The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap

I had the HONOR of being part of 'The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap 2012'!!!!

I saw this idea on another fellow blogger's site and thought it'd be a great idea to be part of such a wonderful swap and challenge.  We each paid $4 to be apart of this wonderful event and the proceeds would go towards Cookies for Kids' Cancer. OXO was also involved and matched the amount that everyone paid.

I was surprised at how challenging I actually found the swap. Everyone entered had to try out a NEW cookie recipe and make 3 dozen cookies. We were given 3 random recipients and each one of these lovely people would receive 1 dozen of the cookies made. 

My husband, 'AKA Taste Tester', helped me find a cookie recipe that was new and sounded delish. I have to admit that I usually stick with recipes that I know and love and am somewhat fearful of trying something new. Especially when this new cookie recipe will be offered to others. We tried several recipes and tried to pick something that people would enjoy. 

We settled on the "Almost Black They're So Cocoa Cookies" recipe right from the 'Best Bake Sale Cookbook' that also benefits 'Cookies for Kids' Cancer'. 

The cookies turned out great and everyone in my home enjoyed them. 

Recipe:

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperaure
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 kosher salt
1 cup walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts, lightly toasted

- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper
- Place the butter and sugar in the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle and beat until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla, one at a time, beating well between additions. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Place the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl and mix well. Gradually add to the butter mixture and beat until everything is well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat again. 
- Place heaping teaspoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake until the edges begin to firm up, 12 to 14 minutes. 

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My cookies went to: 

1. Mercedes @ www.satisfymysweettooth.com in Minneapolis, MN

2. Rosie @ forkpenmouth.wordpress.com in Berkeley, CA

3. Amanda @ www.culinaryquirks.com in Rochester, NY

I hope they enjoyed them!!!!!   

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I also received 3 wonderful packages in the mail from fellow bloggers. 

The first package came from Hannah over at www.catsandcommas.wordpress.com

Her cookies were Cranberry Noels dipped in white chocolate. They were amazing. 

The second package from Liz and Janice over at mealmakeovermoms.com/kitchen.

Their cookies were a Monster Cookie with cranberries and chocolate chips and chocolate sunflower seed drops. They were also amazing. 

The third and final package came from Ali at www.cheaterbites.com

Her cookies were Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. They were also a big hit in my house. 

All these ladies made me feel like I stressed over nothing and that the main reason to do this was for the fun. "It doesn't matter if you win or lose, it's how you play the game...." Well, play the game, we did!!! and it was SO much fun. 

Note to self for next year: Have more fun with the Process!!! 

So try my recipe and see how you like it. Also, check out these wonderful food bloggers. They have great ideas and such BIG HEARTS!!!!!!!