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List Price: $19.99 | | Publisher: Gibbs Smith
Salesrank: 200312
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| Our Price: $57.99 |
| Used Price: $57.99 |
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| Media: Paperback |
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Editorial Review:
As a specialized form of potluck, a cookie swap has all the same traits that make a potluck so effortless to host. Guests share in the baking and cost burden by bringing their favorite recipes. Cookie Swap takes the popular idea of the cookie exchange party to new heights and new directions. This elegant entertaining book shows that the cookie swap is perfectly suited not only to holiday gatherings but also to garden parties, showers, children's birthdays, summer get-togethers, and more.
(20090512)Cookie Swap: Creative Treats to Share Throughout the Year Reviews:
You Can't Eat a View 
2009-11-18 - This is the second time I've reviewed this book. The other review was either omitted or lost in the ether. At any rate, this cookbook reminds me of a restaurant that had the most wonderful location, overlooking a river. But as was stated by a restaurant critic, you can't eat a view!
Upon reading the absolutely glowing reviews of this book I immediately purchased it locally as it was not then available through Amazon. It IS a beautiful book. As several have noted, it looks great on a coffee table or in a bookholder decorating your kitchen. But I've never seen such a collection of truly unappealing recipes with strange ingredients. Further the details as to decorating the cookies so that they look good enough to swap or sell at your church's bake sale are MIA. Perhaps the writer anticipates a very experienced cookie decorator to be reading the book. I wasn't even tempted to try the recipes and found the book a new happy home.
I had to wonder if the other reviewers are friends or fans of the writer. The reviews were so over the top raves that I wondered if they were inspired by something other than actual appreciation for the content of the book.
Again if you want a pretty book for your coffee table or if you like cookies that "aren't sweet" (huh...if you want a cracker make a cracker) or if you like wierd ingredients this is the book for you. If you're looking for something that will have your cookie swap friends begging for your recipes...maybe look somewhere else.
Cookie Artistry 
2009-11-14 - I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I have made 2 of the cookie recipes, and they were very good. Of course, the big attraction is the cookie photos which are small works of art. I was very impressed by the creativity of the designer and hope to become more skilled when working with cookies. This book provides lots of inspiration and also good instructions.
Loved it for a gift
2009-10-17 - Gave this to my sister who is an excellent baker, and she LOVED it. I saw there was a lot of website info in the back of the book to show where to buy hard to find items. I think this would make the perfect gift for anyone who bakes cookies.
Magnificent!
2009-09-25 - I can't wait to get started. Looking at the luscious photos and reading the detailed descriptions has been wonderful. I've been baking for years and come from a family of bakers. But Julia's handy guidelines for creating different types of cookies has already been so helpful - to me and my 15 year old daughter.
Kelly "Domestic Trainer, a.k.a. Mom"
2009-08-01 - My copy just arrived two days ago and it has already traveled with me to the pool and a couple play dates so that I could flip through it over and over again and share it with others! It is beautiful and motivating! This book is for everyone and belongs in your kitchen, wrapped as a gift or setting on the coffee table. I have always loved to bake and have mastered only a few. I hope that I have success with even a couple of these that I am proud to bring to my next event, pot luck or school classroom party or give as a thoughtful gift. Better yet, I can't wait to host a Cookie Swap! Regardless, it will be fun trying!
