Sharing Some Sweetness: Sustainer Cookie and Recipe Exchange

LeaAnn Kutz

Cookie and Recipe Exchange attendees

In another year full of ongoing pandemic-related restrictions and uncertainty, in person Junior League of Washington (JLW) events were all the more special. This League year, the Sustainer Committee brought back its Holiday Cookie and Recipe

Exchange to spread some holiday cheer!

On Sunday, December 20, 2021, 18 sustainer, active, and new members gathered at JLW Headquarters to share their finest festively bagged cookies, homemade refreshments, and friendly conversation. Over cups of hot chocolate and apple cider, attendees chatted about themselves, their favorite parts of being a JLW member, and what compelled them to make their specific recipe.

“This was my first opportunity to join a JLW event in person,” said Tippen

Anderson, a Sustainer Committee member and transfer formerly from Tennessee.

“Although I have attended many Sustainer events virtually, it was great to finally meet people with whom I have communicated with over the last two years.”

“It was a marvelous time to get together and celebrate the holiday season with Junior League members, meet new people, and enjoy and take home fabulous desserts,” said Sustainer Committee Vice

Chair, Gale Nemec.

The cookie exchange is a long-standing in person event. However, the Sustainer Committee reimagined the event for this year to include a digital recipe book for all sustainers and JLW members to enjoy. JLW members were able to submit recipes to the book, allowing for “virtual participation” in the event.

“Some of the recipes . . . were so creative and over the top,” said Natalie Lui Duncan, JLW active member. “It gave me great ideas for future holiday events!”

In addition to sharing recipes, many attendees shared the meaning behind their selections. Tippen’s Holiday Hot Fudge Sauce, which pairs perfectly with peppermint ice cream, has been a family favorite Christmas dessert for more than 35 years. Alycia Onowho’s peppermint meringue cookies were inspired by a Parisian Christmas trip. Many others shared recipes that tied to great memories of baking with loved ones as children. For example, Marissa Malta’s snowball Christmas cookies always remind her of Christmas time at her grandmother’s farm as a child. “My grandmother would be in the kitchen making dozens of different cookies and playing Frank Sinatra as we drove up to the house to celebrate Christmas for the week,” said Malta. “The entire week would be spent with family and friends swapping cookies, laughs, and cheer.”

The Sustainer Committee is composed of members who wish to remain more engaged, plan educational and cultural programs, and arrange gatherings and volunteer opportunities which appeal to a diverse range of interests for the more than 900 JLW sustainer members.

In addition to its Holiday Cookie Exchange, this year, the Sustainer Committee brought back its neighborhood gatherings, rebranded as “Gather for Good.” Committee members also hosted a tea and tour at the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in March and the Spring Sustainer Luncheon in May. The committee will host three signature events for the 2022-2023 League year, including a Fall Luncheon, a winter gathering, and the Spring Luncheon honoring JLW 50-Year and Emerita members.

“Sustainers remain the backbone of JLW, supporting members by giving their time, talent, and treasure,” said Gretchen Ehle, Sustainer Committee Chair. “The impact of the sustainers over the last year has been tremendous. I look forward to another year that is filled with new possibilities, sustained engagement, and celebrating JLW’s successes.” Let’s toast to that! •

Sweet treats ready to be exchanged