Big thirst? Stick a cork in it

Cork or keg? It’s your pick Friday night. The Washington Restaurant Association has rounded up more than 100 wines and 30 handcrafted beers from around the Northwest for the annual Spokane Cork and Keg Festival.

Students at the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy will provide hors d’oeuvres. If you like what’s in your glass, bottled wines may be purchased at the wine store at discounted prices.

The festivities will be held at the Red Lion Inn Hotel at the Park from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and may be purchased with cash or check at: Rosauers supermarkets in Spokane, Huckleberry’s, 926 N. Monroe St.; or Williams Seafood Market and Wines, 10627 E. Sprague Ave. Order using a credit card by calling 467-7744.

If you’re driving to Spokane for the party or don’t have a designated driver, consider spending the night. Discounted rooms are available at several local hotels to help promote responsible drinking. Call 467-7744 for details.

Goodie Cookie

Shopping for a hostess gift or a thank you for a friend? Nancy Goodspeed hopes you’ll think of Goodie Cookie.

Goodspeed recently started the business selling baking gift kits, with themes to celebrate the seasons, holidays and lifestyles. She began by selling her giant pizza-size cookie kits on eBay and expanded her success with a virtual store on the Web. By the first of the year she hopes to sell the kits through direct sales representatives at home parties.

In addition to the pizza cookie kits, Goodspeed is also selling a “toys and treats” kit for the pup (or dog lover) in your life. It includes recipes and instructions for healthy treats to bake for your dog, along with a flying disc and aqua toy. There are also holiday- themed kits that include a baking sheet, cookie cutter, towel and pot holder, along with the instructions and recipe.

Goodspeed was Spokane’s first news anchorwoman at KHQ-TV from 1975 through 1984. She also worked in public relations in Spokane for many years as a spokeswoman for businesses including Avista Corp., Packet Engines and River Park Square. She now lives in Helena.

Goodspeed says it’s exciting to be promoting a business of her own. The kits are $13.95, plus shipping and make it to most homes in 2 days. “Everybody is busy … and we’re always looking for something different to give as a gift…. This is easy enough kids can make it or Dads can make it with their kids,” Goodspeed said.

You can find Goodie Cookie on the Web at www.goodiecookie.com.