WARNING: Today’s post contains more COOKIES! And it should be the last cookie-centric post for a bit, now that my cookie swaps have wrapped up. To balance things out a bit, I’ll talk about some stuff that isn’t cookie-related. I still know how to!
I had a most excellent workout yesterday in the form of a Step class. Non-stop combos, with cardio intervals mixed in. I performed the moves very well and only had to stop for a break a couple of times. I felt so energized, but by the end of the class I was ready for it to be over. I just love those workouts that boost the mood and provide those endorphins that put the benefits beyond just the physical. Such a fun class! I’ve been a bit of a Step monster lately (I went on Friday and Sunday as well) so I probably will not be doing another one of those classes until Saturday so that I can keep my routine fresh. We’ll see though – I try to do what I like.
This past weekend was full of all things excellent. Delicious coffee…
…as well as one of the best Italian red wines I’ve had in awhile, courtesy of the best package store in town, Sonoma Wines & Spirits. I also participated in a tasting of sherry and port, which I wrote about on Facebook yesterday.
Lidia and I headed back to our alma mater and saw Connecticut Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at Jorgensen. It was an excellent performance (thanks Groupon!) and also made me feel silly, because I didn’t realize that so many orchestra pieces that I know so well are from that ballet!
Gotta get as many holiday pics as possible.
The weekend wrapped up on Sunday night with an excellent dinner of chili topped with leftover coleslaw and black beans. And a festive tiny fork!
And now it’s game time AKA cookie time. I’d like to share the wonderful cookies I was sent by three talented bloogers, through the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap.
My first batch was a pleasant surprise because it arrived earlier than expected, and also on a day when I had been particularly ravenous! Faith of The Stirring Place made my day with her Smookies – NOT to be confused with Snooki.
Each s’mores cookie was different than the rest. Some were drizzled with white chocolate, some were dipped in milk chocolate and sprinkles. But each and every single one contained marshmallows and was honestly one of the best cookies I’ve ever had.
You're drooling, right?
Faith called the cookies a “work in progress” in her note to me. I beg to differ – DON’T CHANGE A THING!
Meg of Eat, Drink, and Be Sperry wins the award for cutest packaging. Snowman wrapping paper, glittery Santa tag, and a green bow – need I say/show more?
She also wins the award for best smelling cookies. As soon as I opened the box, the minty aroma of her Double Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies hit my nostrils and had me ready for dessert.
They retained so much of their softness! Even my picky little brother loved these.
Last, but certainly not least, are Jamie of J-Fit‘s Cookies and Cream Cookies – once again, little brother approved! And more Caitlin-approved packaging – I love cookie tins! My mom practically stuck her nose in the tin, inhaled deeply, and proclaimed, “They smell like ice cream!!”
The card she sent was so cute as well. I love the design! These cookies were amazing – I really lucked out. 3 for 3 with great bloggers and great cookies!
Thank you to the three bloggers who sent me such amazing baking creations!
Which of these three do you think you’d like to try most?
Like this:
Tags: baking, ballet, chili, christmas, coffee, cookies, dinner, nutcracker, weekends, wine
awww thank you!!! your so sweet glad you and your family enjoyed them!!!!
I also shared some with my blogger friend Bethany of “More Fruit Please” and she LOVED them. Said the mint when she bit into them was such a pleasant combo!
SO happy you liked them but so sad they arrived in such bad shape! Ah. Well, next year I’ll take better precautions. This was such a blast!!
Bad shape?! I thought they looked great!
those look like some great cookies
YUM! Nice pix.
just baked a batch of cookies and now i want s’more! (pun intendended)
Bahaha love it! I can see from your latest post that you’re indeed in a holiday mood, so I’m guessing that’s the basis for your cookie bakin!
Mmm these all look great! I just made some gluten free pumpkin chocolate chip cookies the other night!
Soo good!
That sounds BEYOND amazing! I had some pumpkin choc chip cookies from How Sweet It Is on Thanksgiving, and would be curious to try the gluten free to see where the differences in taste lie, if any! I’m sure they were tasty, but I like to compare gluten free to non-gluten free just to see where subtle differences lie.