The Grafton-Midview Public Library, 983 Main St., served up some nostalgia as it hosted a Cookie Exchange Dec. 18 in coordination with the library Charlie Cart program.
Guests gathered at the library with cookies and recipes to exchange with one another while celebrating the holiday season, according to Valerie Conrad, coordinator of the Charlie Cart at Grafton-Midview Public Library.
“It’s just something I remember doing,” Conrad said.
“I thought it would be wonderful to have people come and exchange recipes.”
The Cookie Exchange is a new event this year in coordination with the Charlie Cart, and guests were active in socializing and taste testing cookies.
A variety of cookies were prepared including pizzelles and peppermint blossoms.
Conrad said she also organized a White Elephant-style gift exchange for guests as well to help spread joy.
“They’re (the cookies) wonderful, they’re recipes that speak for themselves,” said Conrad.
“They have so much flavor and history to them.”
According to Conrad, the Cookie Exchange brought a sense of nostalgia as cookie exchange events are popular around the holidays, and often include traditional recipes.
Many recipes are attached to personal stories, which guests had the chance to share.
“This town and Main Street love old-fashioned Christmas,” Conrad said.
“I thought around Christmas time it would be great to have a variety of cookies.”
In regard to the Charlie Cart, Conrad said she is responsible for planning different programming surrounding it for guests, mainly children.
The Charlie Cart is a mobile kitchen equipped to prepare food, and allows children to learn about food safety and procedures to stay safe in the kitchen.
“The mission statement is to make hands-on food education accessible everywhere children gather to learn,” said Conrad, “so kids can have the knowledge and confidence to make healthy food choices in life.”
Children can learn with a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment to make safe choices, and learn proper techniques when using different items.
Conrad said she brainstorms different programs to tie in with literacy as well for a two-fold experience for children.
“I’m really thankful for the library and the Charlie Cart, and how the community is so strong in collaborating with the library,” Conrad said.
“I just hope to do it again next year, I’m looking forward to it.”
For more information, visit www.gmplibrary.org or call 440-926-3317.
Dining and Cooking