Foodie Penpals

It’s been a while since I last was a Foodie Penpal, so after a break I was super excited to jump back in! It’s changed a little since my last experience. Now you are matched just once – so you buy a package for each other. I actually prefer it this way. Although you only get to connect with one person you have more opportunity to get to know each other a little better.

I was paired with Courtney in Ontario and let’s talk about the package I received! OH MY!! Courtney has set the bar very high! She sent me the most amazing package!! It was pretty exciting the moment I picked it up from the local store – for starters it was heavy and huge! We were on our way out that evening so how I managed to contain myself and have it sat there all evening unopened I don’t know!!

It was worth the wait! Courtney has mastered the act of packaging – everything was so well wrapped up and there were 4 glass bottle in the package so it was a good test! – and my pup loved all the wrapping paper I was eagerly chucking all over the kitchen floor as I delved in!

Everything Courtney sent me was local to her area. First up were 2 bottles of beers – a Pugnacious Pale Ale and a Stout from Grand River Brewery. I’m not usually a stout drinker so I wasn’t sure of this but it was so smooth I surprised myself and really loved it (the Pale Ale was just a no-brainer hit – but this one was extra tasty and hoppy it was a good one!)

Then I had asparagus corn chips, and some Asparagus, black bean and white corn salsa – a perfect pair eh?! Next up was a bottle of local Hot Sauce and some asparagus pasta which I’ve yet to try – the Asparagus goodies were all from Barrie Asparagus which sounds like an awesome local farm shop. Then I smelt it before I saw it – Garlic Spread from the Garlic King. So far I’ve spread it on toast and fried up some veggies with it – oh so good – I love garlic!!

And finally the goodies!! Courtney sent beautiful chocolates and candy and some homemade granola bites. The granola bites were devoured on our snowshoe hike last weekend – the perfect snack to boost our energy and enjoy a sweet treat and the chocolates, well needless to say they didn’t last long at all!

Courtney ROCKED! I was thoroughly spoiled and the package was a hit with the whole family – I had to fight hubby for the beer, I graciously shared the granola bites and chocolates and Meli had a ball ripping up the copious wrapping paper!

Thank you Courtney!

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!
• You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
• Foodie Penpals is open to US, Canadian residents & European residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. 

For complete details head on over to The Lean Green Bean blog