ENOUGH TO GO AROUND. Here in the Chippewa Valley, we are surrounded by kind folks who are always ready to offer a helping hand – or, in this case, an extra helping of cookies.

During this issue cycle, I was fortunate enough to acquire a highly sought-after recipe for what I genuinely believe are the ultimate baked dessert for wintertime enjoyment: Chocolate peppermint cookies.

Despite my ongoing wishes to inherit my mother’s baking talents, I occasionally find myself making mistakes, especially with instructions – YES, even I, the meticulously organized one. In my eagerness to make the first batch for the holiday season, I accidentally skipped some pretty vital steps in sep- arating the wet and dry ingredients.

Yet, thanks to what felt like a Christmas miracle – and the help of a wonderful chef-in-resident who I’m lucky enough to call “my person” – we managed to bake one of the best batches of chocolate peppermint cookies I’ve ever tasted (second to the batch made by the original baker who gave me the recipe).

True to my character, I just had to share this gift with everyone in my community: from friends and strangers to my coworkers at the Volume One office. To share a sweet treat with loved ones is truly magical.

Here in the Chippewa Valley, there is no shortage of this magic. All year long we are surrounded by kind folks who are always ready to offer a helping hand – or, in this case, an extra helping of cookies.