, I'll make a public promise to arrange a cookout klatch next spring/summer.

The 10th and 17th are both open for me. (Those are Sundays, right?) Location- whatever works for the majority is fine by me.

Thanks Heather for getting the conversation going!

[SheRa]

i'm in Westchester and would possibly be interested in this. is it just a get together where everyone brings cookies?

[hmclaugh]

Count me in, it is my favorite of cookie parties that I attend during the season!! Both of those weekends work for me.

Barbara look I am over post 100, made it for the end of the year.

[greysangel]

i'm in Westchester and would possibly be interested in this. is it just a get together where everyone brings cookies?

Just to step in and answer :D

A cookie klatch is:

1)get together and eat cookies and maybe other savory goodies
2)get together and drink
3)get together, catch up, chat etc
4)swap cookies!

Depending on how many people attend, everyone agrees to one recipe and you make a half or full dozen for each person and bag them to distribute plus a dozen for the gathering. That way each person goes away with a variety of cookie with only putting effort for one recipe! We usually print out the recipe too to exchange with everyone :)

it's funnnnnnn

[greta]

aaaaackk!
i'm dying here.
i will be moving from long island to the albany, ny area on or around december 8th (which is when we are supposed to close on our house).

i hate to think that i might miss the klatch! :(

sulking on long island, greta

[gertdog]

Greta, I was wondering when you'd be moving! I'm sure it would be a piece of cake to move into a new house, then take a nice drive back down I-87 to come to the klatch a few days later, right? :D

But seriously, if you can't come... :( :( :( but understandable!

[Goin' Coastal]

OK - what are mintywiches, and who is going to share the recipe? :)

[Robyn1007]

OK - what are mintywiches, and who is going to share the recipe? :)

I was thinking the same thing! :D Sounds like a blast, wish I were close enough to participate.

[newtricks]

:D Sounds like a blast, wish I were close enough to participate.

Uh, Lisa numbers came from from Oregon once and Jen (jphilg) flew her pg self up from DC for just a few hours of cookie heaven with us. Just sayin'. :)

[newtricks]

Heather - Brooklyn works for me I. Where are you?

:( I'm sulking too Greta.

[tbb113]

OK - what are mintywiches, and who is going to share the recipe? :)


Search and you shall find (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=83958&highlight=mintywiches) ;)

[greysangel]

Barb can I carpool with you? I tend to get lost due to my horrible sense of direction :o :rolleyes:

I would love to see Jen and Lisa again...hint hint.

And where's kathy????? WE WANT KATHY TOO!

[Laura B]

I'm in! Brooklyn is fine with me, and both of those dates work.

[helios7]

Yay - interest! I was hoping so....

Again, I'm not being greedy. If NJ or somewhere else works for people, as long as my car-less self can get there, I'm there.

I'm in Brooklyn Heights/Cobble Hill. I'd be happy to PM my exact location but I will say that Sahadi's (http://www.sahadis.com/) is not far away. It is unfortunately closed on Sundays, but the Damascus Bakery (http://www.damascusbakery.com/) and several other middle eastern specialty stores which are ALSO very nearby ARE open on Sundays. I'm near the 2/3, 4/5(although this line hasn't run on weekends since March), R, J, M, Z, A, C and F subway trains. And I'm not far from the Atlantic Terminal station of the Long Island Railroad. And if one of those trains doesn't do it for you.... :p And as I said, there's a (probably somewhat expensive) parking garage in the building, or various neighborhood streets with parking round and about.

[newtricks]

Barb can I carpool with you? I tend to get lost due to my horrible sense of direction :o :rolleyes:

I would love to see Jen and Lisa again...hint hint.

And where's kathy????? WE WANT KATHY TOO!

JeAnne - That would be very fun! And I agree, we want everyone! :D

Heather - I lived on President between Smith and Hoyt when I was single so I'm very excited to come to Brooklyn actually! :)

[jphilg]

I'm actually hoping to come again this year! I'll stand by and see what dates look good; DH and I are hoping to get together with some friends in NYC this December and I'm hoping to consolidate the trips. The 17th is more likely to work for me, FWIW.

[greta]

still sulking...but wanted to chime in to say that may be if it's the 17th it's more of a possibility.

stephanie, don't you think 9 days is plenty of time to get settled and drive down 87? ;)

g.

[jphilg]

Greta, COME! Being "settled" is so totally overrated.

[KGL]

Hi- I'd love to be included and either date would work for me. I'm in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Just tell me what to bring, where to bring it and what time.
Looking forward to it!
Karen

[newtricks]

So... can we shoot for the 17th since we might get far flung visitors? Yay Jen and Greta!! :)

Karen and Shera do you guys still have questions? Everyone chooses a cookie to bring. Obviously being foodies we keep an eye on everyone else's to be sure there's a good assortment. We also bring drinks or food to have during the swap. I'm bringing bourbon slush but don't know what cookies I'm bringing.

Heika - now you'll have to go up to 102 or enev 103 at least! :eek: :D

[SheRa]

i'd definitely like to come, but i need to check with DF to make sure he's OK with that date. he might tell me it's too far away for him to think about yet...you know men :rolleyes:

it sounds like a lot of fun though!!

[newtricks]

Shera - make sure he understands that you come home with a bunch of very good cookies. Dh never complains a bit and he gets left home with three kids!

[helios7]

So...

Just so we're all on the same page. It would seem I'm hosting on December 17th... yes?

I will read through the posts and list current attendees and maybes one of these days... promise!

[greysangel]

yes on you hosting the 17th yay!

List (I think):

greysangel
newtricks
kgl
greta
laurab
gertdog
heika
jen - maybe
shera - maybe

any other takers???

[helios7]

Thanks JeAnne. You rock.


Next up - it'll be recipe choosing time folks! Time to start choosing/declaring your intentions. Since I couldn't make it to last years klatch ( :( ), can I assume we'll stick with the more manageable 1/2 dozen per person that we brought at the first one? Or did you all up the ante and go for the full dozen per attendee?

These are after all important questions when selecting recipes. :p

[Laura B]

I think we have done a full dozen both years, but I don't mind just doing 1/2 dozen this year. I'm on a diet and really don't need all of these cookies! :D

I have no idea what to make yet. Will have to do some thinking/testing.

[sage]

Quick hijack here.

For those that have made the mintywiches---what would you guess is the diameter of the ball you get from the rounded 1/4 tsp of dough? These look really good to me (I looooove andes mints). I want to be sure I get the cookies the right size for sandwich making.

End hijack. Back to your regularly scheduled NY cookie klatch planning. :)

Thanks,
-shannon

[greysangel]

My vote would be for the full dozen..especially if it's under 12 people..that way you get 1 dozen each plus 1 dozen for the party. It's great because I don't have to kill myself baking and I get to bring some to work and give some for Chaz' office as well :D

[Angelina]

Can I come too?? I missed last year because NJ is like another planet for me (sorry, JeAnne! :o ), but Brooklyn is much more reasonable.

Yayy!! Cookies!!

P.S. I must have gained 5 pounds last week in Aruba, but I'll go for the full dozen anyway. :)

Angela

[greysangel]

Can I come too?? I missed last year because NJ is like another planet for me (sorry, JeAnne! :o ), but Brooklyn is much more reasonable.

Yayy!! Cookies!!

P.S. I must have gained 5 pounds last week in Aruba, but I'll go for the full dozen anyway. :)

Angela

hey don't be dissin jersey :p Actually that's ok..queens is another world for me too :D

[newtricks]

Yayy!! Cookies!!
Angela

Yayy!! Angela!! :)

[helios7]

Responding to Sage's question -

The balls should be pretty small. Maybe about an inch in diameter. Or at least, that's in a perfect world. Usually when I make them, I get so tired of baking that the balls of dough start getting bigger and bigger just to hurry things along. But they do spread pretty well, so if they're too big the Andes mint gets a little bit lost.

Hope that makes sense.

[sage]

Made the infamous Mintywitches over the weekend. Not too bad work-wise for "ball" cookies. Normally I shy away from anything that makes me a slave to the cookie sheets. In the oven-reload-in the oven-reload...

It does make a good yeild. My little dough balls (using a rounded 1/4 tsp full) ended up being between 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter. The smaller ones fit the candy piece better. The only problem I encountered was that invariably one side of the mint would melt faster than the other so the top cookie would try to slide off of some---got a little messy but not bad. Most of the candy stayed where it was supposed to.

After baking they eneded up being probably 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

I thought they were tasty and would definitely make them again if I was making a cookie tray or taking something to a swap. I got at least 100 little cookies.

The only bad thing about this recipe is that it requires me to have Andes mints in my house. Which is bad. Very bad....

Thanks to Tyra for posting the recipe and to Helios for helping me figure out what size to make the little dough balls.

-Shannon

[KathrynY]

Just poking my head in to wave hello! Is this where I admit I don't think I've ever been to Brooklyn? :o I'd love to come if I can swing it - will check and see what's involved in getting there from here.

[helios7]

Kathryn - Never... been ...to ... Brooklyn?

I promise, it won't hurt at all. :) I hope you'll be able to join us.

Okay... so I'm counting

Me (hosting in wonderful downtown Brooklyn)
Angelina
greysangel
newtricks
kgl
greta
laurab
gertdog
heika
jen - maybe
shera - maybe
KathrynY - Maybe

Hope everyone's sifting through recipes trying to find a good one. I figure not much will happen with this thread until after Thanksgving, but then I promise to give it more attention. Finalize who's bringing what, PM my address etc. I'm very organized.... really! :)

[jphilg]

I'm pretty sure I'm coming, FWIW. And I think I'm bringing coconut bonbons, which are technically candy, but that's what I'm bringing and you'll like it.

[gertdog]

I'm pretty sure I'm coming, FWIW. And I think I'm bringing coconut bonbons, which are technically candy, but that's what I'm bringing and you'll like it.

:D :D :D

Jen's bringing bonbons and we're all gonna like it. Got that? :D

I haven't decided what I'll make yet- am thinking about a chocolate-cherry rugelach- but I'm really looking forward to this. Mintywiches! Bonbons! Hurrah!

[KGL]

Hi all!
I'm looking forward to coming but still not sure which cookie I'm bringing, possibly chocolate lace cookies. My question is, what's the best way to wrap them? For those of you who've participated in the past, what are the various ways you've wrapped yours?
Looking forward to the "Klatch",
Karen, from beautiful Park Slope, Brooklyn

[newtricks]

Kathryn - Never been to Brooklyn! You and your posse should come down on Saturday and make an event of it. Stay at the Marriott, walk the bridge, eat the best pizza in New York (used to be called Patsy's but I think it has a new name now). Brooklyn is good.

Jen - in honor of you letting your mil bring cheese and crackers to your Thanksgiving feast I say bring on the bon bons. I was rolling at your T'giving post and so get it. If you would like to exert control over what I should bring then have at it. :D In other words, I don't know what I'm bringing. Other than bourbon slush.

Karen, I think I've used zip-lock bags for the cookies everyone takes with them.

[Laura B]

This is going to be so fun! I am glad to see that Jen is going to join us again. There's nothing wrong with bonbons. :D

I cannot decide what to make. I am thinking I may do some kind of meringue cookie. Or something chocolate. Or chocolate meringues. Did I mention that I cannot decide?

[greysangel]

yay Jen!!

I think I am going to make rainbow cookies. Or if it looks like a lot of people are doing chocolate, I'll do gingerbread cut outs.

Also let us know if you want some savory offerings. I'll be happy to bring something to chow down on during the partay :D

So did we decide on the full dozen for each? We've got 12 potentials :D

[greysangel]

Me (hosting in wonderful downtown Brooklyn) - mintywiches
Angelina
greysangel - rainbow cookies? gingerbread?
newtricks - bourbon slush
kgl - chocolate lace cookies?
greta
laurab - meringue?
gertdog
heika
jen - coconut bonbons
shera - maybe
KathrynY - Maybe

[hmclaugh]

I think I am going to do carmel thumbprints. That recipe looks appealing to me for some reason. Wish I had some now.

If you need anything savory let me know I will more then gladly make something.

Hieka

[greysangel]

bump :D

Me (hosting in wonderful downtown Brooklyn) - mintywiches
Angelina
greysangel - rainbow cookies? gingerbread?
newtricks - bourbon slush
kgl - chocolate lace cookies?
greta
laurab - meringue?
gertdog
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons
shera - maybe
KathrynY - Maybe

[SheRa]

so is it for sure an entire dozen per person? i'm a little worried that i'd go nuts making 12 for 11 or more people. i bake, but never in such huge quantities. i have a killer peanut butter cookie that i'd probably make. and i still have to get DF to let me know if he's up for it (oh, i suppose i should check and see if it's OK to have your SO come with you to this lovely gathering :cool: ) - i've never driven in NYC or brooklyn, and we only have one car.

[greysangel]

It's always been a gals only...no kiddies and no s.o.'s ..helios?

so is it for sure an entire dozen per person? i'm a little worried that i'd go nuts making 12 for 11 or more people. i bake, but never in such huge quantities. i have a killer peanut butter cookie that i'd probably make. and i still have to get DF to let me know if he's up for it (oh, i suppose i should check and see if it's OK to have your SO come with you to this lovely gathering :cool: ) - i've never driven in NYC or brooklyn, and we only have one car.

[SheRa]

It's always been a gals only...no kiddies and no s.o.'s ..helios?

gotcha.

helios7 - how far is your house from the subway station?

[helios7]

I will go with the group on the gals/guys issue but I will say that while bigger then my last apartment, we are talking NYC apartment here. If the group were to double with S.Os... we are talking standing room ONLY! And, FWIW, my DH will be conveniently off watching football with friends (which is why having these things on Sundays is so convenient) so he will be gone.

My apartment is no more then 5 minutes (if that....5 blocks definitely) from the subway lines I mentioned. And a pretty straight shot....

Hope that helps!

[gertdog]

I'll add my cookie plans to the list- I think I'm going to make Rose's Crescents, which are almond cookies dipped in cinnamon sugar.

Me (hosting in wonderful downtown Brooklyn) - mintywiches
Angelina
greysangel - rainbow cookies? gingerbread?
newtricks - bourbon slush
kgl - chocolate lace cookies?
greta
laurab - meringue?
gertdog- almond crescents
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons
shera - maybe
KathrynY - Maybe

[KGL]

Hi all,
I just wanted to pass along my final cookie choice - Craig Claiborne's Chocolate Macaroons which are a delectable, rich, almond, not coconut, macaroon.

helios-please tell me again which subway is near to you and what the stop is.

newtricks- thanks for the information about cookie packaging

Looking forward to the get-together.
Karen

[SheRa]

i think i'm going to have to pass this time around. it sounds like a blast though, and i definitely want to give it a try in the future.

[greysangel]

There seems to be enough chocolate so I'm going with gingerbread cookies.

Helios - mintywiches
Angelina
greysangel - gingerbread cookies
newtricks - bourbon slush
kgl - chocolate macaroons
greta
laurab - meringues?
gertdog- almond crescents
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons
KathrynY - Maybe


Any status on a dozen? Half dozen? I'm not meaning to be tedious..just trying to plan :o

[Laura B]

I'll go ahead and commit to meringues.

Helios - mintywiches
Angelina
greysangel - gingerbread cookies
newtricks - bourbon slush
kgl - chocolate macaroons
greta
laurab - peppermint and chocolate meringues
gertdog- almond crescents
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons
KathrynY - Maybe

[Angelina]

Since you can never have too many almonds and chocolate for the holidays, I have decided on...

Helios - mintywiches
Angelina - almond kisses
greysangel - gingerbread cookies
newtricks - bourbon slush
kgl - chocolate macaroons
greta
laurab - peppermint and chocolate meringues
gertdog- almond crescents
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons
KathrynY - Maybe

[newtricks]

I really need to figure out what I'm bringing! It will be citrussy though, I've figured that much out because we're somewhat lacking in citrus right? Maybe MS's lime snowflakes - an oldie but a goodie.

JeAnne - you're so not tedious. I'm throwing out that I don't have strong feelings either way - am willing to do a dozen but also happy with 1/2. Anyone? Long distance travellers want to weigh in on this?

SheRa - We'll miss you - I was looking forward to meeting you.

Heather - Do you still need books? I remember you posted about your school library and since I'm coming by car I could certainly bring some if I've got the types that you're looking for.

[SheRa]

SheRa - We'll miss you - I was looking forward to meeting you.

yeah, i really wanted to come, but i just don't think my winter navigational skills will get me from westchester to brooklyn. i've only lived in NY for about 2 1/2 years, and don't venture to the boroughs as often as i'd like to.

[gertdog]

JeAnne - you're so not tedious. I'm throwing out that I don't have strong feelings either way - am willing to do a dozen but also happy with 1/2. Anyone? Long distance travellers want to weigh in on this?

Heather - Do you still need books? I remember you posted about your school library and since I'm coming by car I could certainly bring some if I've got the types that you're looking for.

I'm also happy to do a dozen apiece, but my recipe is one that lends itself well to doubling. If anyone has strong feelings about doing only half-dozen, I'm happy to defer to that. :)

Barbara, I'm so glad you asked about the books- I was thinking the exact same thing a few days ago! Heather, please do let us know the status of your classroom's bookshelves, either here or in a PM.

[jphilg]

I am happy as can be with a dozen or a half dozen. If we are holding steady at 11 swappers, either is do-able.

Fun fun!

[helios7]

Surfacing to be a responsible host....
Finally.....

Okay. After time away for Thanksgiving and my mom arriving this weekend for four days.. I finally have a moment to myself! Whew!

11 people - it's decision time. 1 dozen or half dozen - I could go either way.

Helios - mintywiches/ gingery cheesecakey bar cookie (just as an additional offering because I want to try something new along with my mintywiches)
Angelina
greysangel - gingerbread cookies
newtricks - bourbon slush
kgl - chocolate macaroons
greta
laurab - peppermint and chocolate meringues
gertdog- almond crescents
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons
KathrynY - Maybe

Several people have offered to bring something savory. Sounds great. Here's a second little list IF (and it is so an IF) you are so inclined.

Helios - Hummus, babaghanoush with pita bread and pita chips (I may provide more, but I want to be conservative with what I think I can do since ... it's safer)


And I suppose you'd all like to know where you're going? If you need subway directions, please let me know. If you need driving directions - try google maps! :) Seriously, I don't drive much right now since we don't have a car and live in NYC, but could work on some driving directions if needed. I will work on PMing my address to all over the course of the week.

Am I missing anything else?

KGL - I will PM you soon, promise!

Stephanie and Barbara - my classroom bookshelf is doing okay. If you had homeless books that needed somewhere to live, I'd happily adopt them but my ebay forays this summer were quite productive. Thanks for remembering!

WHEW!

[gertdog]

Heather- what's this? You don't want to be pigeonholed as the Mintywich Lady forevermore? :D

Thanks for the update. I am undecided about driving vs. taking the train- will probably try Mapquesting your address and deciding based on how difficult it looks. ;)

I'll bring something savory too- was thinking of doing the Cranberry-Feta Pinwheels that someone posted on the Great Food board. Does that sound okay?

[jphilg]

Wow....would you believe that it is ACTUALLY cheaper to fly? I think it's about the same as 2 tanks of gas plus the New Jersey Tpk tolls, and half the price of Amtrak, so I'll be in NYC from about 11 until about 8pm on the 17th. Can we pick a time somewhere in there?

Is Patsy's open on Sunday? When in Brooklyn.....

[KGL]

Hi all,
l'll volunteer to bring guacamole and corn chips as my appetizer contribution. Would that be okay with you Heather? Feel free to call me if you want to. I enclosed my number in the PM I sent.
BTW, a full dozen or a half-dozen both work for me. Whatever the group decides, I'm fine with.
Take care all!
Karen

[helios7]

Okay - suggestions for savories eagerly accepted (see new rundown below).

Clever Jen pointed out we don't have a start time. D'oh! 1:00? 2:00? 3:00? What time have we started in the past?

Jen - that's crazy that it's cheaper to fly. Believable, yet crazy.
Regarding Patsy's - it's now called Grimaldi's and yes they are open on Sunday. http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7330989/

Stephanie - I PMed you.


COOKIE RUNDOWN

Helios - mintywiches/ gingery cheesecakey bar cookie (just as an additional offering because I want to try something new along with my mintywiches)
Angelina
greysangel - gingerbread cookies
newtricks - bourbon slush
kgl - chocolate macaroons
greta
laurab - peppermint and chocolate meringues
gertdog- almond crescents
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons
KathrynY - Maybe

Savory Rundown

Helios - Hummus, babaghanoush with pita bread and pita chips (I may provide more, but I want to be conservative with what I think I can do since ... it's safer)
Stephanie (gertdog) - Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Karen - Cornchips and Guacamole

[greysangel]

i see we're being way too democratic here :D

My vote is 2pm and 1 dozen. Everyone is saying they don't mind so someone has to be the decision maker!

yayyy exciting!

ps savory - antipasti

pps - so that is 12 dozen total including a dozen for the party. Don't forget recipes!

[hmclaugh]

Two PM is fine with me as well as a dozen. I will make something savory I just have to think about what to make.

Hieka

[jphilg]

I shall bring the pretzels from my flight. ; )

[KathrynY]

Yikes! Ladies, I am sorry not to have checked back in so long. :o As much as I would love to commit to joining you, my weekends lately have been a blur and I am having a hard time swallowing a 2-hour one-way drive to attend. :( So count me out for now - if I change my mind at the last minute I'll just pop in and enjoy the company, but promise not eat any cookies. ;)

[Laura B]

2pm is fine. I vote for 1/2 dozen.

[helios7]

Okay,

Just finalizing the list as I think it is now. We'll start at 2 pm next Sunday. Let's do a dozen cookies - while there have been a few votes for less, I know I plan on giving mine away so having more to give means less baking for me.

So as of right now that's 9 dozen plus one dozen to share. I'm not counting Greta, because I remember it seeming unlikely she was coming having just moved. But if anyone knows differently, please chime in!

Please bring your cookies, a container in which to take home your new selection of cookies and copies of your recipe.

I haven't sent my address to everyone yet... don't worry, haven't forgotten! I'm going to do that next....

COOKIE RUNDOWN

Helios - mintywiches/ gingery cheesecakey bar cookie
Angelina - almond kisses
greysangel - gingerbread cookies
newtricks - bourbon slush
kgl - chocolate macaroons
laurab - peppermint and chocolate meringues
gertdog- almond crescents
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons
Greta ? - Maybe?

Savory Rundown

Helios - Hummus, babaghanoush with pita bread and pita chips (I may provide more, but I want to be conservative with what I think I can do since ... it's safer)
Stephanie (gertdog) - Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Karen - Cornchips and Guacamole

[newtricks]

:( I have to bow out. Which is bumming me for all the obvious reasons. It's always so much fun but this year things are just too crazy at my house.

Heather - I lived on President between Smith and Hoyt for many years when I was single. So I was very excited to see the old 'hood. But I'm sure that everyone will love Bklyn so much that we'll plan a foodie outing to Brooklyn with a visit to Sahadi's and one of the middle east bakeries, Jaques Torres chocolate shop, culminating in Pizza at Patsy's/Grimaldi's.:D Can ya tell I was really looking forward to the swap??

Have fun guys and take pictures. Waaah.

[Laura B]

Barbara - waaaah! I am so sad that you can't make it. And probably no Greta, either. :(

A dozen it is. I can deal with making a dozen each. I was actually more concerned about receiving a dozen each, but I will plot a way to give most of them away to save myself! :D

[greta]

:( :( :( :(

barbara, i feel your pain!!

there is no possible way i'll be able to join you all. i am sad.

we moved into our new house right near schenectady and albany last monday, and it would probably take me a good 3 hours to get to brooklyn.

(for any lurkers living up this way, give me a shout!).

i will miss you all. i could definitely use the sisterly love (and the COOKIES!!!).

can't wait to see the photos. and to hear all about it.

oxoxo greta

[newtricks]

A dozen it is. I can deal with making a dozen each. I was actually more concerned about receiving a dozen each, but I will plot a way to give most of them away to save myself! :D

Hee hee. I know this feeling exactly. And there's always someone who says " :confused: you can freeze them can't you" Not understanding my love for the cookie - any cookie, even a frozen cookie. ;)

Greta! Hi!! :)

[gertdog]

Barbara and Greta- I'm so sorry we won't be seeing you!! :(

[greysangel]

COOKIE RUNDOWN

Helios - mintywiches/ gingery cheesecakey bar cookie
Angelina - almond kisses
greysangel - gingerbread cookies
kgl - chocolate macaroons
laurab - peppermint and chocolate meringues
gertdog- almond crescents
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons


Savory Rundown

Helios - Hummus, babaghanoush with pita bread and pita chips (I may provide more, but I want to be conservative with what I think I can do since ... it's safer)
Stephanie (gertdog) - Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Karen - Cornchips and Guacamole

Laura are you going via subway from downtown? I'm thinking of coming in instead of driving.

[Laura B]

Laura are you going via subway from downtown? I'm thinking of coming in instead of driving.

Yep! Happy to meet you so we can go over together.

[Laura B]

Y'all, I am a big fat loser -- I have to drop out. :( I have a job starting that is six days a week, so I have to work this Saturday and there is just no way I can get my baking done this week with everything else I also have to do. I'm so sorry to drop out so last minute, but this will spare everyone a dozen cookies to bake this week!

(Jen, I am PMing you!)

[greysangel]

WAH! I'm starting to get afraid to open this thread :(



COOKIE RUNDOWN

Helios - mintywiches/ gingery cheesecakey bar cookie
Angelina - almond kisses
greysangel - gingerbread cookies
kgl - chocolate macaroons
gertdog- almond crescents
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons


Savory Rundown

Helios - Hummus, babaghanoush with pita bread and pita chips (I may provide more, but I want to be conservative with what I think I can do since ... it's safer)
Stephanie (gertdog) - Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Karen - Cornchips and Guacamole

[helios7]

Seriously....

Laura, do you want to just come and hang out? I'm just offering it up as an option, but if you wanted to just come, have a cookie or two but not take any I'd be fine with it. Don't know if that would fit into your schedule or not, but I'm sure folks would rather see you cookieless but see you, then not see you at all.

It's so sad everyone's dropping out...

:(

[Laura B]

Heather,

That was my first thought - just to come hang out - but I honestly think I am going to be pooped and a little frazzled on Sunday. I am so sorry to drop out. I kind of feel like the Grinch. :(

[jphilg]

But its a very fun 7! We'll have a blast, even without those Grinchy types.

(Kidding, kidding.....:D )

It's a tough time of the year. I understand. But no one else drop out, ok?

[Angelina]

But its a very fun 7! We'll have a blast, even without those Grinchy types.

(Kidding, kidding.....:D )

It's a tough time of the year. I understand. But no one else drop out, ok?

:( :( :(

My husband waited till this morning to tell me there is a party on Sunday for his 100 year old grandma. I mean, good for her, she's a lovely woman, but what about my cookies??? :o

Sorry, guys...I really am.

Angela

[greysangel]

alrighty ...so are we still doing this or what? :D

maybe we should just meet up for brunch downtown instead :o

[Angelina]

I even took the day off today, JeAnne, just to start on my baking!! I am home now with nothing to do. I am so mad. :mad:

I guess I should hang up some Christmas lights that my DH won't even bother turning in, leaving it for me when I get home from work late at night...and what is the point of that. :mad:

Angela

[greysangel]

I took off tomorrow but I also promised my coworkers cookies so I'm baking :D

COOKIE RUNDOWN

Helios - mintywiches/ gingery cheesecakey bar cookie
greysangel - gingerbread cookies
kgl - chocolate macaroons
gertdog- almond crescents
heika - caramel thumbprints
jen - coconut bonbons


Savory Rundown

Helios - Hummus, babaghanoush with pita bread and pita chips (I may provide more, but I want to be conservative with what I think I can do since ... it's safer)
Stephanie (gertdog) - Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Karen - Cornchips and Guacamole

[KGL]

Hi fellow Cookie Monsters,
Just wanted to let you all know I'm still looking forward to coming, even if our group is dwindling. I think it will still be fun but if you all decide not to meet, that's okay too.
Hope to see all on Sunday!
Karen

[helios7]

Okay....

I see it as we have two options.

Option 1 - we go ahead with whoever can make it. Which I'm fine with... I'm baking on Saturday so I'm good either way. :) And, unless Jen has a way to use her ticket later or something, I'm figuring she's in NY for the day no matter what.

Option 2 - Which I'm also fine with - we hang on a month or so until things die down and try again. A January cookie swap or something. Valentine's theme maybe? Whatever.

I will go either way... I just feel bad for Jen. She's coming a long way ... and I just want it to be worth it for her! So Jen... what are your thoughts?

[jphilg]

Oh, don't worry about me! I have lunch plans with another friend in NYC, and am really looking forward to a small Christmassy gathering. But if people want to reschedule and try a different type of gathering, no worries at all. I'm fine canceling, too, and I can use my ticket some other time. My only thing is that I'd really like to know sooner rather than later, because my weekend is sort of on hold until we figure it out, as is my husband's, because he's on baby duty.

Really, I abstain from voting, and am perfectly fine with either outcome.

[greta]

in my humble non-attending opinion, i think you'll have a blast with the intimate group you have!!! and i'd be there if my darn husband didn't drag me far away from friends family and cookies!!! :(

cheers!!!
greta

[jphilg]

So, I've been mulling....and I think I'll withdraw my abstain, and maybe vote for option B. If everyone else still wants to come for the MiniSwap, I'll be there, but if maybe trying again, even with something like a brunch in January, works for a bunch of people, that might be more fun.

Mulling.

[greysangel]

my vote is going on as planned. I am home today anyhoo and my dough is chilling as we speak. I think it will be fun and any cookies is good cookies in my book.

[gertdog]

I'm fine with whatever the majority votes, though I do have cookie dough chilling and ready to bake... :) And there's nothing wrong with a small gathering, is there? :)

[bobmark226]

Hey, with JeAnne and Stephanie there, no matter how many more will or won't be, you're still in for some great company!

Have fun, ladies!

Bob

[gertdog]

Thanks, Bob. :)

May I request that we make a firm decision by the end of the day today so that if we're on, everyone knows whether to go ahead and bake or not? Thanks!

[hmclaugh]

I am fine with the majority as well, but I agree with Stephanie if we could know by the end of the day because I have a lot of cookies to fill!!
Hieka

[jphilg]

Ok. I am going to be lame-girl here, but I think I'm out. I will miss you all, and will plan a trip north to the next Cool NY Contingent event that happens. Have fun!

[greysangel]

i guess i'm going to change my vote then...i was kinda hanging in there for Jen :o But now we are down to five and it doesn't seem so bad to just bake five different types of cookies. It would take me a couple of hours via public trans to get there so I'm going to bail as well.

Sorry ladies..hope you all have a great holiday and hopefully we can hang soon!

[gertdog]

Okey doke- let's all plan to get together in January then or whenever it works out. Sorry this year's exchange didn't work out- I guess the calendar is kind of crazy this year with Christmas Eve on a Sunday and this being the last full weekend before Christmas.

Thanks particularly to Heather for organizing and almost-hosting. :)

I hope everyone still has a holiday filled with plenty of cookies!

[hmclaugh]

Happy Holidays everyone and thank you Heather.

Hieka

[helios7]

ARGGGGHHH....

I just survived the fieldtrip from #)%*%. When you receive emails saying "Thanks for being a chaperone on XYZ date and time", and you don't plan on chaperoning - wouldn't you think you'd let the teacher know? 2 out of my 3 chaperones both didn't alert me to this fact in advance. So we started our trip two chaperones short (ie having one)and in total chaos.


Okay - honestly, I would have hosted. But I'm not sorry to have it go away either. As much as I would love to see the 5 ladies who were still game - part of the charm of the cookie swap is the larger group. I'll just sit in my cleaned apartment and admire my christmas tree by myself! ;)

But let's definitely try to organize something in the winter again. I heard lots of Grimaldi's pizza rumblings...maybe we could do a lunch at Grimaldis, a browse around the some of the middle eastern markets and end with cocktails at my place. Just one idea I'm throwing out there...

We can also ditch brooklyn entirely and head back to the city.....:)
Have a good weekend! :)

[newtricks]

But let's definitely try to organize something in the winter again. I heard lots of Grimaldi's pizza rumblings...maybe we could do a lunch at Grimaldis, a browse around the some of the middle eastern markets and end with cocktails at my place. Just one idea I'm throwing out there...

We can also ditch brooklyn entirely and head back to the city.....:)
Have a good weekend! :)


I love the Brooklyn idea - it would get you Brooklynphobes over your fears;) - but also enjoyed my first klatch which was at the Union Square greenmarket so I'm up for something like that too. Oh, oh! I've also never been to the Grand Central Market. Just some thoughts, I would love to see everyone and of course meet some new faces too.

[KGL]

Hi all,
First, thanks so much Heather for offering your home and I hope this disruption hasn't caused you too much inconvenience. So sorry it didn't work out for tomorrow but maybe we could do it at my house in Brooklyn next time (I'm in Park Slope). I'm not totally sure of my schedule but I'm gonna throw the idea out anyway as a possibility. I'm thinking that February would work. And of course, since I've never been to a cookie klatch let alone hosted one, I might need some direction from the "experienced klatchers" in the group. However, if anyone else would rather host, that's fine too.
I have plenty of room so any size group would be just fine (I live in an historic brownstone-125 years old) and the house is very easy to get to (1 block from Flatbush Ave. and all of the buses there, 1 block from the B and Q trains, 3 blocks from the 2 and 3 trains, very close to the LIRR and not too far from the major highways. The city is within a 20 minute train ride and Park Slope is a really beautiful, bustling historic community. For those who feel like venturing out, I'm also within walking distance to Prospect Park, the Botanic Gardens though there wouldn't be much to see this time of the year and the Brooklyn Museum.
So I wish you all happy holidays. I've actually quickly thrown together a family Chanukah party for tomorrow so everything worked out fine for me.
Be well!
Karen

[eas11]

Sorry you guys didn't get to do this again, I was waiting for your cookie reviews- non baker that I am :D
I was wishing I could go- I'll actually be in NY next weekend until Tuesday, but I'm sure everyone's crazy busy with Monday being Christmas.
Karen, I'm actually going to ask my sister take me to Park Slope on Sunday, I think. I've wanted to go to The Clay Pot (I think thats the name?) because I always loves the jewelry she gets there. Also, we'll hit other shops as well, I'm sure!
I'll keep my eyes open for when you revisit a date. Maybe I'll be able to come.

[KGL]

Hi Ellyn,
So glad you're coming to the Slope. Does your sister live there? Clay Pot is a lovely store. I like to buy wedding gifts there because they sell such beautiful and unique items (beside the jewelry). If you like Japanese food, there's a really exceptional restaurant called Yamato that's just a few doors down from Clay Pot. My eldest daughter, who's a sushi fan, swears they make the very best sushi she's ever tasted. She and I really like the White River Roll.
Enjoy your trip to the Slope. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me if you'd like.
Karen