Foodie PenPal for May

Had a wonderful foodie package sent to me by Kelly S from DC......I mentioned that I didn't have a Trader Joes close by so she shopped for me there. (I did find one a little over an hour away....but not near close enough to go every week like I want to, I simply love there stuff)  Kelly sent

me some items that were new to me....the Kale Chips are something that I have

never tried, and to be honest, I was a bit hesitant....but those things

are WONDERFUL!!!  Something that I shall purchase in the future.

(If you notice in below post....I purchased some more when I FINALLY was able to

get to a Trader Joes-after I had sampled them from my foodie box)

As for the mango.....well, I shared, but I had to hide it.....

I have Never have used chia seeds but am excited to give it a try...have put on salads...

and plan to try chia pudding.  (So any other suggestions would be great.....want to learn all that

I can)  Then a luna bar and fruit strip to stash in my desk for ......well, you know. 

 I gotta say that this Foodie PenPal deal is pretty fun...my mother has

done several months as well, but she had ended up with a dud and is

giving it a rest....you do take a chance with the person you are paired with, but I have ended up with some MARVELOUS foodpals!!!  (just making that little note, so those of you who are considering to participate have the full "view" of the foodie thing)

 I find myself waiting anxiously for my goodies to arrive, and wondering

what wonderful new items I will get a chance to try.

In the same turn, I really enjoy sending out goodies to others around the country, sending them a taste of my Penn. Dutch area!!

 

 

Thanks so much Kelly!!!! I LOVED my box!!!! It was wonderfully to get to "Virtually" meet you and learn about your interesting job, best of luck.

I sent my package to Johanne....., sent her a box

of German/Amish/Mennonite goodies.....she was another one that I really enjoyed getting to

know virtually....hope all goes well with your schooling and you accomplish much.

 If you wanna see the package I sent Johanne posted here

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in being part of the monthly foodie swap you can visit here for more information....I also have a bit more information mentioned previously in my posts.

 

 



Life at the Stahls - May 2013

 Well.....it appears that hunting has become a VERY important part of life around

here........Clayton has turkey calls, bird calls, trail camera and on and on.....

He was out hunting turkey the other day, right behind the house, and a bear came within feet from where he was!!!!  Whew....too close to home

 Bella visiting with her momma, Bree

 Rhubarb!!! Nothing like beautiful weather and rhubarb!!!  I love the smell of cooking rhubarb!!

Here I made strawberry rhubarb jelly.....I also looooooooooove rhubarb crumb pies but

I have been watching what I eat so didn't make them this time.....maybe later this summer.

 Sue and I spent a day in State College......hit an International store (which I loved)....and some of the itemswere a bit "different" and some were wonderful.  Got some coconut soda, sweet plantain chips and some grains I wanna try (coarse bulger--suggestions?)  We hit a thrift shop and Michaels along with several other stops.....seems like we couldn't come up with other thrift stores, every where we tried they were gone....anyone know of some good places?

 Trader Joes, is a store that I LOVE!!!  Especially being on the HCG diet, I have

been trying to watch the stuff I eat.  Well, I finally found a Trader Joes....only I have to go over an hour to get there.....but I do at least have hope of being able to shop occasionally at Trader Joes, just will have to stock up when I go....needless to say, I did stock up on several things....though it would be so wonderful if it were closer so I could go EVERY week!!!!  I didn't get a chance to look much at the frozen and cold items....next time I will take a cooler.....and maybe more money!!  Anywhooooo.....I was one happy person to FINALLY be able to find a Trader Joe's in Pa....

Heres a few of the goodies I got: Almond flour/meal, kale chips, cookie butter, polenta, dried mango.......any suggestions on using/serving these items would be welcome.....I have my ways but am open to other ideas....Oh and I got several of the spices:  21 blend and Dukkah .  Also some Harvest grains blend (Couscous, orzo, baby garbanza beans and red quinoa) as well as whole green lentils.....(ok foodie bloggers -- give me suggestions and recipe's, please!?)

 

Shalene and her Science Project.....simply soaked this egg in Vinegar for several days.

It totally dissolved the shell and came out almost like a rubber....however, when cut it is liquid inside just like normal.  Pretty neat deal!

 We have been thrilled with the weather.....allowing us to eat on the deck and grill.....

Found that a mamma bird built a next in my hanging globes on the front porch....

cute but grrrrrr