The infamous cookie swap

If you belong to any group or work in an office environment, most likely you have just been hit with an email urging you to participate in the annual Cookie Swap.  A good thing: you get a huge assortment of cookies to have in your home over the season, some you have never heard of, some from different cultures and others you wouldn't dare try to create.  Better to have one dozen of ten different cookies than ten dozen shortbread hanging around and with a great savings to your wallet. On a less positive note, who the hell knows what you are getting.  How many forms of rice krispie squares can one person endure? 

Well, if you are in need of some inspiration for your own home, for homemade gifts or hostess gifts or to wow the office Cookie Swap, here are a few ideas.  Over the next week I will be posting some of my favorite recipes from biscotti to some new finds.  Until then, check out the food network website for their annual collaboration of cookies from some of your favorite TV Chefs:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/

Here is their list of top holiday cookies: http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/top-holiday-cookies/pictures/index.html

Lemon Ricotta Cookies with sweet citrus glaze - we always have a lemon cookie in our house over Christmas, and this might be our choice this year!

Easy to make (about 12 minutes) Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies

No ordinary Macaroons - a Paradise version - what better when the weather outside is frightful?

A little bit of everything: part cookie, chocolate and peppermint.  Perfect with a glass of milk or hot chocolate! Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

My husband loves meringue and I love chocolate - this is the perfect marriage!  Chocolate Covered Snow Peaks

Thanks Food Network for some fabulous ideas to grace our plates and stomachs this Christmas!