This year’s second place winner was a cherry chocolate pecan cookie made by my friend Paula. She makes several test batches every year before finalizing the cookie she will bring to the swap. Her family and friends appreciate this effort, because she is quite a talented baker!

3 sticks butter at room temperature
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. light brown sugar
3 eggs
1 T vanilla
3 c. flour
1 T baking powder
1 t salt
2 t cinnamon
3 c. quick oats (not old-fashioned)
2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
3 c. chocolate chunks
2 c. chopped dry cherries

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. And vanilla. Sift dry ingredients and mix. Add oats. Stir in walnuts or pecans, chocolate, and cherries. Drop by the tablespoon onto parchment paper. Bake 12-15 minutes at 350F.

• cookies