When I was a kid, it was always the wrapped packages under the tree that got me excited during the holidays. As I’ve gotten older, I’m more likely to enthuse over the tins of pastries, bars, pies, tarts and — especially — cookies that start piling up on the kitchen counter around mid-November. Call me old fashioned, but there is something so touching about homemade treats, created with care to be shared with others.

In the past, I’ve made baked goods for friends and family. But this year I’ll be spreading the love through a project begun by Lydia from The Perfect Pantry. She has taken the wonder of a handmade cookie and turned it into a charity event called Drop in and Decorate.

It’s a simple concept: bake a bunch of cookies, make up some icing, and invite people over. With friends, you put your creative impulses to work and turn plain cookies into works of sugary art. When the cookies are all decorated, you pack them up and send them off to the shelter, food bank or donation center of your choice.

It’s a great idea overall, but I especially love that it’s not an event that has to occur from October and December. You could Drop In and Decorate for Mothers Day, the summer solstice, Easter, Veterans Day or even General Pulaski day. Whenever you decide to do it, you can find resources and ideas on the Drop in and Decorate homepage.

Posted by claire in other people's food | | Subscribe to this feed