Another day in paradise...another batch of cookies...this time it's for a church youth group - cookie bouquets for centerpieces. The theme for the event is "Bloom Where You Are Planted"...so these seemed perfect - and for refreshments they will be served flower-shaped cookies and milk.
There are businesses that do this - make cookie bouquets with all shapes of cookies for all different themes - but if you're going to have a bouquet - shouldn't it be with flowers?? Therefore I think cookie bouquets should only be made with flower shaped cookies - but that's just me.
Stuff styrofoam pieces into small pots - if you use larger pots then you really need large cookies or a lot more of them.
Styrofoam doesn't need to fit exactly, but it does need to be pushed down a little from the top so the grass or moss or whatever it is you use, will have a place to rest.
Once the cookies are baked, and still warm, gently insert a wooden skewer into each one - about half way.
Let the cookies cool completely. If you try to insert a skewer after the cookie has cooled it will crumble and break and then you must eat it immediately.
Once the cookies are cooled, frost them, but don't hold the skewer - hold the edge of the cookie. I usually make these the day that I'm going to use them but if I make them a day ahead I wait until the frosting has set and then I cover them while they're still flat on my counter, with plastic wrap - basically wrapping the entire counter!
If you have a ton of time on your hands, you can "paint" the skewers green with food coloring. Put your hands into a plastic bag to protect them, then squirt some green food coloring into a small bowl, add a drop or two of water, and dip your plastic-covered hands into the bowl then smear the green over the skewer - it does look nicer but I was short on time.
Cover top of pot with Easter basket grass or moss (can be purchased from a craft store) BEFORE inserting the cookies - as you insert the cookies the grass will be anchored. Do not use glue or the skewers will not be able to slide through it. If you're delivering the cookies to someone - they do make a nice gift - wrap them up in a big piece of cellophane and tie with a bow....I've told you this before, so forgive me for repeating it, but I DO HAVE THE BEST COOKIE RECIPE IN THE WORLD....click on the cookie link in the sidebar to find it....oh, no substitutions allowed!
