(Mini) Blogging by Mail - 20th Anniversary Edition

 

I didn't create Blogging By Mail, but I did eventually take over the running of the event. And it was a Lot of work!

But I loved it.  Sending and getting glimpses of someone else's food life? So here for it.

I don't think it's a manageable event these days.  Too many people to keep track of, and the cost of shipping (a big fuck you to Louis DeJoy) puts it out of reach for many.

But it was one of my favorite food things to do, so I had to find a way to bring it back for the ol' anniversary celebration.

Gathering up a mix of favorite and/or interesting things, I sent a package to my friend Jasmine, formerly of Cardamom Addict.

Some rather appropriate cardamom-pistachio biscotti, one of the darling and essential mini-liquid measuring cups, gorgeously vanilla-scented candle, and a little USB-powered 'rug' to keep her tea warm.

Speaking of tea, there's a tin of my own Smoke on the Water blend, a few cookie cutters, and edible glitter.

Nutmeg ice cream perfume oil!

And brownie brittle.  

This made me happy.  It took me back to the 'old days', and I got to surprise a friend with a little bit of foodie goodness. 

It was a good (baking) day

 

I got a much later start on Merry Cookie Season this year, but managed to make up some time Sunday. 

I already had two kinds of biscotti made, as well as sugar cookies (still waiting to be decorated), but now the kolachy, giant spice, chocolate dulce de leche, mini chocolate chips and the (now with final touches) pistachio fingers have been finished as well.

There's dough in the fridge for the chocolate rugelach and the thin mint clones, so they'll be baked off tomorrow, as well as the sugar cookies getting fancied up. 

The smoked peanuts will get ground for peanut butter and turned into peanut butter blossoms, with tempered chocolate buttons or discs (depending on how they turn out), and finally, the Cookie of My People will follow.  Should be finished by Wednesday - yay, me!