Disappointing Results

Just had a cooking failure.  I've generally liked the cookbook, The Best of the Best put out by the Best of Bridge women.  As a bridge player, I've often used their recipes.  I recognize that the recipes are rather old-fashioned and depend on store-bought cans and jars for completion, rather than cooking from "real" ingredients.  However, when it comes to baking and specialties it's pretty darn good.  Last year I tried out some new Christmas recipes and was very satisfied.  This year, I tried the Jewish Shortbread which I don't like as well as my old recipe for "sandies", although it's pretty good - very similar.  I prefer pecans to walnuts, I guess.  The ginger snap recipe was no better than any other one I've tried.  Today, however, I tried the Chocolate Rum Cookies and it was a total failure.  I used a lot of bitter chocolate and 1/4 cup of rum for expensive ingredients.  The stuff was crumbly and wouldn't hold together.  Chilling didn't help matters and neither did baking.  This is something we'll eat with a spoon.  I've saved all the crumbs and put them in the freezer to throw over ice cream!  I'm pleased that I used the Baker's chocolate I purchased in the US which is half the price we pay in Canada.  Maybe that's the reason for the failure.  Anyway, not getting too far with baking special things this year - generally it's been disappointing results.