I think I’ve written this before but I’ll repeat it: Work is the enemy of blogging.I have been hard at work and nibbling at my package from Samantha at The Samantha Files.I was on the phone interviewing the CEO of a local Internet company. He mentioned the Blog word, the dogs went crazy and hey presto there was the mailman with my package.I feel bad now. Having been busy all I sent Samantha was shop bought. She actually sent me some wonderful homemade goodies.First the pecan brownies.Sometimes I find brownies are either too big or too rich or both. These were perfect is size and taste. They were the perfect balance.What I really want to know is the recipe for Samantha’s almond-hazelnut biscotti. I’ve had a bit of a crush on biscotti for the past few months and even feebly attempted to make some of the crisp biscuits myself. They were a soggy failure. These, again, are just perfect.I don’t give such compliments so easily, usually. I’m usually happy to get stuck in and find something to criticise but I can’t here.With this in mind I approached the box of Mallomars, a favourite of Samantha’s dad’s, with apprehension. I’ve pretty much given up buying packets of mass made biscuits and goodies. But again with their dark chocolate coating and soft pillows of marshmallow inside they are addictive and a perfect accompaniment to my mid-morning strong black (fairtrade) coffee.I love ginger. Ginger in food, ginger beer, candied ginger. The ginger chews were strong and fiery. Just the thing to settle my stomach after a week of living large with spicy food and alcohol.The peppercorns came from Penzeys and went straight into my laughably small grinder. The cinnamon sticks are first in to flavour a Turkish coffee. They’ll also be appearing in pilau rice and various curries soon.Finally, there is something taking me back to childhood. Green tomato chutney. My mother made this but I’ve never really got into making my own preserves despite a lifetime dedicated to food.I’m saving it for some really great Cheddar cheese I’ll buy at the weekend. Ploughman’s lunch anyone?Thanks Samantha.
