Tag Archives: Foodie Penpals

April 30, 2013

Foodie Penpals April 2013

This month, I have made a point of sitting down to write a proper Foodie Penpals reveal post. It is so easy to get swept up with things, whisked off into the cyclone of ‘I don’t have time!’ and tumbled in a big mess of minutes that seem to go too fast and days that seem to disappear. Life is busy, for all of us, but sometimes (often) it’s possible to collect up some of those minutes, keep hold of them, and then release them all in one go, to give yourself time to do something – like write a blog post. Poor, trapped minutes, doing my bidding. I hope they don’t mind too much.

While we’re sort of on the subject: part of the reason for my blogging absence, and my FPP post brevity, is that I have a second job – one that I didn’t really announce. I will do so now: I’m working as an intern for Leite’s Culinaria. Some of you may have seen me mentioning Leite’s before now, as until I became their web production intern I was a recipe tester for the site. Food glory abounds, there, and for the last four or so years it has been my first port of call when I’m on a recipe hunt. It is exciting to be working with the team in a bigger capacity, now – they are a delightful bunch. Also it means I’ve spoken to David Leite on the phone – he’s a great chef, he’s been on the TV and all sorts, and he has my mobile number. No biggie.

While we’re talking about Leite’s, let me offer you a link to the latest endeavour from that fine culinary establishment: Talking With My Mouth Full, the Leite’s Culinaria podcast. If you like food and drink, or if you simply like hearing people bicker good-naturedly, tune in and see what you think.

Wait, wait, I have another link to share! I SAID WAIT! I know there are photos down there but hang on just a moment longer.

This Saturday, my chum Miss L is running a fundraiser for the MS Society – I’ll be posting a blog with more details tomorrow, but for now allow me to share two key pieces of info. One, the event involves CAKE and STAR WARS which are both exciting and should tempt you down to the Flying Duck in Glasgow, from 1pm, to buy and eat cake (and hang out with me, obviously). Two, if you cannot make it to the actual event to buy cake and raffle tickets, but would still like to offer help and support, you can make a donation of any size here: https://www.justgiving.com/GeeksFightMSWithCake/ Consider it a Foodie Penpals call to arms.

Right, back to the original point of this post – my Foodie Penpals parcel for this month. My parcel came from Ireland, sent by the fair hand of Bridget at From a Country Cottage. The very first thing I saw when I opened the top of my parcel – which was all wrapped up in dotty paper, which made it feel like a lovely present – was this guy smiling up at me:

He is the Tayto crisp man! I’ve heard a *lot* about Tayto crisps from Irish chums, over the years, and I couldn’t wait to tuck into them. I had no idea they came in such happy packaging! And how did Bridget know that salt and vinegar is my favourite? The FPP Psychic Streak comes into play, yet again. They lasted about a minute after me opening the parcel – long enough for me to photograph everything, and no longer. They truly are lovely – really crunchy, but not the same as Kettle Chips, or Brannigan’s, or any other crisp I can think of. I suppose they’re just Tayto, and that’s all there is to it.

Bridget had also included a long note, explaining to me what all the items were, and letting me know that she’d sent me all Irish products bar one item, which is really good going. I like to send Scottish products but so often get beguiled by more exotic (to me, at least) goods, and end up filling my parcels with an eclectic mix. I feel like Bridget really took time and effort to choose Irish things to send to me, and I really appreciate it.

Next was a selection of Irish chocolate – a big bag of caramels (still going – I’m planning a baking adventure with them unless I eat them all first…), plus a macaroon bar and a mint crisp bar. Bridget said she remembered buying the macaroon bar when she was at school; that’s one of the things I like about Foodie Penpals, you can try things that people really have an emotional connection with, and happy memories of.

The macaroon was completely different from a Lee’s macaroon, which is a Scottish staple, and an item I’ve sent to more than one penpal before now. Ours is made of mashed potato and icing sugar (yes, mashed potato) and then coated with chocolate, then coconut. This macaroon was solid chocolate with little crunchy coconutty bits inside, and not nearly as sweet as the one I’m used to, which will give you fillings if you look at it for too long. I have to admit a preference for the mint crisp, though – I love anything mint chocolatey, and the little nibbly minty bits in this satisfied that craving more than satisfactorily.

The caramels are real jaw-welding chewy, with just at thin layer of chocolate and a creamy flavour. I suspect they will be rather good wrapped up in cookie dough and baked – but that’s a story for another day. Also it might be a horror story where I set my kitchen on fire, or at least end up with a baking tray indelibly covered in caramel. We will see.

My next treat was a packet of Lovely Day tea, which was so charmingly named that I liked it even before I tasted it. How can you dislike a tea called Lovely Day? It’s beyond me. As you can see from the label, the tea contains lots of lovely fruits, and is so refreshing. I made up some tea bags, using the empties I bought a while back, and have sipped my way through a couple of huge mugs at work. I really enjoy a herbal tea as a pick-me-up, especially in that slow hour after lunch. This was the perfect antidote to the usual lethargy that creeps over even the best of us of an afternoon…

This ginger is the only non-Irish item in my parcel – but you may remember that I love crystallised ginger, to the point of making my own a while back. The ginger was accompanied by a recipe for rhubarb and ginger jam, which is seasonally spot on! The G man’s mum has a rhubarb patch so I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to try making this jam with home-grown fruit; if not, there’s always the farmers market. I still have aspirations to be a jam maker, yet another ambition on the ever-growing list!

Bridget also included these pretty cards from a local company:

It is always good practise to have some blank cards around the house (you should see the selection my mum always has, it’s immense) and so now I am prepared! I especially like the blue tit, such a pretty bird, but I also like the vintage look flowers, and the bee buzzing around the fresh lavender – they are all gorgeous, and will surely come in handy – perhaps I will even spread the love and pop one in next month’s Foodie Penpal parcel.

Bridget, thank you so much for my cheerful, day-brightening parcel – it made my day when it arrived and has been continuing to add little rays of sunshine in the days that have followed. So kind of you to really stop and think about what to send, I love all of your choices.

If you would like to find out more about Foodie Penpals, here are your links:

For Euro Foodie Penpals, check out the drop down menu at the top or click here.

For USA and Canada Foodie Penpals, visit The Lean Green Bean.

For Kenyan Foodie Penpals, visit Foodie in the Desert.

To see some of this month’s Foodie Penpals posts from around the world, go over to the linkup post on The Lean Green Bean.

2 comments | tags: care packages, food parcels, Foodie Penpals, penpals; | posted in Uncategorized

March 29, 2013

Foodie Penpals March 2013

By Rock Salt

Once again, I cannot write a post that will do justice to the wonderful parcel I got this month, from Selina at Thrift Street Life. It was full of delicious treats – only one survives unopened today, and I plan to change that over the weekend!

I am going to do the same as last month and paste my thank you email in, and let you see all the photos I took. Selina, I’m truly sorry I can’t pull together a longer post right now!

Selina! Thank you so much for my parcel – no sooner had you emailed to say it was on its way than it arrived. I’m sorry I didn’t email straight away, what a week I’m having. My emails are definitely suffering. (I’m still using the same excuse – my blog is suffering equally!)

I saved it all day yesterday and only opened it when I got home, and then was extraordinarily restrained and didn’t eat it all immediately – waiting until I can take some photos, which means cleaning a space in the kitchen, and so on…

I love the bunny lollipop, it really made me laugh, and the popcorn sounds divine. Actually everything sounds great – I haven’t tried the blueberry chocolate before so that will be a real treat for me, and I’ve been on the fence about trying bacon jam for absolutely ages, so this is the perfect thing to receive in a parcel. Your wee card was so sweet, too!

Thank you again, it’s a great parcel and I can’t wait to get stuck in, and to share with everyone at the end of the month.

I forgot, in my email, to mention the recipe card – how good does chocolate banana fudge pie sound?! Selina, truly, thank you so much for everything, it was all fabulous.

If you’d like to see the other posts from round the world, go here from Monday onwards: The Lean Green Bean.

If you’d like to find out more about Foodie Penpals, check the drop down at the top of the page or click here.

5 comments | tags: care package, food parcels, Foodie Penpals, penpals; | posted in Uncategorized

February 28, 2013

Foodie Penpals February

By Rock Salt

Well, here is my post, finally! A little bit late in the day, but better late than never, yes?

I’m afraid my post won’t do justice to the lovely parcel that I was sent this month by Venacy in Ramsgate. I will mostly let the pictures speak for themselves, and copy my email to Venacy below to give you an idea of what all the items are, and why I loved them! Time is short, my friends, and I’m afraid that this meagre blog post will have to suffice.

Dear Venacy,

Thank you so much for a gorgeous parcel!

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I love all your crochet items, especially the pumpkin – and the time and effort you put in to them and into writing all the labels for the box are really appreciated. It was like getting a very special gift. The pot holder is also particularly appreciated, as only the other day I was hunting in my kitchen for something nicer than a teatowel to put on the table. You must have read my mind.

The Mediterranean marinade sounds like just the ticket for an easy meal one night – I’m on the lookout for those at the minute, I just don’t seem to have a spare moment some days!

I have already broken into the fudge, which is delicious, and the soup will be very handy for work to help me avoid the dreaded microwave queue.

I am hatching some plans for the rock – I’m sure I can make something creative with it instead of keeping it all to myself. It is lovely to see pictures of your home town, too, that made things very personal, as did your friendly note.

I always cook Christmas dinner at my mum’s house, so the book will come in very handy and let me get planning ahead. The Moroccan recipe looks lovely, too – I’m a big fan of spinach and pine nuts together – and I have a whole box of jam jars just waiting to be filled with preserves; maybe the Seville marmalade will be the first of them.

Thank you again, Venacy, for a lovely parcel that you obviously put lots of time and thought into. It was a joy to open and to read all your little notes, it’s those kind of touches that make a big difference.

If you would like to be involved in Foodie Penpals (and why wouldn’t you?), you can find out more info in the following places:

For UK and Euro dwellers – click the tab at the top of the page here, or go to http://thisisrocksalt.com/foodie-penpals

For US and Canada dwellers – go to http://www.theleangreenbean.com/foodie-penpals/

Finally, to see all the blog posts from this month, visit the linkup post on The Lean Green Bean.

8 comments | tags: care packages, food parcels, Foodie Penpals | posted in Uncategorized

January 31, 2013

Foodie Penpals January 2013

By Rock Salt

This month I was fortunate enough to receive not only a parcel from my allocated penpal, but also a ‘thank you’ parcel from another of the Foodie Penpals group. Marco sent me an email to say he’d like to send me something, as a gift. At first I thought to myself, ‘You can’t possibly accept that!’. I have been offered an extra parcel before and said ‘Oh gosh no, I couldn’t!’. And then I thought, ‘Why not?’. And I didn’t have a good answer for that. Here is the life lesson:

If someone wants to give you a gift, accept it.

It’s a no-brainer. Evidently I’ve been operating without brain.

So, I’ll give you a brief report on both parcels today! Firstly, my parcel from Glenys. Glenys doesn’t have a blog for me to link to, but this didn’t stop her from doing her duty and sending me a thoughtful parcel of locally made treats. Here it is:

Wilkin and Sons are a company based in Essex, but known round the country for their gorgeous jams and honey – in fact, I once sent a penpal a wee jar of their honey in their parcel. I didn’t know they do other products, too, so you can imagine that I was very excited when I opened my box to find three new-to-me products from their extensive range. As Glenys explained in her lovely long letter, the products are made in Tiptree, a place known for the quality of its fruit and veg, and a place she’s lucky enough to be able to visit regularly. For the rest of us, there are preserves and sauces, to capture the fresh flavours and have them all round the country, all round the year, all round the clock. Sometimes you just need a midnight jam sandwich, you know?

The three items Glenys chose for me are Mustard Sauce with Honey, an Organic Tomato Chutney and (I admit it, my favourite one) a Hot Apple and Sage Jelly. This last item has different packaging, and is made by Jules and Sharpie – a part of the Wilkin and Sons brand family. They make all kinds of fascinating, spicy jellies, jams, chutnies and sauces, including a spicy brown sauce that sounds divine. I already have some plans for these three beauties: the mustard sauce is going to get fired all over a big round of gammon and roasted for Sunday dinner. The chutney will get served up with my homemade Crowdie (once I figure out what ‘freshly soured milk’ is). The apple and sage jelly… well… it’s pretty much going to go on everything, but in particular Glenys recommends a spoonful in my next batch of gravy, an idea that made me nod my head in mute appreciation of how great it was. Glenys also included a recipe for bobotie, a South African dish that is a recommendation straight from her husband – it’s one of his favourites. I really like that my parcel was a collaboration between them both, I could just feel all the thought and care that had gone into it beaming out at me.

Thank you so much, Glenys, I loved my parcel and can’t wait to try everything and report back!

My ‘thank you’ parcel was from Marco, another non-blogging participant from London. First of all, I want to say again, thank you Marco – I was so touched and gratified that you wanted to send me a gift, it was such a kind thing to do. Now, let’s cut to the chase!

Marco’s parcel included a recipe for better-than-bog-standard popcorn, including suggestions for different and delicious additions that I could make. This was accompanied by a bag of aforementioned better-than-bog-standard popcorn and a wee pouch of unpopped kernels, so I could make my own! There was also a slab of dark chocolate – usually I’m a milk chocolate kind of girl, but this particular brand is sweet and fruity, with only a hint of the bitterness that usually puts me off.

Next up was a bag of flapjack bites, homemade and cut into gorgeous tiny squares. I could only marvel at how precise and even the squares were – I think this is a talent in itself, separate from the obvious talent required to make them in the first place. I also loved that the bag of flapjack was tied up with twine, rustic, practical and oh-so aesthetically pleasing.

Another little parcel tied up with twine was a bag of reindeer poo. I’ll let Marco explain this:

Don’t worry, it’s just a fun name for some delicious chocolate and cinnamon covered almonds. Wifey has perfected this recipe, just let me know if you want to have it and I’ll steal it from her

So there we are, not an actual bag of poo. Heavens be praised. I’m not much of a one for snacking on nuts of any kind, but almonds happen to be high on my list of acceptability, especially when coated in a crisp, sweet, chocolatey, spicy glaze. I used these almonds in another recipe, which will be revealed in due course…

My final item from Marco was a pouch of M&S tea bags – he says they’re one of his favourite teas, and I look forward to comparing them to my usual Yorkshire Tea – we take tea seriously in this country, you know.

Thank you again, a hundred thank yous, to my TWO penpals this month. I feel very lucky to have been sent an extra parcel, something I never expected and greatly appreciated.

If you’d like to get involved in Foodie Penpals and live in Europe – check out the info page here on Rock Salt. If you live in the US or Canada, check out The Lean Green Bean blog, where Foodie Penpals all began.

Finally, to see all the Foodie Penpals reveal posts for this month, go here.

Oh, and finally finally – new blog badges! Specific to our Euro Foodie Penpals, with my URL! Exciting stuff. Grab one today for your own blog.

4 comments | tags: food parcels, Foodie Penpals, penpals; | posted in Uncategorized

November 30, 2012

Foodie Penpals for Charity

By Rock Salt

Hello all – it is me, writing in the present tense and not reposting! A miracle! However, you won’t have the dubious pleasure of my words very much today, either. Today is Foodie Penpals reveal day, and as such a good day to draw attention to something that Lindsay, the original Foodie Penpals creator, is organising. Instead of sending each other parcels next month – December, that is – Lindsay is encouraging us all to contribute whatever we would usually spend to charity; specifically to a charity that will support victims of Hurricane Sandy. This is open to Foodie Penpals past, present and future, and even those of you who may not join in the scheme but would like to contribute something to this particular charity.

I’ll hand over now to Lindsay herself – all these words can be found on her blog The Lean Green Bean under the Foodie Penpals for Charity tag.

Attention all past, present and future Foodie Penpals. I’m talking to all of you – Americans, Canadians, Europeans, Australians…We’re changing things up for Foodie Penpals December!

Introducing….

Instead of matching people up to send FPP packages in December, we’re going to use this group for good and raise some money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. There are two ways you can get involved:

1) I will be setting up a paypal account to accept donations. Please consider donating the $15-$25 you would have spent on purchasing items and mailing your FPP package in December. Donations will be accepted from December 3-7th and I will make one big donation to a recovery organization in the name of Foodie Penpals at the end of the week. I’m still researching organizations. Some that I’ve looked at include Brooklyn Recovery Fund and Kids In Distressed Situations.

2) I’m in the process of searching for an organization that will be collecting holiday gifts for the people affected by this storm. With the holidays approaching, if you’re in the mood to shop instead of just donate money, I will try to provide an address that you can mail gifts to and encourage you to spend $15 to purchase some gifts and send them out so they can be distributed to families.

So….this is just to provide the basics. More details will be coming as I figure them out.

I’m going to leave the signup form open for December even though it isn’t a traditional month of FPP. Consider signing up to be your virtual commitment to donate money or items during the week of Dec 3-7th. I’ll be sending emails with information to those who sign up and also posting info on my blog!

You guys, we have the power to make a huge difference here. Think about it. On average, there are about 1,000 participants per month. If we all donate the $15 we would have spent, that’s $15,000 right there. That’s HUGE. Let’s make a difference!

To recap:

Sign up now to commit.
Donate Dec 3rd – 7th!
Let’s raise $15,000 for Hurricane Sandy victims!

———————–

To Signup:

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE PARTICIPATION FORM

So, that’s really it – we’re sitting out this month for Foodie Penpals, and devoting ourselves to helping others, but normal service will resume in January. If you’re not already a penpal, you can continue to sign up in the usual way. UK and Europe Foodie Penpals, click here for all the info. US and Canada Foodie Penpals, your signup form will become available at The Lean Green Bean from December 18th onwards.
If you are already a Euro penpal, you don’t need to do anything to be signed up for January. If you are a US or Canada penpal, you will sign up again for January (as usual) and your signup page will be available from December 18th.

Thanks all – look forward to seeing more, exciting parcels in the new year!