Lauren Chattman

Cookie swaps are fun, social, hip yet old school, trendy yet traditional, creative, inexpensive and a great way to entertain. They can be done for just about any occasion: holidays, birthdays, bridal showers, graduation parties, PTA meetings, fund-raisers, book club meets; and can be set-up in a multitude ... (more)of ways. Former professional pastry chef, baking writer, and cookbook author of The Baking Answer Book, Lauren Chattman has organized a serious collection of more than 60 delectable and easy-to-make, from simple-to-sophisticated, cookie recipes covering every kind of cookie imaginable – from Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies and Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies to Flaky Cardamom Palmiers and Green Tea Sandwich Cookies with Almond Cream. Also included are drink recipes for hot and cold beverages, such as Iced Irish Coffee, Mini Strawberry Milk Shakes and Juicy Sangria – because not every cookie wants milk. Also the author of Cookie Swap!, Lauren is here to show how to organize your own cookie swap party and share with you a variety of cookie recipes, old and new, sweet and savory! Tonight’s menu includes a Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, a fun Midsummer’s Night Dream Bar with Almonds, Chocolate Chips and Sweetened Coconut; Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookie; a new Raspberry Meringue Cookie; impressive Orange Cream Cheese Spirals; and a savory Rosemary-Pecan Sandie. But a cookie swap party is not only about the cookies; you will sip on Mulled Cider (that pairs perfectly with Oatmeal Raisin Cookies) as well as nibble on Prepared Puff Pastry topped with Crumbled Bacon, Sautéed Onions and Fresh Arugula. Cookie Swap! offers an array of suggestions for your guests to enjoy during your party. Copies of Cookie Swap! will be available for purchase on the night of class and Lauren will be happy to personalize yours.