CHARCUTERIE OR COOKIE?

Cookies That Are Simply Char-Cute-rie

Storytime!

This cookie cheese platter has been one of my favorite projects for many reasons! One reason is that there is something so fun about disguising desserts as other food items. I mean who doesn't love a slice of cheese that doubles as a sugar cookie? Mostly, I loved this project because of the deeper meaning it held. 

Ever since I was super little, my aunt and I have shared a love for creating charcuterie boards together for family functions. It was and still is something that we bond over. Although she currently lives in a different state than me, the swapping of precious platter pictures every holiday season is something I genuinely look forward to. When she contacted me about this order, I was absolutely thrilled! Not only was I able to attempt a new cookie arrangement, but I was able to construct another valuable memory with my aunt. 

What's the Plan?

In an order that requires so many different elements, it is crucial to go in with a solid plan before you even begin. I spent a lot of time drawing out various possibilities to really map out what I wanted the final product to look like. The planning period is super trial and error! It can often be really challenging because there are SO many possibilities. Since I am a very indecisive person, I tend to toss ideas around for a few days before I finally feel happy with my cookie draft. Here are a few tips to use when tackling the planning portion of your next baking project:

• Write down ALL of your initial ideas even if some seem outrageous or inadequate! You never know, oftentimes my first thoughts, result in the best cookies.

• Identify your shape limit early on! Every single order will vary, but establish a number of cookie designs and stick with it. Each added shape is accompanied by additional colors, frosting consistencies, etc. If you focus on a few designs, they truly turn out better because you can give them the attention they need.

• Make a list of all the colors you will need as you brainstorm!  I will often have all of these lofty cookie ideas, but once I actually begin to write down the colors needed I become shocked by their abundance. There are also some colors I dread working with and avoid at all costs.

Just look at all of these color options!!

*Funny story: May or may not have accidentally pushed "complete transaction" one too many times out of impatience and ended up with $600 worth of food dye...

-- R.I.P to my beloved bank account --

• Ask for advice and opinions! This is a crucial element in most of my cookie-planning periods! All it takes is a short conversation or a brief picture exchange to refocus or guide your thinking. I can't even count the number of times that other people have had a grand influence on my designs. Bouncing ideas back and forth is so profitable!

• Form a detailed schedule! I have always been a schedule-loving girl myself, but I believe everyone can benefit from one. Take everything day by day and outline exactly what will need to be completed. After I flesh out my proposed schedule, I can then go back and really determine if the project proposal is possible in the amount of time I have been allotted. If it isn't, I go back to the beginning and alter an element. Everything isn't perfect the first time around!

• Check your supplies! If you know me, you know I have a slight problem when it comes to cookie-cutter purchases. The amount of cutters I personally own has reached a number I don't want to disclose. Mainly because I often buy either the wrong size or re-buy a shape I already have four of. Don't be extremely lazy like me and rely on your recall of what you have and don't have. Your wallets will greatly thank you! Take the time to pull out the exact cutters you are going to use. Find ones that are close in size and fit your creative vision!

Realism! Why is it so Challenging!

Another challenge I encountered with this order is that it's difficult to make something look realistic when it's in cookie form. People are more apt to notice if something is off when it comes to projects that are more real looking. I am pretty sure I stared back and forth between a slice of cheddar cheese and my frosting bowl for an unhealthy duration of time when crafting this order. I needed to nail the color! Or when making my crackers I debated for the longest time on how to make them look salted. Wilton sparkling sugar was the answer! These are all the tedious and little things that you have to continually think about when dealing with realistic cookie designs. It's no cakewalk!

A Couple More Photos Just Because! 

Even though you've already let your eyes explore the finished charcuterie product at the beginning of this blog, you can now set your sights on some more close-up portraits!

*Fix blurry photos by simply tapping on them :)

A Cheesy, Yet Equally Sweet Farewell!

When it comes to the world of cookies, you can create just about anything you put your mind to. Don't be apprehensive to tackle something new! Carefully plan and trust the process! I enjoy my career in cookies because every sweet project 1) teaches me something new and 2) enables me to develop meaningful connections with others around me. If I want you to walk away with anything from this post it would be that cookies can be more than a sugary treat coated in decadent frosting. They tell stories, represent traditions, and depict moments of sheer joy. When I share my cookie projects with you all, I am sharing a part of myself, my journey, and my life.