Today: Hot sauce in the mailbox.

[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]After a particularly busy end to the year, I am playing a bit of catch up.  I have not one, but two month’s worth of Foodie Pen Pal packages to share.  In November, I receive a lovely package from Lindsay, who organizes this fabulous exchange each month (click here to learn more about participating).  She sent me all kinds of Ohioan (is that a word?) goodies!

We immediately broke into her homemade pumpkin, cranberry and chocolate chip bars– they were delicious!  I am not usually a fan of pumpkin, but Lindsay may have converted me.  She also sent a few cooking magazines, locally made peanut butter and raspberry jam (one of my favorite pre-run combinations), really tasty crackers and chipotle salsa, granola and buckeye-flavored coffee.  I loved it all– especially the jam.

In December, Laura spoiled me with a box full of Texas treats.

She sent me an adorable questionnaire, and armed with my answers, got to shopping. I was delighted by her selections!  From organic whole wheat pasta to authentic Texas hot sauce, Laura knew just what to send. 🙂  She also included Justin’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups, instant refried beans, salsa verde straight from Fort Worth, and the most adorable Bunny Bars.

I definitely recommend checking out Lindsay’s and Laura’s blogs. 🙂

• The Lean Green Bean
• Becoming the Odd Duck

Participating in Foodie Pen Pals has been a great way to “discover” blogs, while sampling food from around the country.  I love perusing the aisles of my own local markets each month, scouting out the perfect items to send from Boston.  Our mail carrier might be suspicious of all the hot sauce coming my way, but um… please…  keep it coming.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Enjoying this last day of 2011 🙂
• Looking for the perfect toast-worthy drink for midnight?
• Greece IMAX movie!

What’s your favorite local product?