The Men's Cookie Exchange, 2003 Arbor Heights Elementary School Seattle, Washington Earlier exchanges: 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998

On December 18, 2003 we celebrated our seventh annual exchange with a different feeling, as we had already done one exchange earlier in the year - a filming with Sara Moulton and the Food Network.  Some of us took the opportunity to branch out a little and try something different.  Below are glimpses of a few moments we hope will brighten your holidays.  Happy New Year! - Robert, Doug, Mark, Keith, Walter, and Dave 

Directions:

1. Find out how many men want to bake cookies.  This is important!  The bakers need to know how many to bake for.

2. Decide on a date and time for the exchange.

3. Bake your cookies! Make one dozen for each guy in the exchange.  Be careful about how you count!  You only need to bake for the other guys, so  don't count yourself.

4. Presentation, presentation, presentation... Arrange your cookies on nice, festive-looking plates. Colored plastic wrap and ribbon are optional here, but fun. 

5. When the day arrives, arrange to meet and share your creations!  You'll be going home with lots of great cookies!

• Bars are also just fine.

• Make copies of your recipe to share with the other bakers.

• Don't skimp on ingredients - use butter, for goodness sake.

• Spouses and significant others are NOT allowed to do your baking!

• Obviously, no Chips Ahoy, Slice 'n Bake, etc.

• Try to avoid recipes by famous women bakers.

• Each guy bring an extra dozen to leave out for the rest of the staff to enjoy.

Article in the Seattle Times, 12/21/01

Here's a real nice page of recipes from Derry Lyons of the Kent School District.  Thanks, Derry!

www.menbakebetter.com