Fightin' Cookies

Lurlene is out of the office this week on a special assignment with Santa, however, always having a stash that can be used to embarrass you at any time, here is an old Bellevue Supper Club Holiday Cookie letter to bring back a few memories. This was the year of the "Fightin' Cookie"

Sweet and Savory Holiday Wishes from The Bellevue Supper Club December, 2008

Start with ten people that shared no biological kinship or previous personal history. Add diversity in age, race, gender, and faith. Place them gently within a city block sided by Claremont, Greycourt, and Lamont Streets, in a tree-lined neighborhood named “Bellevue” in a small southern city called Richmond, and watch the miracle unfold. We were brought together and remain together, in this very special place which we call “The Friendly Village.”

When you open this container, we hope you will know that you are very special to someone in this group….and that makes you special to all of us.

This is our second gathering to prepare treats to share. Some are rich in family history, some are “NOT”. Some of us cook and some of us “clean up” the mess. But we all love our new tradition and even fight over who is baking what…except for Myra…who was given her own special recipe by Our Lady of Greycourt (Saint Joan). No matter the origin, please know that we packed these in an atmosphere of love and festivity…the holiday music was playing, the tree was lit and so were we! We hope you taste our blessings with each bite.

From Leah Rishona: “I'll be dropping cookies off at Nancy's. Two kinds: Banana Ginger Jumbles and Brownie Drop Cookies.” I'm not gonna participate, but I want some for my Mom, thanks and don't leave them on my step! I don't want folks thinkin' I'm not home. And if you see the postman let me know, he messed up again!

From Nancy and Butch: “I’m sticking to what I know, Peppersoka One of my Mother’s recipes, I'm even making it with her cookie press. Making Mom's favorite cookie called ‘Sleigh Bells,’ which are really just a fruit cake type of cookie....not to be confused with Jude’s wonderful fruitcake! Oh, and I almost forgot…. ‘Forgotten Cookies’.....a recipe from my Aunt Mary…it was one of my favorites when I was a child. (Not so much anymore)

From Dennis: As talented as he is articulate, Dennis says, “I’m making short bread and two kinds of cracker type thingys.” So as you look over your selection and you see what looks like a “Cracker thingies,” then you know that is Dennis’s.

From Jude: Jude and Nancy started “Fruitcake Day” last year. They get together to chop, mix, stir and bake. The rest of us get to sample Mr. Jude’s Fabulous Fruitcake! Jude also makes cookies but he likes things simple…his cookies are simple. He won’t say anything more.

From Myra: As you remember….Myra doesn’t cook. So she was gifted a “No Cook” alcohol based cookie that has been a staple of our Lady of Greycourt, Saint Joan. Myra tried to get her cousin to make these for her. Then she batted her eyes at Jude and Butch. Nancy threatened her with a plague of locust so she claims to have actually gone into the kitchen. There was so much fuss that we have accidentally renamed these….“Myra’s Freaking Bourbon Balls” So imagine you are a Virginia Gentleman or soaking up some “Southern Comfort” when you pop this one into your mouth!

From Jene and Claude: “We will be baking the now famous…Dennis stole my ‘Cracker’ Idea and now I have to come up with something else Cookie. It may be an ole favorite that I have never heard of…called Santa’s Beard…A coconut and cherry cookie (No…it’s not cat hair!!) And….I think…I will make a Chunky Pecan Pie Bar Cookie…since I’m chunky and I like bars!”

From La'Neese: Candied Cherry Cookies – “a favorite of my mother's that she always made and shared with friends and neighbors”. They are also called "Stained Glass Cookies" because of their red and green colors….to keep the drinking theme going: Cheesey Cocktail Cookies – “a recipe from my good friend, who finally shared it with those of us who love them.” This is a good "before the meal" cookie - preferably accompanied by a cocktail of choice.

From Patrick and Paul : “Hummmmmm so many choices so little time. I like to keep you in suspense. Will it be the ‘Unknown’ or ‘Element of Surprise Cookie?’

But look again…we got the E-mails to prove Pat is ready for the fight!!!!

From: Lynn

Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 12:55 PM

To: cookiepeople

Subject: Great Cookie Recipe

My sister Patsy sent me a new cookie recipe. It is attached to this email.

Reply From: Patrick coreypk@hotmail.com

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:35:34 -0500

To: cookiepeople

Subject: RE: Great Cookie Recipe

Finally, a recipe I can follow. Don't you dare try to make these - I'll come after you with a broken tequila bottle.

Reply From: ndvest

To: cookiepeople

Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 14:45 PM

Subject: Fightin’ Cookie

Ahhhh...let the season begin!

Twas the week before Christmas

And all through the Hood

Fighting begins as we all knew it would

La and Patrick with a bottle in hand

Made us all wonder who'd take command

The liquor was purchased

The drinking begun

The last person standing will surely have won.

Cookies with liquor, a great recipe

Will there be any left? We'll just have to see.

Cookie Night’s approaching

The work must be done!

Whatever you do, just be sure you have fun!