Ever since I tried Dancing Deer cookies, I've been seeing them a lot, especially in mail order catalogs like Williams-Sonoma. I can see why, as they're unique among the Christmas mail-order cookie selection. Tasteful and simple, they're also quite delicious in an all-natural, homemade kind of way.

I've tried maple pecan nuggets, which are crisp, rich and melt in the mouth. Mocha marble rounds and double chocolate walnut cookies have the neat, uniform appearance of bakery cookies, but the real-butter flavor of homemade ones. The tasteful, understated packaging is nice, too, making these just the right gift when you want quality, but don't want to be flashy.

You can order cookies and cakes at www.dancingdeer.com.