Soul Carving

       I was invited to a Cookie Swap with friends from my neighborhood. It came in the midst of several other party plans, so on the morning of the event, I realized I still had not prepared the requisite 2 dozen treats and recipe to share. I didn't feel like baking and doubted I'd have the time to anyway. And with a house full of children, I didn't want to rush to the store for ingredients. I purused the pantry looking for inspiration. The night before, we had hosted our annual Campbell Christmas Concert and still had lots of snacks left over. I saw two bags of pretzels and wondered if I still had any candy melts stashed away with the cake decorating supplies. Sure enough, I found an unopened bag -- green. I thought I could work some magic with these and the half-eaten package of candy canes. An hour later, I had a festive tray of treats to share, and several children munching happily on a pile of rejects. Sweet success.       ...