Foodie Pen Pal

I participated in The Lean Green Bean's foodie pen pal again this month.
I really enjoyed getting to know the person who was matched to send to me.   Her name was Jenn and she lives in NY... We talked about her having never been to the south and me wanting to go to NY...
I have enjoyed reading her blog, Fit Appetit. 

I had been at church camp all week and came home to my box from Jenn.  I waited till the kids were gone to open it or they would take my treats!

And it was worth the wait!  It was full of yummy goodies. 

She encluded a sweet note explaining each item and why she sent it.  I loved that they were favorites of hers.  We had discussed in our emails her love of cupcakes and she had asked what my favorite flavor was.  I told her coconut was one of my favorites and since she didn't get to send a cupcake I did get some great coconut macaroons.  I was very excited about the fig preserves, the hazelnut butter spreads and honey straws. She sent pretzel chips which I love but they were in a flavor I had not tried but is now my favorite flavor.... All of these goodies have been great for our summer on the go snacks and picnics!

She also included a recipe for a healthy-ish cup cake I am dying to try!  Jenn, you did a great job and I appreciate all the thought you put into it!

I put together a box for Joy at EnjoywithJoy.  She has a great food blog!

Visit Lindsey at the Lean Green Bean if you want to join in on the fun....

Here’s a detailed explanation of the program:
-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!

The first of many summer picnics

Tonight we watched the rehearsal for Kellie's play that starts this weekend. 
I packed a picnic and we sat outside and enjoyed the nice weather.  It lasted four hours and I sat on the ground.  I will not forget my chair again.

But the picnic was good.

Katie thought the selection was a little crazy but I liked it...

This was one of the treats from my foodie pen pal and I had planned something much more fitting for it but tonight, it called my name as I was packing the picnic.  So, animal crackers dipped in this was a wonderful treat!  I think I might need to go to Fat Toad Farm...

I also brought us Raspberry Rose Pots de Creme.  I also received rose water in my pen pal box along with this recipe. 

This is the second time I've made it and it is good!  I would have never thought about rose water in a dessert but it gives it a very clean finish, not so much a flavor...
Try it, it's easy, fun to eat and good!

Raspberry Rose Pots de Creme

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon rose water

4 egg yolks

1/4 cup sugar

Pinch fine sea salt

3/4 cup fresh or frozen and thawed raspberries, mashed ( and I strained mine)

4 packets pop rocks for garnish

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and rose water over medium-low heat until warm, about 4 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk mixture. Stir in the mashed raspberries.

 Using a ladle, divide the mixture between 4 ramekins. Place the ramekins in an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30 minutes until almost set. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the ramekins to cool while still in the water, about 1 hour.
Remove the ramekins from the water and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Top with Pop Rocks when ready to serve.

It's a good thing...