Holiday Party: Top Chef-Inspired Cookie Exchange
In a season of indulgences, why not continue the theme and host a bubbles and sweets cookie exchange? Instead of purchasing gifts, ask each guest to make their "best" decadent cookie recipe, bring along the recipe to share. In true Top Chef form, you and your guests will then act as the panel of judges to determine which cookie is best.
Attire: Festive holiday attire. Funny aprons required.
Drink: Bubbly and hot chocolate. Swap out the cinnamon, and choose dark chocolate over Mexican chocolate, then add your favorite hard liquor for the ultimate holiday drink.
Eat: Cookies of course! Depending on how many guests you invite, each should bring 3-4 cookies per person, so that each guest can try one or two at the party, and bring two home to savor later. Guests can bring cookies of their own creation, or check out these recipes for inspiration.
Activity: Trading and rating cookies! Display all the cookies on one buffet table, and then label each cookie plate with a number. Create a judging sheet, and have each guest taste each cookie and rank them from top-rated (10) to least-liked (1). After all the points are tallied, the cookie with the most points wins.
Winner takes home a fun holiday cookie cutter, while the rest of the guests will take home a copy of the winning recipe. Don't forget to supply plain boxes and parchment paper — or little holiday-themed paper bags — for guests to package up the treats to take home.