Aw

Can't wait to see what you got.

James, I know of what you are referring. Part of what I enjoy about the swaps is Ann's brilliance in partner pairing. Can't wait to see what Maria sent, and I know it will all hold special meaning to you in times to come!

Like I said before I got tongue tied my package is from Maria!! And a beautiful, thoughtful package it is. When I finally worked up the nerve to open it this is what I found.
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Opening a swap package used to be a joint operation with my wife so you can imagine the whirlwind in my mind as I did this. I was really surprised that I was actually happy while doing it. Maria, you really sent me some wonderful things.
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The theme for my package is Comfort Food, homey, creamy risotto. Risotto is one of the things I learned to cook here on the forum and it's one of my favorite foods.
The first thing I opened was the Spanish saffron. I can smell it cooking in risotto and paella now. You know you are
having something special when it has saffron it.
Next came the dried, wild porcini mushrooms. I keep putting my nose to the package. Fantastic earthy smell. This will be a new experience for me.
Then there is a box of Carnaroli rice. This is a new one on me too. I can't wait to try it. It's a short grained rice that looks similar to Arborio.
It just gets better. A risotto cookbook. Over a hundred recipes for risotto. Maria thank you for marking some of the recipes for me. The risotto with fresh mushrooms and dried porcini will be the first one I try.
And better. An absolutely beautiful cherry wood hand crafted spoon.
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Maria, I don't think I'll be able to use this for risotto. It is going on display with a pair of wooden spoons another special person on the forum sent me. Sorry, I just can do it :).
A local newspaper and a wonderful note rounded out my box. The note means a lot to me Maria, thank you for the kind words. I want you to know that this package, coming from you, made this the most special swap I've ever participated in or will ever participate in. I don't mean that in a negative way to all my past swapmates. This one was different and really helped lift my spirits when they needed it. I hope it did the same for you Maria. Best wishes and many thanks.
James

James, I had tears reading this. What wonderful gifts from Maria. You will love risotto made with the carnaroli rice and porcini. A pinch of saffron is pretty good when making a tomatoe sauce. The risotto cookbook sounds interesting and I will be checking it out soon. The spoon is beautiful and I would probably just display it, too. Maria, good job!

James what a Special Swap for you, and Maria made it that way. How nice !!! Diana55

What a wonderfully themed swap package for you, James. Sounds like everything is right up your alley. I love it when folks send magazines or newspapers from their area.

Great choices, Maria!

james, i don't think anyone with a heart would think you meant anything negative to past swap partners, and everyone knows this forum is full of people with heart!!!!

what a wonderful package. i too love risotto and have a cookbook devoted to it as well. what i don't have is that spoon!

what an wonderful experience for you both, maria and jim.

maryanne

Awwww...that is SO cool. Goosebumps....

Maria, you did a great job finding some perfect things for Jim.

Jim, I know you'll enjoy this swap for what is in it and what it means to the both of you. Comfort food - how perfect!

AnnT...you are brilliant for setting this up! :)

Mmmmm... porcini mushroom risotto - I can smell it now too, Jim.

A very nice package from Maria - the spoon is beautiful. Before these swaps I would never have thought that a cooking utensil like a spoon could be art and be beautiful. My, how I've changed! Beauty can be in anything.

Won't it be terrific that whenever you reach for that beautiful cherry wood spoon you'll always think of Maria, Jim?
I just love that :)

That is a fabulous swap package. I absolutely love risotto. Tht was a great pick, and that spoon is just gorgeous. A spoon like that would make it extra fun to cook. A very thoughtful and beautiful swap package Maria. Jim, I know you will get great use out of that package.

OH, wow. Wow. Wow.

Very special, indeedie. Great theme, Maria. The spoon is a beauty.

That's a terrific swap package! One that shows the caring and sharing that this is supposed to be all about.

Nancy

Some "Swap Match-ups" just seem perfect. This was one of them.

Maria what a great theme. Everything needed to make a wonderful risotto dinner and an absolutely gorgeous spoon to stir it with. James, I know that you want to save that spoon, but it looks like it will be the perfect fit for a right hander and will make stirring the risotto a joy.

Enjoy.

Ann

How special is that, Jim! I'm so happy for you and Maria. Risotto is sooo good, and I bet ever dish of risotto you make from that book with be served with good feelings on the side.

Sally

Gosh Jim! I am soooo happy that you like it! I too was shocked that I had your name in the swap. I had the box ready over a week ago but it took me a few tries to write up the note... SO being that we are kindred spirits I thought comfort food theme was the way to go. The spoon was the reason for the right or left handed question from Ann...and you were probably thinking sports equipment! The wood is warm and smooth - and a pleasure to stir with. My husband would have been there to help with the swap as well - it does get a little easier with time - it was a special swap for me too. Thank you to Ann the Queen Swap Manager!!!

That spoon is gorgeous..

Ann, is really good at the who to whom matching she does!

I'm having trouble seeing pictures, but the words paint a beautiful picture, jim. What a wonderful package -- and how lovely to have comfort foods from friends.

Well done, Maria!

I love mushroom risotto also - nice to get an incentive to make it! I might not use the beautiful spoon for stirring risotto, but I would use it in serving salad, which should not harm the spoon. I haven't tried Saffron in risotto yet - I'll have to give that a try. It sounds delightful!

Great package!!

Lars

What a thoughtful and special swap package....
It's always nice to get homey, food package. The spoon is beautiful and you will have fun making all kinds of risotto from the book. The dried mushrooms, saffron and rice make this package "over the top"

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy

Linda

Yep this was one perfect match for swap partners.

Lovely spoon, great theme.

Cheers to you both~

I see Ann has been doing a little spying again...love it! Maria, what a well thought out package for our good friend James. I'm a little choked up with both of yours packages this time. The spoon is beautiful and what a great theme for a swap package. James, I have several special sets of spoons/claws from previous swaps. I think it was Sharon that told you to "use" them several years ago. I finally did with one set....it was a hard thing to do. Share a recipe when time allows.

David

Now this is one great swap! I love that spoon, the red color of the cherry wood is beautiful.

Maria, "comfort food" was a stroke of genius, I think, in this instance and it's clear that you touched James with your thoughts.

Perfect swap and perfect partners.

Annie

Wonderful package, Maria. The comfort food theme was a great idea.

Beautiful...just, beautiful. What a genuinely sweet and well thought out box.

Nina

awww the whole pairing is so special - and what a great package - love love love things that' I've never tried before - it would be so fun for me too! And the spoon is amazing.

Stacy

What a perfect "hug" Marie sent you , Jim--

What a special pairing. Great package Maria. I really loved reading this.

janet

Can't add anything to what all was said above. What a community we have created here, that would not have been possible before the internet!

James try tossing a few of those dried mushrooms in the blender/food processor to make a porcini powder for the risotto. And if you really get hooked, consider getting a pressure cooker! Maria you may have created another risotta addict.

Mmmmm...risotto...the ultimate comfort food. I had leftovers for lunch today. Risotto with asparagus and a bit of truffle oil....mmmm....

The spoon is beautiful. And Ann_T? Very nice partnering....

I'm farklempt when I look at this pairing of partners and the wonderful box that was sent. Jim is a generous and thoughtful man and Maria you've done a wonderful job of choosing a theme and wonderful items. Jim, enjoy it all and share some recipes!

Yummm! A risotto cookbook and rice, how great is that. I love dried mushrooms, you will enjoy them in risotto. I really love your cherrywood spoon! It is beautiful and I especially love how the handle has a slight curve in it! Let us know which risotto you make first.

Shelley