Secret Baker Round-Up

As you may know if you read this blog, or Tracey's, or Margaret's, the three of us came up with an idea on Twitter one night. We thought, since we do so much reading about things each other make, it would be fun to get to taste something. We decided to call it Secret Baker, like Secret Santa but with baked goods. So fun!

We all made announcements on our respective blogs, and had 20 people sign up!

I used random.org to pick out bakees for everyone, we picked a shipping date and we were off! I asked everyone to send me pictures of the goodies they got, and while not everyone has obliged, here are the pictures I have gotten. If anyone is reading this who hasn't sent me a pic, send it to me and I'll add it to this post.

First up are the goodies I made for Tracey! I couldn't believe I got her to bake for, especially because she was the winner of the giveaway I did a couple of months ago... I was so excited, because she was in on the creation of Secret Baker, so I went all out in baking for her. In addition to the macaroons above, here is what I sent:

Brown Butter Blondies

Salted White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Cappuccino-Chocolate Bites with Cacao Nibs

Here are some chocolate-dipped peanut butter cookies that were sent to Kara from Lisa... Not sure if they have blogs, maybe they could let me know so I can link them?

These are the delicious Double Ginger Cookies that I received from Di! They were so yummy, I ate 5 within 45 seconds of opening the box... They have crystallized ginger in them - I loooove crystallized ginger - and I will definitely be trying out the recipe! Thanks Di!

Next up, we have Whole Grain Cranberry bread that Beth received from Wendy

Margot went all out, and baked 5 goodies for her bakee Helga (blogger?)! They were: Ginger Oatmeal Cookies, Cranberry Apple Cookies, Caramel Corn, Peanut and Pumpkin Seed Brittle with Pumpkin Pie Spice and Cinnamon Toast Biscotti. Wow Margot, you really outdid yourself!

Some more of Margot's goodies

Mary Ann got these Pumpkin Bars with Cinnamon & White Chocolate Chips From Tessa (blogger?) - so cute in the pumpkin shaped pan!

Di received these Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars from Leslie

Kayte received a lovely loaf of Cranberry Bread from Tracey, {I made my own version of the Cranberry Bread after seeing this picture, here is my post on it} as well as some Spiced Biscotti

I was sent this photo from Ashley, who actually baked these goodies for Margot, though there was no info in the email as to what everything is... Those cookies on the top left look like they could be World Peace Cookies, but I don't know... If Margot or Ashley reads this, let me know and I'll update...

Susan sent me this photo of some Cappuccino Biscotti that she baked for Nina

Wendy was sent S'Mores Bars by Whitney

Lastly, here are some spiced shortbread with pumpkin drizzle baked for Tessa (blogger?) by Kerri

Thanks so much for everyone who took part in the first round of Secret Baker! I had lots of fun and I hope all of you did too!

Feel free to send feedback to me (through email) about your experience and anything we can do to make Secret Baker better/easier/clearer, etc...

If you want to get in on the fun and receive something baked just for you, the second round of Secret Baker is now open! Margaret will be hosting, and it will be a Christmas/holiday cookie exchange. You can sign up by emailing me (blueridgebaker@gmail.com), Margaret or Tracey. If you took part in this round, all we need to know is that you are interested. If you are new to Secret Baker, please include your full name, shipping address, email, blog (if applicable), and any food allergies or aversions.

Thanks again everyone!