Ahh, the holidays!
That wonderful time of year when things get lost in the mail (I think); when obligations escalate to mountainous levels and the flu hits with a vengeance.
Regardless, I will do a first run recap of all the great Season's Eatings gift exchanges that have been posted, and attempt to track down the remainder over the next few days. I'll try to do a final, all-inclusive post after this next holiday. Note I said 'try'.
I'll start with my friend Núria, of Spanish Recipes, who is lucky enough to live in one of my favorite cities: Barcelona. She received some yummy Star Anise and Vanilla Sticks from Simona, in California. Naturally, she had to make some sweets: Creme Catalan, Natillas and Polvorones.
Simona, of Briciole, got, not one, but four different packets of the spice mix used to make traditional Lebkuchen from Ulrike, in Germany. She gives us, not only her recipe, but lots of information on the spices that go into this luscious, fragrant German Lebkuchen Loaf Cake.
What could be more welcome in cold, wet, wintry Germany than the Cajun Seasoning Ulrike, of Kuchenlatein, found in her post box? Judith, now of Virginia but formerly of Louisianna, helped Ulrike make this flavorful Chicken and Sausage Gumbo.
Judith is one I haven't heard from this week. She recived her package from Leslie.... Who I also haven't heard from (Conspiracy?) Leslie got HER pressie from Joelen, who I have heard from.
Joelen, of Joelen's Culinary Adventures, is being subtly introduced to Catalan cooking courtesy of Núria, from Spain. She received some recently harvested white beans, ceps, noras (peppers) and saffron. But she needs ideas to put it all together... Stop over and help her out!
Jerry, of Jerry's Thoughts, Musings and Rants, (Cold Canada) received treats from the dessert from Palma: dates and prickly pear marmalade. He also got a recipe for Malted Milk Date Bars. They sound every bit as good as they look!
Palma, of Palmabella's Passions, southern dessert, got a lovely box of fresh rosemary, straight from Krista's garden! She made a fantastic looking Rosemary Flatbread with baking powder and olive oil that I have to try!
What Krista received from Alisa is still a mystery.... As is Alisa's gift from Elaine amd Elaine's from Baking Soda and Baking Soda's from Chris....(How did I do this?!?!?)
But, I KNOW what Chris, of Mele Cotte got from Loulou: Purple Mustard! Well, actually, it's Moutarde Violette de Brive. That's so close to me... And I've never seen this. Yes, I'm jealous, and jealous of the wonderful lamb Chris made with it.
Loulou, of Chez Loulou, a wee bit south of me, had her secrect cravings answered. Tanna sent her grits. Yes, there are some (many, actually) things one can get in the south of France, but an equal number one can't. Grits is/are one. Expect to see some Lowcountry Breakfast Shrimp and Grits at Chez Loulou soon....
And what has my good friend, lovely person and all-round top-notch blogger and baker, Tanna, of My Kitchen in Half Cups received? Only that line of plattitudes, I'm afraid. Remember when I was worried about our little, local post office? Yep, I'm guilty. I'll try again, really, I promise.
I, on the other hand, got some wonderful Slammin Salmon grilling spice from Cindy in Alaska. One would expect Alaskan's to have cornered the market on good salmon. They have. This was wonderful on pan-seared fish; I can't wait to fire up the barby!
Cindy, of Baked Alaska, must have been thinking like Loulou. She received a Southern Breakfast, complete with corn muffins, country ham and... Grits from Barbara, in Kentucky. Cindy does say that it was a hearty (not heart-healthy) breakfast; but one I wouldn't mind tucking in to!
Barbara, of Art and Barb Live in Italy, got some lovely homemade preserves and maple syrup from Jerry. She's thinking of taking the maple syrup back home to Italy.... Not a lot of maple anything on this side of the pond!
And that's the round-up so far!
Wasn't this fun? So many interesting and clever gifts.
Now I have to track down the missing persons....
A bientot!
If I have just missed you.... Please let me know and, hangs head, humble apologies...
