foodie pen pal II

I was paired for the Foodie PenPal event in November with an awesome new friend from Texas. Rubina is a sign language interpreter (isn't that cool?!) and lives in South Texas. Her birthday is December 4th--which she shared with me after finding out I'm days {seconds!} away from having a baby, and I should "aim" for that particular date. It was a true pleasure to experience some foodie love from the Southern Central part of this great country this month!

See? I have approximately 50 hours to go :)

Rubina sent along a delicious recipe for some Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars. They were awesome, and very moist. I love pumpkin, and the bars were instantly opened and they made it to...oh...about the next morning's breakfast. 

 Rubina also sent some authentic salsa verde, along with instructions, which I have with the ingredients saved--just so I make sure to make our Texas treats correctly!

 This is an up-close of the delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars. They even had peanut butter and chocolate chips sprinkled in. SO good!

 See my perfect instructions?! I have a few days before I go to this for our dinner plans, but I'm thinking it would be a suitable dinner to make on December 4th, right? 

 Sweet State representation!!

 We also got some more sweet treats, in the peanut's theme. The Kind bars are so good, and the Mazapan was one of our favorite things!! Really different, but we liked it a lot. That's got to be my favorite part of the Foodie Pen Pals idea--trying new things!!

 Peanuts! and a lovely card from my new friend. 

Thanks so much, Rubina!! It was a great box of foodie surprises, and you were the sweetest person to "meet" via our joint love of food. Thanks for your generosity and thoughtfulness. 

Have a Merry Christmas, everyone! 

Wish me some hospital luck!