Floral China Plate and Giant White-Chocolate Pecan Cookies

A few days back while walking the dogs I came upon a bookcase tossed out in an alley. It was made of inferior-quality pressboard. You know the kind? Sawdust pressed between two laminated sheets of plasticized wood, sold for rock-bottom prices at discount stores. Totally pass-it-up material.

But stacked on top was a small pile of china plates. Most of them were cheap and uninteresting. This one, however, caught my eye:

It has a sweet, retro look, an appealing pattern of mini dots, and a slightly scalloped shape to the deep rim.

The center bouquet is so cute. I thought my neighbor, who owns and operates a beautiful homegoods store, might like its vintage look.

She said old-fashioned china doesn't sell well, because the plates are made too small. Today's consumer wants super-huge plates. This plate is a petite size--maybe 9 inches across?

I think it would be perfect for displaying a heap of home-made biscuits or cookies. These, perhaps?

I made these yesterday. They are huge--5 inches across--and packed with toasted pecans and white chocolate.

If I could shove one through your computer's screen at you, I would. But at least I can share the recipe, from Martha Stewart's magazine.

And if you live in Los Angeles, I know where to find the perfect plate for showing off these treats!