Check check. 1, 2, 3, 4. Check check. [tap tap tap] Is this thing on? Wow, I feel like it's been awhile since I've babbled food talk here. Actually, it has, as I've been overseas in the Philippines for 3 weeks - which should have been for only 2 - but more on that later. And then this past week I've been dealing with this weird illness, virus, infection thing that has thankfully gotten under control thanks to numerous doctor visits and a handful of steroids. Gah! But now that I can actually eat real food again and not feel nauseous.... and my jetlag has also subsided, it's all in perfect timing for the 12 days to Christmas Countdown! Don't worry, I'll catch you up to date on all the crazy adventures of life abroad on the islands and everything but let's finally talk some holiday food! In the next 12 days, I'll be sharing a nice mix of holiday foodstuff from recipes, events, gift ideas, giveaways, etc... so be sure to visit often as you may never know what or when I'll be spreading some extra special holiday cheer!

To kick things off, I recently hosted a holiday cookie swap here in Chicago with fellow food bloggers. We had a great turnout of friends and treats, making for one delicious time. Everyone was asked to bring 24 (2 dozen) cookies to share in which some were to sample and the rest were to package up to take home. And as expected, food bloggers went above and beyond and made more than enough to go around!

For the swap, I purchased cute treat trays with lining paper and a bow. This made it easy for guests to pack up cookies and have them ready to take to a party, give as a gift or just have nicely wrapped for themselves to enjoy at home. [I found these treat trays at Walmart!]

At our culinary teaching space, I put together a hot cocoa bar with a variety of different flavored cocoas, a few kinds of marshmallows (french vanilla, peppermint, chocolate and toasted coconut), some white chocolate and caramel syrup, candy canes and whipped cream too. It was the perfect drink offering for all the cookies in store.

After enjoying hot cocoa with friends, we all dug in! Each of us shared a bit about the cookie/treats we made and why we chose it... and before long, we all were filling up our treat trays and nibbling on our stash. It was a great time and I've always enjoyed hosting holiday cookie swaps.

Have you ever hosted or attended a cookie swap? Share a comment below with what your favorite cookie swap cookie is and you may just win my special cookie baking gift set that includes: