Holiday Goodie Exchange [2022]

[nijuukyugou]

Wooooo, got my package yesterday from the lovely Spacedaisy!



So many delightful Tex-Mex treats and ingredients to play with (and a free message telling me what to do with all of the bounty )! Of course, we traveled to my parents’ house just after I opened it, so we don’t get to play until we get back, but something to look forward to.

(Oh yeah, and I noticed after I cleaned everything off the table that I forgot to put the pecan coffee in the pic. But oh, it’s definitely there, lurking in the background.)

[Epignosis]

Well, what I got made me angry.

Yes, angry.

Angry because I was just at the grocery store and did not buy pork.

What I got needs pork.

Yes, pork.

Particularly ribs.

And pork was on sale.

But I didn't buy any.

So I can only look forward to the Ninja BBQ sauce (I see what you did there, you sly blooper).

I already consumed about a fourth of the hot sauce on my homemade nachos tonight. It was unexpectedly sweet and predictably delicious.

There's some unidentified dessert in a Ziploc bag, but I haven't sampled any, so I do not yet know if I want to live in that bag.

Then there's the matter of the horny mustard. I did not know mustard made people horny, but that's what people who didn't have the Internet believed, and now the Internet says it's true.

I'm going to slather Eloh up with the mustard and give her the old "seventh inning stretch."

[Elohcin]

Ooo, I'm in for a good time tonight!!

[speedchuck]

I guess I don't have to post a picture of my package, now!

[Epignosis]

I guess I don't have to post a picture of my package, now!

Good thing. Many men have gone to jail for that sort of thing.

[Spacedaisy]

I guess I don't have to post a picture of my package, now!

Lol sorry! Hope you aren't offended by MP and I giving the same items to each of our recipients. You could share a picture of the coffee!

[nijuukyugou]

Well, what I got made me angry.

Yes, angry.

Angry because I was just at the grocery store and did not buy pork.

What I got needs pork.

Yes, pork.

Particularly ribs.

And pork was on sale.

But I didn't buy any.

So I can only look forward to the Ninja BBQ sauce (I see what you did there, you sly blooper).

I already consumed about a fourth of the hot sauce on my homemade nachos tonight. It was unexpectedly sweet and predictably delicious.

There's some unidentified dessert in a Ziploc bag, but I haven't sampled any, so I do not yet know if I want to live in that bag.

Then there's the matter of the horny mustard. I did not know mustard made people horny, but that's what people who didn't have the Internet believed, and now the Internet says it's true.

I'm going to slather Eloh up with the mustard and give her the old "seventh inning stretch."

Ooo, I'm in for a good time tonight!!

I friggin' love you guys Glad you like it all so far!

[Glorfindel]

It's just passed midnight here in Australia and is now Christmas Day. So, Merry Christmas to all my friends here - I wish you all a safe and joyous celebration that will become in time, a memory you will treasure.

[Elohcin]

Merry Christmas, Glorf!!

[Epignosis]

I have determined the contents of the Ziploc bag.

It's toffee.

I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but I am fond of a good toffee.

Therefore, I could vacation in that bag.

[Dragon D. Luffy]

Merry Christmas, my friends!

[G-Man]

USPS says my package was delivered an hour ago. Check your porches!

[dunya]

it's midnight here, so I don't think you were my secret santa

[Spacedaisy]

MP thought maybe you were his secret santa, G-man. But alas, no package has been delivered for him today.

[Spacedaisy]

Also, I need to post a picture of my gift from Glorf which is one of the coolest things I got this Christmas!

[Tangrowth]

So it turns out I got a package today after all! It was from [mention]sig[/mention]!!



The package contained: a funny card with a nice message and various Kentucky/Lexington-sourced things (Bourbon chocolate balls, Bourbon-flavored sauce, almond/caramel popcorn, and tastycake cupcakes!

It's especially awesome that these are all local KY things -- not only because it reminds me of Cinci/Northern Kentucky, but also because somehow I never had any of these brands while I was there, so it's all new to me. I already broke out the popcorn and bourbon balls and they are truly excellent. Thanks so much, sig!

[Spacedaisy]

So [mention]Glorfindel[/mention] sent me these amazing gifts! We haven't yet used the sauces, I am going to have to look into how to use them. The other item was one of the most thoughtful and unexpected gifts of all this year. Glorf has played in our Syndicate sim, The Tempest. Since he joined we have gotten to become very good friends, so he knows my love of The Next Generation. And I know he has a pretty intense dislike of Picard so the fact that he got me this lovely crystal collectible is doubly meaningful. It was a touching gift from a very thoughtful person. I was floored when I opened it. Thank you so much Glorf!

P.S. I was intrigued by the fact Australians spell chili with two L's!

[G-Man]

I’m patient when it comes to receiving but not giving. The suspense is killing me! If a porch-swiper swiped it, I’m going to be ticked.

[Glorfindel]

@Spacedaisy: You are most welcome, my dear friend. My culinary skills are rudimentary at best so perhaps someone more highly skilled in that field (like S-V-S) may be able to advise you in the use of the sauces - I've not tried them myself but I've heard good reports about them. As for the ornament, for anyone who can't read the inscription under the image of Captain Picard, it says, "Dream big and make it so" - a play on Jean-Luc's iconic line from the Star Trek Next Generation series. I am beyond thrilled that you were happy with it, my friend and I hope that (through our friend, the indomitable Captain Picard) I may be able to inspire you just a little in those times that you may feel down or discouraged and need reminding of all the wonderful things that await you in your life.

[Spacedaisy]

Spacedaisy: You are most welcome, my dear friend. My culinary skills are rudimentary at best so perhaps someone more highly skilled in that field (like S-V-S) may be able to advise you in the use of the sauces - I've not tried them myself but I've heard good reports about them. As for the ornament, for anyone who can't read the inscription under the image of Captain Picard, it says, "Dream big and make it so" - a play on Jean-Luc's iconic line from the Star Trek Next Generation series. I am beyond thrilled that you were happy with it, my friend and I hope that (through our friend, the indomitable Captain Picard) I may be able to inspire you just a little in those times that you may feel down or discouraged and need reminding of all the wonderful things that await you in your life.

I also really loved the card and note, it was really sweet. And you have amazing handwriting!

[Glorfindel]

Spacedaisy: You are most welcome, my dear friend. My culinary skills are rudimentary at best so perhaps someone more highly skilled in that field (like S-V-S) may be able to advise you in the use of the sauces - I've not tried them myself but I've heard good reports about them. As for the ornament, for anyone who can't read the inscription under the image of Captain Picard, it says, "Dream big and make it so" - a play on Jean-Luc's iconic line from the Star Trek Next Generation series. I am beyond thrilled that you were happy with it, my friend and I hope that (through our friend, the indomitable Captain Picard) I may be able to inspire you just a little in those times that you may feel down or discouraged and need reminding of all the wonderful things that await you in your life.

I also really loved the card and note, it was really sweet. And you have amazing handwriting!

Now, you're just trying to make me blush (and are succeeding )

Oh, and in reference to your earlier post, of course 'chilli' is spelled with two 'l's

[Spacedaisy]

We spell it with only one L.

[sig]

No problem MP, Glad you liked it.

[mention]G-Man[/mention] I loved the gifts thanks! He got me a book called Weird Pennsylvania, which so far is amazing, a cookbook, a calendar of India, which is one of the top countries I want to visit, a Taekwon-do Key chain, which is probably my favorite and a really great card with an explanation for the presents. Though I opened the presents before the card so oops. :P

I'd post pictures but my laptop is being troublesome right now so I'll have to try tomorrow.

[G-Man]

Yay! Glad you got the goods Sig!

In case anyone is wondering, I didn't send Sig any treats because we're both from PA and all the stuff I would have thought of already has distribution across the east coast. Thankfully, Sig's time in the Interrogation Room provided me with some ideas to work with.

Merry Christmas!

[nutella]

Woohoo I got my package from dunya!! She sent me all kinds of cool Swedish things with sweet little explanatory notes on them here's some pics

So many gift wrapped things that were exciting to open!



Contents: A Christmas card that says God Jul and Gott Nytt År (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Swedish) and a lovely note, a goofy magnet with trolls and a Swedish flag, a beanbag elf on skis that her friend handmade, a beautifully carved owl candle, various facial cosmetics including some animal-themed face masks, a pair of very pretty turquoise and black beaded bracelets, and some Swedish and Danish candy (including marzipan which I love!) Also the candy was inside this picture frame sign thing:

[dunya]

so glad you liked everything. I had a little help from [mention]juliets[/mention]

[Epignosis]

So I've had everything in my package.

The hot sauce is almost halfway gone.

The BBQ sauce was excellent- I slathered it over my grilled pork chop the other night.

The lusty mustard is probably the best mustard I've ever had. It's hotter than the damn hot sauce though. Wowzers. I'm having a sandwich with it right now.

Eloh ate all my toffee (so it wouldn't tempt her later).

[nijuukyugou]

Ah yes - meant to warn you about that mustard, especially the honey mustard kind! It’s so stupid good, but it burns like hell. They have three flavors (honey, chipotle, and regular) that are all excellent. Glad everything has been as enjoyable for you as it is for us!!

[Sloonei]

I want some of this spicy mustard now.

[Spacedaisy]

Who is still waiting on their package?

[dunya]

me! Probably expected since I'm in Sweden though.

[dunya]

Oh hey! I got my stuff today from the incredibly sweet and lovely [mention]Elohcin[/mention] !



the box in all its glory



pretty much every kind of m&ms in existence which is so awesome cos I love m&ms and loads of flavors I've never ever heard of or tired! caramel, almond, coffee and strawberry. We just have the regular chocolate and nut varieties so I have to keep myself from eating them all at once and probably going to chocolate heaven.



some skittles because I friggin' love skittles!



salted caramel black tea!!! I love tea, I love caramel. Never tried this. Cannot wait to try it.





this is where dunia gets emotional. She made a handmade cross stitch cute thing I can hang and she wrote Merry Christmas AND God Jul, which is the Swedish translation of Merry Christmas. Ok, who cut the onions in this room?



a hand drawn and written merry christmas card from Eloh which should be framed because it's frigging awesome she took the time do make it for me.

THANK YOU SO MUCH TASHA! I'm so glad I made a new friend of you last year and the thoughtfulness in your gifts really means a lot to me.

[Elohcin]

So glad you like everything. I did lots of research on what to send a friend in Sweden and so many forums said that you guys only had the original skittles and m&ms and to send varieties. I also looked to see what kinds of tea you all had. The Bigelow Salted Caramel is my absolute favorite and I didn't see that Bigelow is sold in Sweden (but I'm not a great researcher...so I am not totally sure), so I wanted you to be able to try it. I love to add a bit of milk to mine which brings out the flavor of the tea. Not sure if you guys drink milk with your tea over there People on forums also said to send vodka, haha. I chose to refrain from doing that.

[nutella]

Omg that's an amazing haul

[Tangrowth]

This was definitely a success again this year, I loved seeing what everyone else got, and [mention]sig[/mention]'s treats are nearly all gone already!

[Sloonei]

I am jealous of everyone's gifts and I look at this thread any time I get the munchies. The Syndicate is full of lovely people.

I lost my mind when I read "strawberry M&M's".

[JaggedJimmyJay]

Milk Chocolate Plain > Mega Peanut > Peanut > Crispy > Peanut Butter > Coconut > Pumpkin Spice > Pretzel > Strawberry Nut > Almond > Gingerbread > Chili Nut > Mint > Dark Chocolate Peanut > Dark Chocolate Plain > Caramel

[Sloonei]

... gingerbread m&m's?

[dunya]

... gingerbread m&m's?

like, that surprised you and not pretzels?

[dunya]

So glad you like everything. I did lots of research on what to send a friend in Sweden and so many forums said that you guys only had the original skittles and m&ms and to send varieties. I also looked to see what kinds of tea you all had. The Bigelow Salted Caramel is my absolute favorite and I didn't see that Bigelow is sold in Sweden (but I'm not a great researcher...so I am not totally sure), so I wanted you to be able to try it. I love to add a bit of milk to mine which brings out the flavor of the tea. Not sure if you guys drink milk with your tea over there People on forums also said to send vodka, haha. I chose to refrain from doing that.

Hahahaha. We have a lot of vodka; maybe it's a joke about keeping warm because it's so cold here? You are so sweet! Thank you for sharing how you came to choosing the gifts. I was wondering why M&Ms and skittles, but definitely in a good wondering way. Indeed, all those flavors are completely new to me and I can't wait to dig in! The tea is definitely not something I've seen here and I love caramel and I drink tea every day (and I do add milk with mine) so I'm going to try it tomorrow morning!

[Sloonei]

... gingerbread m&m's?

like, that surprised you and not pretzels?

I've seen pretzel m&m's before. Pretzels and chocolate is a time honored snack.

[Epignosis]

Milk Chocolate Plain > Mega Peanut > Peanut > Crispy > Peanut Butter > Coconut > Pumpkin Spice > Pretzel > Strawberry Nut > Almond > Gingerbread > Chili Nut > Mint > Dark Chocolate Peanut > Dark Chocolate Plain > Caramel

And every single one of them a sandwich.

[dunya]

Milk Chocolate Plain > Mega Peanut > Peanut > Crispy > Peanut Butter > Coconut > Pumpkin Spice > Pretzel > Strawberry Nut > Almond > Gingerbread > Chili Nut > Mint > Dark Chocolate Peanut > Dark Chocolate Plain > Caramel

And every single one of them a sandwich.

you make an m&ms sandwich?

[Epignosis]

Milk Chocolate Plain > Mega Peanut > Peanut > Crispy > Peanut Butter > Coconut > Pumpkin Spice > Pretzel > Strawberry Nut > Almond > Gingerbread > Chili Nut > Mint > Dark Chocolate Peanut > Dark Chocolate Plain > Caramel

And every single one of them a sandwich.

you make an m&ms sandwich?

No.

[Elohcin]

The coffee I got from nutella is delicious!!!

[dunya]

And I had American Flag skittles today! First time I eat blue or white skittles :o

[nutella]

Jay you missed coffee nut. I tried those recently, pretty good imo


Glad the coffee's good eloh!

[Epignosis]

Glad the coffee's good eloh!

I took revenge for my toffee.

[Boomslang]

Man, my package still hasn't arrived at its intended destination, and it's a week into the new year. CURSE YOU USPS!

[G-Man]

So this all came three weeks ago but I've been either too busy or shamefully lazy to post this picture. [mention]Epignosis[/mention] sent me an assortment of goodies. It includes:

-Dark chocolate cream-filled wafer sticks
-German chocolate
-A book about science and the Bible
-Some fancy-sounding pasta (which I may need some tips on preparing)
-Mint-chocolate jelly

He also included a very lovely, personal note. Epi's penmanship is exquisite.

I haven't tried any of the goodies yet. Any recommendations on what to eat the mint-chocolate jelly with?

Thank you, Epi!