Today I received {{gwi:1464962}} from Lori, along with {{gwi:1464963}}, a little dented, but everything inside was in perfect condition, due to the generous amount of bubble wrap Lori used. I love receiving BW, and all of it will get re-used! I was completely out of used BW, and I send a lot of packages, and so this will be very useful.

I opened Box #1 first, and found {{gwi:1464964}}, to guide me through the box. Red was listed first, but was not on top, and so I {{gwi:1464965}} for sorting. I wanted to leave everything wrapped for a while so that I could try to guess what was in each package, but instead I picked up the package that looked like a tennis racquet, and it turned out to be {{gwi:1464966}} This will be a great space saver, and I can even hang it on the rack by my stove. Its actually fun to play with also  the silicone has an interesting feel to it.

The next red package I opened had , which I plan to put on the wall beside my stove to hold my pancake turners and other stovetop utensils that I have a hard time finding! This will organize my cooking so much! I was on the verge of buying one myself, but I couldnÂt decide where I wanted to put it, but now that I have it, I know exactly where I want it.

The next red package (to stay in order!) was , which I promptly put spices in and . I put Kosher salt, mild curry powder, garam masala, and sumac in them, which will make it very convenient when I want to add a dash of spice to some of the Indian dishes that I make. I love these so much that I want to go out and get more of them immediately! IÂm going to print out some little labels for them also, so I donÂt get confused, since curry and garam masala look alike (although smell very different). These containers are a great idea and will use space that otherwise did not exist!

After the red packages, I went to blue FSR, and found ! Immediately wanted to peel something, but will have to wait. The bottletop baster has a stepped interior, so that it will fit various sizes of bottles  I think this will be very fun to use!

Next I went to green, and opened and Rhode Island Monthly magazine, so that I can learn about lobster. The cookbook looks very interesting, and it appears that there is a strong Italian (and somewhat Portuguese) influence in RI. Glancing through, I noticed Quahog mentioned in several of the recipe titles. First IÂm going to have to find out what Quahog is. I hope it isnÂt an ingredient because IÂve never seen it before, and I think I would have trouble finding any. The recipes look like things I want to make, since there are a lot the involve seafood. IÂve wanted to visit RI since I was a child. I had a fascination with the RI map because I am drawn to places with large bays, sounds, and inlets. The RI magazine has a lot of real estate ads that make CA property seem reasonably priced! IÂm going to read the lobster article thoroughly.

Continuing in the "taste of New England", I opened and found Stonewall Kitchen Maple Chipotle Grille Sauce, Rhode Island Red hot sauce, KenyonÂs Wild Blueberry Syrup, Nantucket Rub (seasoning for grilling seafood), and Stonewall Kitchen Wasabi Ginger Sauce. As soon as I finished taking the photo, I opened the wasabi ginger sauce to taste it, and it is divine! From the ingredients listed, I thought it might be a bit sweet, but itÂs perfectly balanced. IÂm going to find lots of uses for this, and when I run out, IÂm going to figure out how to make it myself! I also opened the RIR hot sauce and used some in the omelet I made this morning. I plan to use the blueberry syrup when I make smoothies. Blueberries are very hard to find here, and I received some blueberry juice from Rider in a previous swap that I loved! IÂm definitely going to use the Nantucket rub the next time I grill fish, which will probably be this week-end. I also opened the maple chipotle grille sauce so I could taste that, and I plan to use it on grilled fruit as a dessert, since it tastes like a dessert sauce to me, but with a very interesting chipotle kick to it. ThatÂs exactly the kind of dessert I like to have when I am barbequing! ItÂs definitely an interesting combination, although IÂm not sure how others would use it.

Lastly, I opened that she sent. I think they are a perfect shape for pasta because they are fairly deep and have an interesting squared edge. I only had two pasta plates, and so these were very much needed! .

Everything I received was so perfect  I canÂt thank Lori enough!

Lars

Oh Lars, that is a very great package! I can sympathize with lost posts, I hate when that happens.

I have had my eyes on those silicone strainers (and measuring cups), please report on how the strainer feels in use.

I couldn't open the baster link, so maybe you want to check that out. Everything sounds wonderful from you description. The cookbook looks very interesting and you are sure to learn about Rhode Island.

I really love the shape of those dishes/pasta bowls, but I think that the magnet spice holders rule! Fantastic space-saving idea.

Great swap package Lori. Innovative and clever. Lars is both easy to shop for because he is so diversified, but challanging because he is so accomplished. You certainly showed iniative and thought this one through.

Lars, enjoy all of these goodies.

Bubbe

The package is wonderful, but so is your description Lars!

I've never seen the silicone strainer - that's so clever!

Nice goodies for you Lars. Mustangs sent me that collapsible strainer and I'm using it in my mini-kitchen I set up in the powder room during remodel (otherwise known as the bi+chen). I love the way it stores flat - takes up no room.

Those magnetic containers are so cool!

What a great package, Lars, I love those little magnetic spice holders and the maple chipotle sauce sounds like it would be good on lots of stuff.

I couldn't see the picture of the baster and the peeler either, but they sound very cool.

Annie

Great package Lori! I know Lars is going to make good use of all the space saving gadgets. I too was toying with buying one of those strainers. I love Rhode Island and can see you used your vacation time wisely.
Lars- Have fun with all the new toys and tastes!

Great package Lori. Seems to be perfect for Lars. The strainer and spice containers are great and the dishes are a beautiful shape.

I like the way you walked us through everything..

I too think that strainer is adorable..and the spices look cool on your fridge..I have seen those..Are they all magnetic? Great great idea!

Just go to Lars' website and click on the Package from Lori to see the baster etc..

Lori, you certainly did your research on Lars! Those items are perfect for him.

Magnetic spice containers? How cool! And a strainer that collapses - that has long been needed. I love the shape of those plates.

Well done, Lori! Enjoy your bounty, Lars!
Teresa

Lars,

You said "I noticed Quahog mentioned in several of the recipe titles. First Im going to have to find out what Quahog is." Wow, I feel like jumping up and down waiving my hand calling out "I know". You generally share so much cooking info! A Quahog is a type of large clam, about as big as my palm or even larger. And, you were also right about the strong Italian and Portuguese influence in the area. I went to a fantastic beach party were they did a clam bake. The steamers and clams were good, but my favorite was the fish. It was done with a firm white fish, bread stuffing and a piece of chirezo; all wrapped in tin foil and baked. Delicious. When I asked for specifics, no-one could tell me; it was just something they all "did".

Lori, the box you sent is wonderful! I love the idea of the magnetic spice containers and tool holder. Everything else looks fantastic also.

Susan

That does look like a swap package designed specifically for Lars. Very nice! The sauces are wonderful (it is so much fun to receive food) and I adore those plates. And Lars, your descriptions and pictures made me feel like I was right there helping you open things up! Very nice! Good things come to those who (patiently) wait.

Great New England package you sent Lori. Quahogs are great stuffed or making the best clam chowder!

First things first! Lars, I love your description of your swap box. I felt like I was sitting along side of you helping you open everything! If you remember, please let us know, how you like that wonderful magnetic knife holder. It looks like a great thing for a small apartment like DD#2 has. I've gotten some great ideas for her small space from this swap box. Enjoy your goodies Lars!

Lori, Wow! Great job!

Lars, I also loved your description and am picturing you playing with the strainer! hee hee

Lori, what a fabulous package you put together for Lars - you found interesting things to entertain an interesting guy!

Stacy

Well done Lori.

We have those magnetic knife holders in our kitchen. They are great! (pppst I think Ikea sells them too). I've seen that collapsible strainer...yup, its fun to play with... and those magnetic spice boxes - I'd love to find an online source for those. I know I can find them bulk through container sites, but not magnetic! I'd add a small vinyl magnet on the back if I had to. If you run out of Stonewall stuff - major yum - they sell Stonewall at Surfas, ya know! But, better we learn to make it ourselves, right?

Glad to see Lori can't count either. Heh heh.

Lars, Fabulous package. I just saw those strainers for the first time yesterday and I may just have to get one. Also, you'll love the knife/utensil magnet...it's one of my favorite things, having all my knives right at hand.
Lori, You chose some perfect items. Great job!

Jayne

Lori, really great spacesaver items! I love those little canisters ~ way cool! The RI cookbook looks really interesting, as well.

Lars, what is your countertop?, I adore the colors & shimmer of it! I know Lori put much thought & care into your package, she was a woman on a mission, for sure! I hope you enjoy everything!

Lars, I went back and looked at the last photo. What d'ya drink outta the shot glass, huh?

I just reread your post; You did write beautifully.

Bubbe

Those magnetic spice holders are fantastic! Whata clever idea. You could use them for all sorts of things. I could even use them in my office for paper clips. That would be so fun.

I can just see you bopping yourself on the head with the strainer to make it open. That's the kind of thing I would do.

Good job Lori! I would be intimidated to have Lars since he has such diverse interests and seems to know so much about so many things, but you nailed it.

Oh, Lars, I'm so glad everything arrived in one piece. I was a little worried as I had posted the packages seemed to be separated by UPS. According to the tracking info, one is STILL in Rhode Island. The other made its way to the New York border, then ended up back in RI. They stayed in Utah forever, which scared me, because as I explained to Ann T, I once had a package lost from Thanksgiving until February which coincidentally had also apparently done some sightseeing in Utah. (so much for that Christmas present!) I'll never understand why they went to Washington.

Anyway, Lars, when I got your name, I was a little intimidated. As I wrote, having three young kids, our variety of foods is...well, not much of a variety. You know the saying, deja food, the same meals all the time.

I noticed two things in particular: your love of seafood and your small space, so I went with it.

Susan gave a good description of a quohog being a big clam. They are as common in RI as cheese in Wisconsin. My 11 yr old loves stuffed quohogs, or "stuffies" as they're called here.

The cookbook is interesting because every recipe has a story, and many of the stories are legends here. For instance, there's Buddy's Marinara Sauce. It was created by Buddy Cianci, our former mayor who is now serving time in a Federal prison for racketeering and conspiracy.

Please let me know how that strainer works. I'm so curious. You nailed it, the texture is so interesting. One precaution about the magnetic spice holders. They are good for many uses (you can even attach them to the knife holder). If you plan to use them in your office, though, one piece of advice: Don't put them on your computer tower. Magnets and computers don't mix. Ask me how I know. DUH!

Lars, I'll say it again, I had such fun. I learned so much while researching you. If you ever do make it to Rhode Island, be sure to contact me. I'd love to give you the grand tour.

What a terrific, unique group of gifts. I neeeeeeeeeeeeed one of those strainers for the RV! I have a magnetic strip for knives, but it's full and I need another one, and how cool are those magnetic spice tins? I too would have been neurotic about buying things for Lars - he is so knowledgeable and seems to have access to every ingredient imaginable, but you did it Lori - way to go.
Jane

I think I left out a ">" when creating a link to the baster picture, but check the link below.

I read more of the cookbook and learned about Quahogs being large clams - I can get little neck clams at Santa Monica Seafood Market, but they might not be big enough. If not, then I guess I'll have to go clamming at Pismo Beach (I've wanted to do that anyway, and it's not far from here)! The cookbook and magazine are really making me want to visit RI - it seems like a beautiful place and especially for seafood lovers. I love Italian and Portuguese food, and so that influence would be welcome also. I'll let you know what recipes I try from the book. I've noticed that there are tons of info about Quahogs (I only scanned through before), and so I can figure out how to make substitutions - for chopped clams I can use smaller ones, but to make stuffed clams, I may have to go to Pismo Beach.

There was no countertop in the photos - they were all taken {{gwi:1464974}}, which has a tablecloth made from fabric that I painted (back in the 1980s).

The space saving items were such a great idea and so helpful! I'm glad you zeroed in on that and my love of seafood. I'm very impressed with the large and interesting collection of seafood recipes in the cookbook.

Lars

Hey Lars if you really get the hang of that baster, will that make you a 'Master Baster'?

(EJ , darfc)

You had us all fooled with that tablecloth. Even I was agog with 'what species of stone is THAT - I WANT!'. It photographs like the real thing!

Lars I forgot to tell you that I have that finger peeler also:)

Lars I forgot to tell you that I have that finger peeler also:)

Lars, that is a fantastic haul! I love all the space-saving gadgets; that's right up my alley. Several year ago my mother gave me own of those magnetic strips with a magnetic back as well -- so I can hang it on the fridge over my dish-drainer. The spice cans and the collapsible strainer are wonderful -- let us know how the strainer works out.

I can testify that the bottletop baster is clever and useful, and you've got me curious about the finger peeler. It could make peeling fun!

The sauces and seasonings are sweet -- lots of oomph there! I love the Nantucket Rub; I keep trying to replicate it every summer, and it really is great on all kinds of seafood.

Wonderful job, Lori; I know you'll enjoy the whole bundle, Lars!

I haven't tried the finger peeler yet - Monique should know how it works. I'll probably use it first on potatoes.

We can use that shot glass to measure limoncello, Bubbe! I mainly plan to use it for measuring small amounts of liquid, like Amaretto, vinegar, etc for recipes that call for 2 tbsp or less of a liquid. I think it will be easier than using measuring spoons.

Lars

Great play by play, Lars! I have never seen the silicone strainer, either, looks handy. Love the magnetic spice cans, and of course everything else! Great job, Lori!

Linda

Lori, you really put together a perfect swap box for Lars. You obviously did your homework. I love the strainer. I saw one of the bottle basters for the first time yesterday and thought that it would make a good swap gift. I almost bought one before remembering that I don't use basting sauces. I haven't seen a finger peeler before though. How cute is that.

Enjoy Lars.

HA~~~~~~~~~ good thing I didn't buy one of those basting brushes...lol.

d@mn still losing sleep...

Love the TBL Jigger and the Bottle Top Baster, both are something I could really use!

You hit the lottery!

I'm interested to hear how that peeler that slips on your finger works. Let us know will you? Enjoy all your goodies!

Good Job Lori!

Well Lars-- Lori certainly came up with the perfect selection for you -- that cookbook sounds like a great adventure ! Enjoy your Rhode Island goodies .

Well done Lori -- unique & useful .

Diane

I love those spice cans!! What a great space saver for a small kitchen, I know Lars has storage challenges. Well done Lori! A cool and unique package for a cool and unique guy!! I know for sure all of it will be put to good use. Enjoy Lars!

David

Very cool! I was gifted by Lori in the last swap (in person, no less). She puts together a great, thoughtful package. I know you will think of her fondly every time you use one of her wonderful items, Lars.

(I feel so much better to hear everybody's compliments - very reassuring. I was so nervous on this one!)

Lars, I just had to tell you, I bought one of those peelers for myself while I was shopping for you. I used it for the first time last night, and it's my favorite new gadget. LOVE it! But it did make me wonder if it's big enough for your fingers. I have very small hands and it was comfortable for me. I hope it works out and that you like it as much as I do.

Not sure how I missed this one!!! What a wonderful parcel. I just love it all. Love it all!!! I covet every single thing.

Lori, I have somewhat small fingers myself, and so it fits comfortably on my hand. I wanted to start peeling something with it as soon as I got it, but I didn't have anything to peel! I plan to try it on apples and potatoes, when I get some.

I tested the strainer, and it works fine. At first I thought the holes might be too small or not enough of them, but that is not the case. It looks very pretty hanging on a rack with my other utensils. I plan to install the magnetic knife holder this week-end, when I can get DB to help. I don't like using hammers or screwdrivers, but he does. I'm also going to use some of the wasabi-ginger sauce this week-end when we grill outside - it's gotten quite a bit cooler here now - it's 70° and overcast - not quite warm enough to hang out laundry, but my ginger plants will like it.

Lars

Lori, what a super swap for Lars. Those magnetic spice cans are really great! The cookbook looks terrific, I love when there is some history to go with the recipes.

Enjoy, Lars!

Brenda

Wow, Lori! What a great job!

Lars,
This is such a fabulous package! Sounds like you have some great items here! I've been hearing all about this collapsible strainer. I like this idea. I love the magnetic utensil holder. The magnetic spice jars for you fridge are a terrific solution to any space issues. The cookbooks look great, too. I would also love to try that Wasabi Sauce, among others!

Lots of great items! Enjoy!! You certainly deserve it!