I got my secret santa gift! First off - I need to give a big round of applause because it’s pink. My favourite colour 
And second, it’s full of traditional and not-so-traditional Italian recipes. They look soooo yum and will be fun to try in my new kitchen! The book is beautifully designed - so offbeat!
I’ll take a stab at this… @gabriel was it you?
Yes, it was me 
!
This cookbook was written by the staff at Elena, one of my favorite restaurants in Montreal. I knew you’d love the design, too ;) I love their cooking, and I really enjoy this recipe book! Cooking (and eating) holds a special place in my heart, and I hope you can use this gift to create happy moments with friends and family.
Goood! Now I’m hungry again. 
Oh that’s such an awesome backstory to the gift - I love that you’ve tried their food 
Cooking and eating is a big part of my life - I got told the other day by two separate people that I live for my next meal So this is the perfect gift!
I know how you love food - and cool design - so guessing you was a no-brainer. Thank you again!
I will do - the book has been tucked safely in a box already for my move 
OMG 
I had no idea pasta could be THIS GORGEOUS! Wow…
When I opened my front door after being away for months, I found a neatly wrapped gift waiting for me—it instantly made me feel like a kid again!
I had asked my Secret Santa for something arty, and they absolutely delivered. Inside was a box of multicoloured sidewalk chalk! I’ve already been searching online for inspiration and have so many ideas to try out. Thank you, Santa!
As for who you are… I’m not quite sure. Maybe @kshitij ???
Not me sorry! But it’s a wonderful gift :-)
Hmmm, this is getting tricky - I’m not even sure which Santas are still secret! 
@jill… was it you…?
@kshitij You have outdone yourself this year! 
If I could take a subscription to make you my perpetual secret santa, I would! 
I am now munching on your treats all day long 
A really diverse assortment, plenty of tastes I never experienced before! I love it! 
I think so far my favorites are the salty ones - in particular Chana Dal, the roasted peanuts, and your own favorite Aloo Bhujia. In the weet ones Soan Papdi is my favorite (I think I remember it from your previous package?).
The wildest tastes for me are the Desi Popz and Kachcha Aam - I think they are the furthest from what I am used to, so I think the perception of their taste is likely to change as I eat more of them - I am looking forward to that!
The Chai Masala is now one of my go-to spices when I cook dishes - I tried it with lamb and it was great! The teas are going to Missy who loves her tea
Thank you!!
(Yes UPS did disclose the sender, that’s how I know )
@cassie thank you so much for the book! It’s perfect for learning with awesome classical pieces :)
@Ali yes it was me! You asked for something arty or something for outdoors, and this lets you do both
Was also nice (and surprisingly easy!) to find a local South African company that uses eco-friendly ingredients: Rainbow Sidewalk Chalk SA.
Could you share photos when you use it? I’d love to see what you make 
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Who’d have thunk you could combine those two things? That is some creative thinking! Thanks @jill 
I will - even if it’s a Pinterest fail.
I’m glad you liked it! I struggled a lot with balancing variety, weight, size etc. especially since this was the second time I was your Secret Santa
Haldirams, maker of the Chana Dal, peanuts etc. has a decent presence outside India so you might find those items in a supermarket.
I’m glad you liked the Chat Masala as well, it’s one of those things that never run out at my home. I’ve never used it much in cooking, mostly salads and to add a savoury/spicy twist to drinks, particularly lemonade.
As for teas, I wanted to avoid sending anything like Darjeeling and Assam teas that are generally exported a lot. While the smoked tea isn’t my favourite, it is one of the more unique teas I’ve tried and Kahwah is something I love to have in winter.
