Party Like It’s 1995: Virtual Cookie Exchange Pt V

The Gathering Place

When I was in college I was one of the first in my circle of friends/Alpha Phi Sorority Sisters to make it off campus into my own tiny apartment. The summer after my freshman year I moved into an efficiency apartment because I have really never been cut out to live in close quarters with anyone other than my husband. During my sophomore year that little apartment became the gathering space for my friends and sorority sisters.

We made big pots of pasta and had spaghetti dinners; we had pre-party parties; we had TV watch parties; we had birthday parties; and we had Christmas parties. The photo is from one such Christmas party. It was 1995, and we certainly dressed the part. My closest friends and I baked cookies and breads and made dips and worked tirelessly on our little holiday party menu; we even had an annual ornament exchange. And aren't we cute?

Recipes

One recipe that was always a big hit at the highly coveted by-invitation-only Christmas soiree were the Ginger Crème {or Soft Ginger} Cookies served with a Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Ball. Even {many} years after college, friends still request the recipe.

Since Elle shared her Soft Ginger Cookie recipe a few weeks ago for the Virtual Cookie Exchange, I have made and shared those cookies twice now. They are so easy and delicious and would go very well with the Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Spread. I used to make another recipe, but these are even better. So, I thought I would share this recipe with you all.

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

12 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup semisweet chocolate mini-chips

½ cup powdered sugar

1.5 teaspoons cinnamon

 

Combine all ingredients until blended. Form into ball or put into loaf pan or other shaped form. Cover and chill for 5 hours or until ready to serve. To serve, press additional mini chocolate chips into cheese ball. Spread onto ginger cookies.

Crazy for Chips

Additionally, one of the good friends and sorority sisters from college, who happens to be pictured above, submitted links to two of her favorite go-to cookie recipes for the Cookie Exchange. We had to give the Chocolate Chip Overload Cookies a try and they are quite good cookies! You are going to love 'em. Here's what Julie says about these:

I found these two cookie recipes on Evil Shenanigans and every time I make them I get rave reviews.  I make them for lots of things. The Chocolate Overload makes 5 dozen.  So, if you have to feed a lot or give away a lot, this is the one.  I love this website.  I have tried many of her recipes and they are really good.  

Chocolate Chip Overload Cookies

Double Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Julie H.

I've got two more recipes coming next week. But later today, I've got a Soapbox post. So, stay tuned. Over and out...

Anna

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Trina]

I LOVE this post!!! so sweet!! I have sweet memories of your sweet little apartment! We did have some fun there! May have to make these recipes too!!

[Julie Hollabaugh]

Yay! All my favorites in one!. :) Love the photo and the memories!

[Jenny]

Anna- I loved seeing a dated photo of you in college. You were the socialite even back then. So glad to know you now.