Over the past week or two samples have been arriving of some very yummy goodies. Somehow, unwittingly they all coincided with my birthday which happened to be yesterday so I just took it to mean that they were birthday presents. Do you like my logic?
I just want to say a huge thankyou to my friend Angela from Creating A Stir who sent me a most amazing package all the way from Japan. She knows I have a love for Pocky and Japanese Kit Kats as well as all other things quirky and Japanese so she sent me a mind blowing selection of food including: Kits Kats (in blueberry cheesecake, cherry and strawberry as well as an intriguing little packet of little kit kat balls); Pocky (in kiwifruit, coco banana, double dessert chocolate, and peach milk), adorable cake boxes, delicious sesame crackers, bento art toothpicks (I can definitely see myself getting into bento art); ginger peanuts; a moreish almond and fish snack; mushroom chocolate biscuits; Collon cookies in milky green tea; cupcake wrappers, chewing gum (including a dragonfruit and blood orange flavour! 
), gorgeous origami paper, pretty chopsticks and chopstick covers and green tea jelly snacks.
Angela’s card-cute!
The first to get eaten were the Blueberry Cheesecake Kit Kats which are amazing-with an eerily accurate blueberry cheesecake flavour. Next were the rest of it including the Kiwifruit Pocky (fabulous). In fact everything in there was an absolute delight. She has great taste that Angela-thankyou again 
I also received some packs from the Lilydale Free range chicken range with Luke Mangan (of Glass restaurant fame). I was given a African Spice Breast Escalopes and Tarragon and Mint Thigh Cutlets. Flipping the packs over I saw that the African Spice Breast Escalopes only had a cooking time of 20 minutes for the entire meal so I saved it for when I was time poor and needed a quick dinner-the ultimate test. Escalopes are part of the breast of the chicken, pounded until thin and therefore quick to cook. I quite like chicken breast but my husband and parents don’t, always saying that it is too dry but I was willing to give this a go. Besides which there were 8 escalopes here so for the two of us there was quite a bit of meat and the calorie count per serve was pleasantly low at 585kj per 2 escalopes (yay!).
I made the requisite tomato salsa (substituting coriander for mint as that was all I had-it’s meant to be easy remember) and couscous and pan fried the escalopes after sprinkling them with the flavour sachet and oil. All up it took me about 30 minutes to cook with all of the chopping and preparation-you might be able to do it in 20 minutes but it would be a furious and fraught 20 minutes and you may lose a finger with the whole chopping part.
I took a bite of the chicken and they were juicy and tender and totally scoffable – I almost thought that it was a juicy thigh fillet. I greedily ate it happy in the knowledge that it was low in calories. For those that don’t like any additives, the dry marinade sachet for the escalopes reads a little like a cup a soup label so just keep that in mind but the other pack is just herbs. You can always buy the escalopes and make your own although the zero marinating time was good for me and I can definitely see myself buying these again. A pack of the escalopes is $11.40 per tray and the thigh fillets are $9 per tray from Coles. We did try the Tarragon and Mint thigh fillets but definitely preferred the African spice escalopes instead.
As for the rest of the escalopes? Apart from having them for dinner tonight, I’ll use these in a salad for lunch or in a sandwich (these are best and juiciest straight off the pan rather than reheated). And share them grudgingly.
Keren from the Cupcake Courier was also kind enough to send me a Jessie Steele Josephine apron. Now the bit I didn’t realise was that the Josephine is really flattering, as the straps are adjustable and the skirt part flounces out just like a dress! Apron as fashion? Yes please. I can’t wait to see what else Keren comes up with-she has the Midas touch when it comes to picking things for her store!
I also received some Pineapple Jerky from Jerky.com which unfortunately due to customs can’t really be shipped to Australia. If you can get a hold of them do because they are actually delicious and a great snack (although they are moreish so beware!). Made in Maui of just pineapple and honey they’re similar to the pineapple flowers I made before for cupcakes but even I can admit these are better as they are thicker. And because customs confiscated my haul, thanks to my buddy Christie for passing on some of hers to me!
Carman’s Muesli sent me some Muesli rounds which are said to be like a portable bowl of muesli in a Low GI form designed to ward off morning tea hunger pangs. Taste wise, I preferred the Classic Fruit and Nut to the Apricot and Almond although I confess I do prefer Carman’s regular muesli bars for texture and taste. However in terms of GI rating, they’re very good and the slow energy release does actually seem to help the mid morning cravings. They’re available from Coles and Franklins for $4.99 for a 200g box of 5.
Another goodie I got was from Smirnoff to promote their It Started with a Mule campaign which came in a fabulous film canister which really got my attention. My package delivery guy asked me if I was in the movies-heh I wish! You can see their whole campaign here and read about the history of the Mule drink (which is delicious!). And because every birthday party deserves a cocktail, I followed the instructions and made one using Smirnoff, ginger beer and lime with ice and had a very Happy Birthday! Thanks to all the PR companies and brands that sent through the samples-it’s great to see that bloggers are now being included in the media mix!
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51 Comments | Add your own
Happy Birthday! You received some really great/yummy packages!
Happy Birthday NQN!
What flavor was the baby kitkat you got? One of the many things I miss about living in Japan are the amazingly yummy limited edition kitkat flavors they have. One memorable flavor was Universal Studios flavor.. and no it didn’t have a metallic taste
I’m going to see if I can find that pineapple jerky here. I read about it on the internet not long ago (maybe it was here? I forget) and after hearing your positive review I’d love to try it! Or perhaps they could send some to me *hint hint* =P
Cute apron! That chicken looks heavenly. You lucked out, girl!
Oh wow, they are fab pressies. I’d looove a blueberry cheesecake kit-kat – you must report the taste of that!
Happy belated birthday!
What a haul! Japanese treats r always so unique – the blueberry cheesecake kit kat sounds so yummy. And happy birthday too!
Ohhhh I am so envious of your package from Japan! I am a total KitKat nut, the ones from Japan have the best flavours! I hope you had a great birthday
Happy Belated B’day Lorraine
That apron is divine!
Happy Birthday! That is a great haul you got in the post, I just get bills (boo!). They have just started selling pocky in the UK, I need to try some.
Happy belated birthday, Lorraine! Hope you had a lovely day yesterday.
Lucky you!!
Happy Birthday for yesterday!
They were going to send me out jerky too but I’m yet to receive it! hmm….
Happy Birthday for yesterday! It was so interesting seeing all the strange and wonderful flavours of confectionery from Japan. I love the Collon cookies – they always give me a laugh, likewise Calpis drink and Depresso coffee
Happy belated birthday, Lorraine. (Green with envy … all I received in the mail lately are just bills and more bills …)
I got such a kick out of the blueberry cheesecake Kit Kat. The Japanese are the best when it comes quirky snacks. I was weaned on Pocky myself.
Happy Birthday for yesterday! You got seriously spoilt! I love birthdays
What great bday gifts! So many fun boxes to wade through. Happy belated!
Happy Birthday!! So pleased that you are enjoying it all. BTW, the jelly cup things are for mixing with water to make an iced green tea drink (as far as I know!). What a gorgeous apron – I remember you posting about them and I spent a while browsing lustfully through her collection!
Happy Birthday NQN!!
Is there anything better than a delivery of mysterious candy? If there is I don’t want to know about it.
I was once given a blood orange kitkat which was fantastic!
Boo to greedy little customs, keeping the pineapple jerky for themselves. We are so deprived here in oz.
I hoped you’d get spoiled rotten and I’m so glad you did! Happy Bday darling!
Happy birthday! I’d die of excitement if I got a package with even half that awesome Japanese stuff!
Happy Birthday! Those are wonderful gifts! I hope you had a super day.
Oohh what a wonderful Japan package! I see lots of goodies in there mmmm I wanna go backkk XD!
Woo hoo… Angela is so sweet, isn’t she? I feel so lucky to have her as a friend!
I hope you are enjoying all the fabulous goodies- I have not even tried the kit kat myself yet = ) I followed you from Angela’s, I wish you a “Happy Birthday”!
I love the idea of a well-fitting apron. It even has polkadots for you! The package from Japan looks exciting too with so many different goodies.
Hi Lorraine,
Happy Birthday for yesterday!
Happy birthday for yesterday!
Love Japanese confections! It’s great that you had someone over there to send you these wonderful treats.
Quite interesting how much you received so close to your birthday, even if wasn’t intentionally so
Happy belated Birthday!!
Hapy Birthday! You look so young!
My gosh! I swear I had practically the same dinner as you did @_@
All those sample look amazing!
Happy belated Birthday Lorraine. Loved the package from Japan – Angela sure knows how to shop!! Hope you had a good day.
Hi Darling! Looking forward to seeing you soon. Have a great birthday weekend! xo from M+boys
Hey, hey, happy birthday Lorraine! Some great gifts and samples there.
Happy belated Birthday Lorraine!
Wow, really nice samples you got, especially the pineapple jerky! And nice present too, did not even know that Kit Kats came in so many flavours!
Happy Birthday NQN, thanks for another fabulous year of outstanding foodie journalism!
Happy birthday Lorraine! What an amazing stash of goodies. Glad to hear you enjoyed them and had a great birthday.
Happy birthday Loraine. All those “presents” much have really made you giggle with joy.
You should check this company out for dried fruit. It is very yummy and Australian http://www.begadriedfoods.com.au/BDF%20Online%20Order.htm
Happy belated birthday Lorraine. You’re such a lucky gal to have received all those great treats
Mules…now that brings back memories of my first husband, who had a very strong hankering for a few of these every afternoon after a hard day of teaching sixth grade. They were delicious, quaffed from special copper cups that he’d ordered from God knows where. Those drinks are the one thing I miss about that guy!
Happy happy birthday!! That apron is too too cute! Why don’t I see a photo of you modeling it??
Wow, that’s a lot of goodies!! Happy belated birthday!
Happy Birthday NQN! What lovely presents you received.
Gina
Happy belated birthday darling Lorraine! I hope you had a fabulous day!!
Oh my boyfriend and I have been eating those african spiced escalopes for a while now and they are my absolute FAVE.
I love them for work the next day served with a simple home made coleslaw, the calories are very low for the whole meal and it is quite filling. Mmm delicious!
Happy Birthday! Seem only in your birthday you can get free of cooking and baking day, while enjoying these Pocky :p
The package from japan looks amazing! Yum!! Looks like you received some great birthday treats
Hope you had a great birthday!
Happy (belated) birthday Lorraine! What a lucky girl to receive so many great treats on your birthday!!
The apron is gorgeous!
Oh wow – what an awesome haul! Done very well with the goodies – would’ve been a great birthday indeed
if this haul is any indication, your birthday was indeed properly recognized. hope you had a really special day!
Hi Barbara-Thankyou!
I did indeedy! 
Hi Kathy-Thankyou!
There were two flavours in it, a strawberry one and another one which I can’t remember (they were eaten
quite quickly
). I wish we had LE Kit Kats here! You’re lucky, you can get the pineapple jerky there. We can’t! 
Hi Blond Duck-Thanks! I really did didn’t I!
Hi Liss-Thanks, I felt absolutely spoilt! The blueberry cheesecake Kit Kat was delicious! It tasted just like blueberry
cheesecake!
Hi ESZ-Thankyou! I love going to the Japanese convenience stores to stock up on the goodies!
Hi Steph-It was so amazing! Angela is the best
I did, thanks!
Hi Belinda-Thankyou so much!
Hi Jenny-Thankyou! I usually get bills (they’re so dull aren’t they?). Oh definitely! I am addicted to the stuff
Hi Pam-Thankyou so much, I did!
Hi Iron Chef Shellie-Thankyou very much!
I think customs might have it 
Hi Linda-Thankyou! Hehe yes these Collon ones had a yummy green tea filling-not to Colon like! I haven’t seen Depresso
coffee-sounds like it should be decaf!
Hi Leela-Thankyou so much! They are aren’t they. It’s really snack heaven!
Hi Bria-Thankyou very much! Yes I did and there was more too! I love birthdays
Hi The Duo Dishes-Thankyou! Most of these were unexpected bonuses!
Hi Angela-Thankyou and thankyou for my AMAZING package! Ahh ok, I tried one by itself and it would definitely be better mixed
with water
I love it-apron as fashion!
Hi Lobo-Thankyou!
Nope, nothing better at all! 
Oooh Blood Orange Kit kat? How fantastic! I know, how greedy are
customs?
Hi Christie-Thankyou so much! I did! And the best thing was there were more pressies to come!
Hi anna-Thankyou! I think my neighbours heard my squeals of delight!
Hi Arundathi-Thankyou, I did. I had a wonderful weekend in fact!
Hi FFichiban-You should!
Hi Girl Japan -She is wonderful and I’m having so much fun tasting everything! Thankyou so much!
Hi Arwen-Yes it was a great postage week!
Hi Jess-Thankyou so much!
Hi Simon-Thankyou very much! I know, how cool was that? So I just took them to be birthday presents
Hi Rachel-Thankyou so much!
Hi ArtemisIII-Hehe thankyou very much! Music to my ears
Hi Shanks-Thankyou very much! She sure does and she has wonderful taste! I did, I admit iot stretched to the whole weekend!
Hi Big M-Thanks very much!
Hi Cakelaw-Thankyou so much! Yes it was raining delicious food!
Hi yaelian-Thanks so much! They do in Japan although here there are fewer flavours. I wish they did more!
Hi Moya-Thankyou so much! That’s so sweet of you to say!
Hi Rachel-Thankyou very much!
I had a fantastic one, my best birthday yet I think! 
Hi Maria-Thankyou!
They were indeed very delightful! 
Hi Cass-thanks
Hi foodie-central-Thankyou!
I am and that’s not even including the non postman stuff! 
Hi jane -Ahhh memories of mules! Haha did you get the copper cups in the end?
Hi Feasting on Art-Thankyou so much!
It was hard to get a pic! I tried but hubby was always at work and taking a photo of myself can be hard if it’s full length 
Hi pigpigscorner-Thankyou! Yes it was wonderful!
Hi Gina-Thankyou very much! It was lovely indeed
Hi red neon hearts-Thankyou so much sweetie! I did! Aren’t they the best? I need to get my hands on some more now. I know, I had to do a double take on the cals!
Hi Lilia-Thankyou! I cook and bake by choice though!
But yes relaxing on my birthday and nibbling on Pocky makes for a lovely birthday 
Hi Betty -It was wonderful opening it up and seeing all these amazing things! I did, thankyou so much!
Hi Rilsta-Thankyou so much!
I felt so lucky indeed! 
Hi Forager-I did indeed! It was a wonderful birthday
Hi grace-hehe I like that-properly recognised! I did, thanks!
HOLY COW!!! WOW, you hit jackpot!
Happy belated birthday!
~ingrid
Hi ingrid-Thanks so much! I feel like I did
Sorry this is so late.. happy belated birthday!
Hi Y-Thankyou!
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[...] yet still maintains her sense of humour and style. She’s also the wonderful gal who sent me an amazing package of Japanese goodies-full of Japanese Pocky and Kit Kats of which I am totally addicted! So when I heard she was coming [...]
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