Foodie Pen Pals

I've recently posted about pen pals and mail swaps, but I don't think I mentioned the foodie pen pals program.  I read about this on a food blog I was browsing one day, although I can't remember which blog to give them proper credit.  This program was started by Lindsay over at The Lean Green Bean and is open to people in the US and in Canada, keeping matches within the same country to avoid problems with customs.  If you live in Europe, you can find more info about a foodie pen pal program here.  You can sign up each month, with matches being announced on the 5th and packages being mailed by the 15th.  There is a $15 limit and you must include something hand written.  It's up to you and your match to exchange emails detailing any allergies, dislikes, or dietary restrictions. 

I signed up for the October swap and was matched with a lady in Seattle, WA.  I wish I had taken a photo of the goodies I sent her, because I don't believe she has a blog.  If I remember correctly, I sent her some pumpkin butter, amaretto peach pecan preserves, oat & honey pretzels, some licorice, bread & butter pickles, a cookbook of Pennsylvania recipes, and a little handwritten note.  Everything I sent was locally made.  Here is what I received in return-

  
I haven't tried everything yet, but let's just say that caramel almond popcorn is long gone!  It was really popular with everyone in the house.  Doesn't everything look yummy?  I can't wait to do it again this month!