OOP:McGonagall's cookies (not really a spoiler - I don't think)

[tcyhunt]

No: HPFGUIDX 67476

Is it just me, or is there something to the fact that the tin of 
ginger newts is mentioned several times?  At least twice, she offers 
the cookies to Harry and one other time they are knocked from her 
desk onto the floor.  Usually, cookies wouldn't attract my attention, 
but I've learned from JKR that little things like this (mentioned 
several times) usually mean something more...I kept looking for the 
more as the book went on - but I found nothing.  Anyone have any 
ideas?

Tcy