May Foodie Pen Pal Reveal!

I'm having so much fun having and being a Foodie Pen Pal!  It's just so fun to get a random package in the mail - that you KNOW has food in it, and a letter from someone you don't even know.  I guess it speaks to my dream of kindness among all people.   I know I take a lot of time planning what to put in my food boxes, and it's sweet to think that somewhere across the states, someone is doing the same for me!

This month's food box came from Shelby in Chicago, IL.  I was immediately intrigued by the 'fragile' marking on the box.  

What breakable delight could this box contain?

LOOK AT THIS LETTER!

   Dirty Chips?!  Shelby, you had me at 'fragile!'
        Oh...something crunchy & salty!

What kind of a bar is a KIND bar??

So, it turns out the breakables were some Earth Balance Almond Butter, and some Trader Joe's Nutmeg.  I've never tried almond butter.  It's another one of those foodie items that has been in my hands at the store, but I've always put it back.  Now I have the chance to try something new!  

Also new to me was the KIND bar - Walnut & Date - I highly recommend it!  It's funny the things you DON'T notice at the store until you go looking for them.  I'd never heard of them before, and easily found them at Safeway and our local health food store.

I've also never even heard about coconut flour - and I do a LOT of baking!  The first thing I tried it in was sort of a disaster.  Then I read the directions on the back of the bag, and saw that you are only to replace up to 20% of your flour with coconut flour, and you may have to add extra liquid.  (That explains the little brick muffins I made!)  Now I know.  I'm excited to try it again.  Shelby sent it because she saw that I'm a runner, and wanted to show me another way to add protein into my baked goods.  She's quite a fan of coconut products, and her letter was really informative about them!

Actually, everything in my food box was a new item for me to try - well, except the tried and true nutmeg!  I really liked having my horizon broadened by this little box o' fun!  

Thanks so much Shelby!

If you're interested in becoming a foodie pen pal, pop on over to Lindsey's page and find out more.  Lindsey single handedly manages over 600 pen pals!  Thanks, Lindsey, for taking the time to organize this every month!

I've signed up again for June - surprise, surprise! :-)