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Penpals

May 1, 2011 by Joy the Baker 252 Comments

penpals

I need you.   Did you know that?

I’ve had the shaky leg lately.  I’ve eaten waaaay too much popcorn in full-on fits of what can only be described as ‘nervous eating’.  I’ve more to-do lists than I care to admit.  I shouldn’t even mention this weird pacing and sweeping the floor habit that I have.

I think I’ve been a little anxious in the world.  Earthquakes. Taxes.  Tornadoes.  Bin Ladens.  I dunno.  I’m feeling it.

There’s this thing I do when I’m anxious… I try to make other people feel better.  Thinking about making other people feel good makes me feel good.  So!  I pick up a pen, bust out my box of stationary, and write letters.  I know how much I like to receive letters, and I feel compelled to pass on that sensation.

I know I’ve written a handful of you letters for my 30 Things Before 30 Years post, but I wanted to broaden my reach.  I want to write more of you.  Can I?

Here’s the deal:

Send your address, or the address of someone you think might really enjoy a handwritten (albeit entirely silly) letter.  I will, in all likelihood (and in due time) write you a letter.  If you receive a letter, please (please!) snap a quick photograph of you and said letter to email to me.  Deal?

I have a feeling I’m going to need to stock up on stationary.

Oh!  And I should mention that if you entrust your address to me, I will only use it for purposes of friendly letter writing… I won’t stalk you… although if I did stalk you, I’d probably bring cookies.  So.  You know.  Not so bad.

Email you mailing address to: joy the baker is my penpal (at) gmail (dot) com.  No spaces… silly.

Check your mail.

Ps.  I sometimes use crayons.  I’m one of the cool kids.

Pps.  Judging by the response so far… I’m really going to need additional stationery.

Ppps.  An update.  It’s been less than 24 hours, and I’ve received nearly 1,000 addresses.  I’m stoked.  I’m amazed.  I’m going to get a hand cramp.  I’ve written six letters so far.  Six.  Keep the addresses coming.  I love you.

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  1. Edel Waugh Salisbury

    March 22, 2012 at 10:48 am

    HI Joy I signed up too. I sent 3 emails since last year. Hoping you are still doing this . Much Love and hugs. x

    Reply
    • joythebaker

      March 22, 2012 at 12:15 pm

      email us at enjoy at joy the baker dot com if you’re having an issue.

      Reply
      • Edel Waugh Salisbury

        April 13, 2013 at 11:37 am

        Sent email few mins ago.

        Reply
  2. Elizabeth

    February 2, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    I just sent my email! I can’t even begin to tell you how much it would mean to me if you wrote me. You’re the best!!

    Reply
  3. lauren

    October 15, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    i know this is probably wayy too late, but i would love to receive a letter from you! i’m in college, home-sick blues, and listen to your podcast alll the time! it totes cheers me up. hope to hear from you? if not, i’m still a devoted joy-the-baker-blog-ee

    Reply
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Trackbacks

  1. 30 Things To Do Before I’m 30 says:
    January 19, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    […] Start a Penpal project (like this one) […]

    Reply

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The To-Do List can wait until after cookies, amiri The To-Do List can wait until after cookies, amiright? 
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Two Giant Peanut Butter Cookies⁣
(or four smaller cookies) ⁣
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted⁣
1/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed⁣
1 large egg yolk⁣
A splash of vanilla extract⁣
1/4 cup peanut butter⁣
1/2 cup all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend⁣
1/4 teaspoon baking soda⁣
1/4 teaspoon salt⁣
Coarse sugar and/or sea salt for sprinkling, optional⁣
⁣
Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees f. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. ⁣
⁣
I’m a medium bowl, whisk together warm melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Add the peanut butter and mix to combine. ⁣
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Add the dry ingredients and use a spatula to fold all the ingredients together. Divide in two big portions (or four smaller portions) onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar and salt if you’d like. ⁣
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Bake two giant cookies for 12-14 minutes, or four cookies for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving with cold milk.
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