Yet how nice it is when parents spend time with their little ones in the kitchen baking cookies together, as I remember from my childhood. Children learned to bake and decorate. And icing a cookie or a cake can be an art lesson, of sorts, enjoyed by children at the earliest ages; it's always a fun and tasty art. And doesn’t cookie or cake batter from the mixing bowl always tastes the best, even if the health experts warn us against eating eggs that aren't cooked.
The late Andy Warhol, who was a neighbor of mine in New York City, had a huge collection of cookie jars. From Dutch Boy jars to Ferris wheel jars to dinosaur jars — Andy had them all. There were even some Betty Boop jars!
In today’s world of decorating, I sometimes see cookie jars turned into lamps. I say this with some sadness, as I have such warm cookie-jar memories.
So on this Valentine’s Day, perhaps we should revisit the days when people sat around a table with a centerpiece cookie jar filled with heart-shaped sugar cookies. Just make sure the milk is ice cold and the coffee or tea is piping hot.
Whether they serve their original purpose or not, cookie jars can be humorous, chic or charming — and sometimes all three. They also can spark conversation among your guests.
And a group of jars displayed on a shelf or cabinet in a kitchen can add a welcome note of nostalgia to the room, even if the overall setting is contemporary. In these worrisome days, a touch of nostalgia can be a very welcome thing in our daily lives.
This year, I think, is a particularly important Valentine’s Day. Give as much love as you can. And have a cookie!
Mister Carlton
The cookie jar was the best part of visiting a friends home. Now I like setting them out on a silver tray or a Picasso esq plate with napkins in abundance for drop by guests. Amazing how a neighbor will feel so special at a very simple gesture.
Love your attention to all things import in a refined life style.
And a very Happy Valentines Day to you…..I hope your cookie jar is brim full!