Petit Amuse: November Sample Box

Look at what I got today! My November Petit Amuse subscription sample box. Check them out: Petit Amuse! Seriously. I am enamoured.


They offer gourmet and specialty food sample boxes to introduce consumers to small food producers, helping them compete with the larger, mass-producing companies. The sample boxes are a wonderful way to try new products without spending a lot.

And while - I think! - the goal of these boxes is to inspire subscribers to order more of the goodies, they serve as culinary inspirations to me. While I had one of the cookies in my hand, I was pulling butter out of the fridge with my other hand. "I can make this!" My husband just smiled.

The box, as usual, only lasted for about ten minutes. As soon as I cut through the tape, Mann hands were grabbing and the great barter began. "I'll trade you this for that!" What is it? "I dunno. Wanna trade?"

Here's what was in the package...

Passionfruit Caramels by Amella

Amella is the duo of Emir and Elena who met in the 90s and discovered that they shared a passion for chocolate. In 2007 they moved to Paris and studied under the legendary chocolatier Philippe Givre.

Winter Ambrosia Vinegar by Chaparral Gardens

Based not too far from us, in Atascadero, Chaparral Gardens is an organic farm where hand-picked fruits, herbs, and vegetables are hand-crafted into vinegars.

Fennel Pollen Shortbread Cookies by Botanical Bakery

"Great garden shortbread cookies start with great ingredients." says Sondra Wells of Botanical Bakery in Napa. Of course! And she knows that she's doing. These were devoured in seconds and will inspire a cookie baking session tonight.

And I forgot to take a photo, but there were also Coconut Chili Macadamias by Oren's Kitchen.

Arnon Oren believes in the "farm to package" philosophy. And, in that vein, he has cultivated relationships with almond and pecan growers in California and a macadamia nut farmer in Hawaii for his products.

I cannot wait till next month!!