Classic Christmas cookies dominated the menu at this holiday swap, but Julia can always be relied on to give them a unique twist. These thumbprint cookies weren’t the usual almond ones filled with raspberry jam. No, far from it! The cookie base was flavored with the triumvirate of gingerbread spices and then studded with tiny pieces of crystallized ginger for added texture. The dried cranberry-apricot preserve filling was also an unexpected blend of sweet and tart. Check out the recipe on Julia’s blog, or purchase Julia’s book Cookie Swap (see the “RELATED PRODUCTS” links) where the recipe first appeared.