The Baker?

Chocolate Dipped cookies laid out to dry last December

     Growing up my mom always made piles and piles of christmas cookies. Many different varieties. They were always given out to friends and of course plenty stayed for us to eat. As I got older I was allowed to help make them. She wasn't always thrilled but one year after burning the chocolate while melting it on the stove one too many times she let me take over. When I melted it in the microwave she was horrified. When she saw how easy it was and that it melted fine she began doing it that way too.
       Now in my own home with my own kids we make piles and piles of christmas cookies. Yes it is definitely easier and quicker when they don't help. But their helping is part of the fun and tradition. I don't make all the same kinds my mom used to. Some years I make more than others. Some years I try out a new cookie or two. For as long as I've been making them and giving them out I've been told I should sell them. I never thought much of it because I figured it would ruin the fun of making them. And besides would people really pay for them?
     Yesterday it was again suggested to me. This time I thought, "maybe." A few months ago a road was closed by us and traffic was diverted up our street. I had made some cookies a few days before and there were still a bunch laying around. Emily had been talking about trying to have a lemonade stand a lot around this time. Well I didn't have any paper cups to sell lemonade in but we had cookies and a captive bunch of travelers. Andrew made the sign and Robert and Emily sold every last cookie we had for a quarter a piece. They made $20. I guess that's why I figured maybe it was time to try it.
     I had to make sure my husband was on board as I would need his help. He could also possibly get orders from lots of people at work who had ordered girl scout cookies from Em two years ago. So, I've been brainstorming and playing test kitchen for a lot of the day. And it's really been a lot of fun. I'm not sure how it'll go or if it'll go for that matter but we'll see. I made up my own peanut butter chip cookie that came out well I thought. After everyone returned home from school and ate them all I knew it came out great.
     Maybe it'll just be for this season, maybe not. Maybe I'll get sick of it real quick or have no takers. I'll play test for a little longer and get some pictures and prices and things together. Then we'll see how it goes. My computer geek husband will set it up online and we'll see what happens I guess. Even if I only make a little christmas shopping money it'll be fun and interesting I'm sure. And at least I'll feel like I'm doing something, or at least trying to, in the meantime.