Foodie Penpals - June

I took part in my first Foodie Penpals swap this month which was originally dreamed up by Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean who launched it in September 2011 for residents in USA and Canada.  Carol Anne at This is Rock Salt arranges the swaps in UK and Europe.  You can sign up here.

Basically how it works is you get someone to send to and someone else sends to you. Anyone can join in - it's not just for bloggers. Pairings take place on the 5th of the month. You chat to your penpal regarding likes and dislikes, go shopping and post your parcel on the 20th of the month.  Spend is £10 not including P&P and you must include something handwritten.

Paul @paullovescheese was buying for me and I bought for Kat @Randakat 

My parcel from Paul arrived yesterday. He'd sent a postcard telling me why he'd chosen each product (I forgot to do this! Sorry Kat!).

I was really pleased with everything Paul had chosen for me (this is his first swap too so I hope he got a great parcel as well!)  I love tea so it was nice to get an unusual tea bag from Rishi Tea - Pu-erh Ginger Tea and a can of Oolong tea.

There was a bag of traditional Welshcakes which are nice to eat on their own or warm with jam - yum.  Rum & Raisin Fudge, Pocky Double Choco Chocolate Biscuit Sticks, some sweet and salt popcorn and a delicious box of artisan chocolates (Rose Fondant, Pear & Ginger, Champagne & Cognac and Lemon).

Paul also added some Spice of Life products - Victorian Cake Spice, Curry Powder and Rose Petals which came from a local spice shop.

Thanks again Paul, I love what you chose for me.

Here's what I sent Kat -

Kat told me she is a Vegetarian who loves baking. 

I chose some Brodies Edinburgh Tea, Pinnies & Poppy Seeds Vanilla Elixir, Stag Seaweed Water Biscuits, a jar of homemade Apple Chutney, a Hello Chocolate! lolly and a handmade porridge, seed & honey bar from a company called Your Piece.  My written item to Kat was a pretty card and my great, great grandmother's recipe for Praline Cake (a much loved cake!)

I've really enjoyed giving and receiving this month and I am already looking forward to next month.  Thanks again to Carol Anne for organising.

p.s. you are meant to do your blog post on the last day of the month but I couldn't wait to share!