June Foodie Penpals Reveal Day!

So, I am beyond excited to share with you all the goodies that I received this month from my Foodie Penpal, Danielle.  I first heard about The Lean Green Bean's Foodie Penpals program from a friend on Twitter.  She was tweeting about how excited she was to start on her Foodie Penpal box, and I had to know what she was talking about!  As soon as I clicked on the link she tweeted to me, I knew I had to be in on this for June!  Basically, Lindsay matches up hundreds of participants each month to be foodie penpals.  On the 5th of each month, the matches are revealed.  You have until the 15th of the month to get your foodie goodies together and mail them out to your penpal. (By the way, the limit for the penpal boxes is $15  so it doesn't break the bank for those of us on a budget. ;) )  On the 30th of the month, you post on your blog about the amazing foodie finds you received from your penpal.  

My Foodie Penpal is a lucky gal who happens to live close to Virginia wine country and fabulous farmers markets.  Here is what I received in my penpal package:

• Coconut Curry Cashews- Can I just say AH-MAZING?  I didn't tell her this, but cashews are my favorite nut!  
• Strawberry Long Island Loose Leaf Tea- I immediately brewed this blend for a pitcher of iced tea.  It was delicious and refreshing!
• Ripe Peach White Balsamic Vinegar- I haven't had the opportunity to try this yet, but I have a few ideas. ;) Perhaps a nice light vinaigrette or a marinade?  I may even try to make a sauce for grilled peaches with this.
• Homemade Strawberry Jam- Danielle used the same strawberries that a local winery near her uses to make their award winning strawberry wine.  I am pretty excited about trying this on some fresh buttermilk biscuits soon!
• Homemade Apple Jelly- She and her fiance made this jelly from apples they bought at a local apple orchard last fall. :)
• Aurora Wine Jelly- Now this might be my most favorite thing in the entire package.  This jelly is made from a chocolate raspberry wine that Danielle loves from a winery close to where she lives.  She suggested that I try it with cream cheese, and I had to oblige. ;) I spread the jelly and cream cheese over waffles for breakfast the next morning.  Delish! I also used the jelly in my new favorite quickie dessert- Chocolate Mug Cake.

I am so glad that I stumbled across this amazing program.  It is fun to put together your box to send out- to share some of your favorite local goodies and homemade treats.  And it is equally as fun to receive your Foodie Penpal box.  I was anxiously awaiting mine that Monday morning, and couldn't wait to open the box and see what new foodie treasures awaited me.  

Won't you join us next month? ;)

If you would like to see what I sent my Foodie Pen Pal, click here. :)