2011 Cookie Swap

For the past three years I have hosted a Christmas Cookie Swap. I always enjoy celebrating the season with my friends and family. This event is great because we make a few dozen cookies and then leave with a variety of yummy cookies. A winter wonderland was the theme this year and my color palette was blue, white and silver. I got most of the decorations at the dollar store which is great for fun touches on the cheap. I served light appetizers as this party was in the afternoon and we also had punch and a hot cocoa bar.  Everyone had a great time hanging out and tasting the delicious treats.

                                                                  Arctic Frost Punch

                                                             Snowflake Centerpiece

                                                              Christmas Cookies

                                                                    Hot Cocoa Bar

                                                                     Appetizer Setup

Bubblegum cupcakes

I have been thinking about bubblegum flavored cupcakes for a few months now. I was in Hobby Lobby last week and found Lorann brand concentrated bubblegum flavoring. So I figured now was a good time to test them out. I used a basic vanilla cupcake recipe and added sprinkles for a "funfetti" cake. I then made a cream cheese buttercream frosting and added a little bit (maybe a teaspoon) of the flavoring...a little goes a long way! I also dyed the frosting pink because in my mind that is the classic bubblegum color. The cupcakes turned out so cute and I added rainbow sprinkles and a gumball as garnish. If you are planning a kids party I am sure these would be a fun hit.