CraftyRn is all that!

16 years ago

I didn't mean to create drama -- I discovered my box Monday morning, and posted it had arrived -- but I hadn't had a chance to unpack -- and post -- until now.

Unlike the races tonight, it's no contest -- Diane's box is a winner! And so much appreciated, Diane; thank you so much.

Here's the big picture:

{{gwi:1461007}}

Lovely, lovely things. You're so right, Diane; I love fresh herbs and I love my garden, and I don't have much of it. So the little pot-belly herb planter will sit quite nicely on my kitchen table -- and summer well on the back steps!

And the "unique little" set of dishes is so perfect!

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I'm set for dinner a deux, ala chinois with a pair each of noodle bowls, spoons, dipping sauce dishes, and stainless steel chopsticks. They're lovely, Diane, and perfectly proportioned. And one of the best things about setting a table for one or two is I can mix and match to my heart's content.

And the cookbook... ah... the cookbook. I'm venturing into jams and jellies, but -- I have a small kitchen and small appitite, and this is perfect. Every recipe is geared toward producing a few on pints, and ingredients are measured in cups, rather than bushels and pounds. That, plus the detailed instructions, make it perfect for the neophyte. And the recipes -- Spiced Fig Jam, Tangerine Lemon Jelly, Pear Apple Ginger Marmalade -- are perfect for the gourmand!

Thank you so much, Diane -- it's a wonderful package, and I love all of the elements. They're perfect!

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Comments (30)

netla
16 years ago
The planter is cute, the Chinese serving set is lovely and because it's plain white it goes with anything, and the cookbook is useful. Great swap package!
deborah_ps
16 years ago
You're right Alison, the herb pot will be perfect...basil? Lots of pesto in your future :)
The recipes you mentioned sound really good...of course you'll post pictures of your homemade jams yes?
And the Asian noodle bowl set is a lovely gift. I have a similar set that get used quite a bit.
You put together a very nice swap package Diane!
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girlsingardens
16 years ago
That is a great little package, and well worth the wait for everyone. But we all need a little suspense in our lives lol.

I am going to have to find one of those little herb pots for the kitchen when we go to the big city this weekend. I am so ready for spring and itching to plant something.

Stacie
lackboys3
16 years ago
I love that herb pot, Alison! It will look so pretty with the herbs spilling out of it. And it's portable, which is a plus in my book. The Asian bowls and spoons will be an enjoyable way to eat rice, soups, and and like Netla said, white will mix and match nicely with what you have. I've seen the Small Batch Preserving cookbook at Books A Million and it's perfect for anyone just starting out. Please post a few recipes when you start using the book:-)

Diane, those are all very thoughtful and pretty gifts - you send a mean swap package!
DONNA
shaun
16 years ago
Nicely done! I've never seen the small batch preserving cookbooks. Yes, please post a few recipes when you have a chance Alison. Love the little bowls w/spoons too.

Diane, you did good.
teresa_nc7
16 years ago
Such a varied swap gift! That noodle bowl set is unique - I've never seen stainless chopsticks. I have an earlier Small Batch book that is wonderful - perfect for Alison. And the herb pot is too cute!

Wonderful choices, Diane!
maggie2094
16 years ago
I love the noodle bowl set. It was worth the wait!

Have fun with the cookbook, Alison.
stacy3
16 years ago
What a thoughtful gift, Diane.

It's great that she recognized that you don't have much room, Alison - that planter is great!

Great cookbook, too. Believe me!

Stacy
riverrat1
16 years ago
I can tell Diane did her homework. Good job.

That planter is a great idea.

Nice box!
User
16 years ago
Diane, you must have done your homework. The perfect gift for someone like Alison who loves to cook but has limited space. Very very nice.

Ann
sheshebop
16 years ago
That is a very nice package. I especially love that herb pot also, but I like the other stuff too.
It seems like every time I see what someone else got, and I drool over it, and then I start second guessing what I bought. Yikes! Enjoy your stuff Alison. You did a great job, Diane.
artsyshell
16 years ago
I just love your swap package! That herb pot is oh so cute, and I love the asian dishes and stainless steel chopsticks..how cool! Love the idea of small batch preserving.

Shelley
Lars
16 years ago
I also like the idea of small batch preserving - I'll have to give that a try this year. I like small bowls also - I have a rather large collection of Japanese bowls in all sizes, and they come in handy for so many things. I often use them for mise en place. I'll often put minced garlic in the smallest ones, which are actually meant for soy sauce and wasabi. The stainless steel chopsticks are very attractive.

Lars
annie1992
16 years ago
Readinglady shared an extra copy of Small Batch Preserving with me and I just love it. Alison, I know you're going to find lots of goodies to make from that.

I like the herb pot too, fresh basil just smells so good, whether growing or in cooking. And, you can never go wrong with dishes, LOL, so it's a perfect swap box.

Enjoy everything, Diane did a great job!

Annie
alison
Original Author
16 years ago
I forgot to mention the seeds. Diane also included a packet of Lemon basil seeds and Thai basil seeds. I love basil, and every year I grow at least 3 types -- now all I need to get is my standard Genoa and I'm set for spring.

The book has a lot of recipes for sweet and savory relishes, pickles and sauces, as well as a section of things for the freezer. One of the things I want to make first is the Baker's Prune Butter. I've seen it in recipes as a way to lighten cakes and other baked goods, but I've been reluctant to spend money for it when I've seen it in the store. Now I can make my own!

Thanks again, Diane.
Gina_W
16 years ago
Everything is perfect! I love the herb planter and it's so fitting for Alison. Good job Diane. Alison, you'll have to post pix of canned stuff soon... no pressure or nuthin!
wizardnm
16 years ago
That's a great swap gift...you did good Diane! I love the planter, I know that's a great cookbook and the Asian dishes are just plain fun. All three things are items that will get a lot of use.

Enjoy Allison!! Hope you realize we were just pokin' fun at you while waiting....we are all anxious to see the contents of swap boxes.

Nancy
Terri_PacNW
16 years ago
That is a fabulous little package! All the stuff is adorable and perfect for you!
earthlydelights
16 years ago
what a wonderful package you received alison, especially given your space issues. i have that preserving book and it's among one of my favorites, i'm sure you will create many goodies from it.

the herb pot is fantastic, perfect for a windowsill and so many possibilities for the noodle bowl set.

wonderful package you put together diane.

maryanne
mustangs81
16 years ago
What a fun multi-item package. The planter seems perfect for you kitchen...I remember pictures from last swap when you were my partner.
sally2_gw
16 years ago
What a neat package! The dishes are elegant, the planter is cute, and the book is such a great idea. I'm going to start looking for that book, too. It looks perfect for those of us with a little bit of space in our back yards for gardening, and for small kitchens, too. How nice for you, Alison, and what a great job you did, Diane!

Sally
jimtex
16 years ago
Great stuff. You'll love that planter. I have one and put basil in the center and thyme and oregano in the side pockets. Very nice package Diane.
sigh
16 years ago
Well worth the drama! I love the potbelly planter- so pretty & portly. And the noodle bowl set is great, especially the chopsticks- are they stainless? The bowls look to be a great size as well.

The book looks delighteful & very approachable. Since I've never done any canning or preserving because the thought terrifies me, that's saying something.

Another happy box! Love it.

Nina
Marigene
16 years ago
Alison, nice package; love the little dish set and that book on small batch preserving will come in handy this summer. Super swap package, Diane.
lyndaluu2
16 years ago
Great swap package....
The little herb garden pot (I've seen them at the store)
I have the "Small Batch Preserving" book and love it...great for just two people (now that we are empty nesters).
Love the noodle bowls, spoons, sauce dishes and chop sticks.

You will really enjoy making Chinese dinners at home now.

Linda P
diana55
16 years ago
Alison...That is one great swap package. I love the dishes, and the Herb pot. You did great Diane !!! Enjoy!!! Diana55
susie_que
16 years ago
Hi Alison!
I love your swap item...just perfect!
Really have my eye on the chop sticks!

Cheers!
Susie
KatieC
16 years ago
Very nice! You'll love Small Batch Preserving!
jessyf
16 years ago
Another 'Small Batch' devotee here(I keep my copy at my extended bookshelf called 'the library' a couple of buildings away).

This is just the most perfect package for Alison!
lakeguy35
16 years ago
Diane has done it again...another perfect swap box. Perfect things for our space challenged Alison. You will have to share a pic or two once those herbs are grownin' and you've had the time to can a thing or two.

David

CraftyRn is all that!

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