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A little taste of home in a bottle |
These are two things we used back in the States in everyday cooking. Shortly after moving to Tilburg I found a bottle of each locally and I used them regularly, because I knew it was easy to find. After recently running out of both, I went back to our local Albert Heijn market, and for the life of me, I could not find either. There is a whole section of "foreign" foods that I swear is the spot I picked them up before, and there was nothing. For three weeks, I would wander back through the aisle for another look in case I missed something, and still nothing. I felt like I was going a bit mad (well, madder) since I knew I bought them in our new home.
Yesterday, I decided to take a chance and try the nearby Jumbo supermarket instead. And, huzzah! I found both. I consider this a cooking win for the next few months while I make "American comfort food" - and I'll try to make a mental note about the actual location for the next time.
I can get both of those pretty consistently at the various stores here in Utrecht. It's my beloved Chipotle Tabasco that is harder to find. We had a grocery store that stocked it inconsistently, but then they closed completely. We have a new Jumbo opening tomorrow. I'm hoping they'll stock it! If not, I suspect I'll be trying to bring back a few bottles with me after my US visit.
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad. Finding these things feels like a small miracle as it is, but then losing the source is frustrating. I can't know for sure, but maybe I found these in the Jumbo to start with? Maybe it's better not to think about... Best of luck on the Jumbo search/stocking up from the States! And enjoy your trip!
ReplyDeleteYay! I remember my first trip to the market I was thrilled to find Heinz ketchup :) Have you been to Sligro yet? I hear they have other good stuff too like A1. And you know the kinds of stuff I hoard- can never have too much Asian Helper rice helper!
ReplyDeleteLOL - It really is the little things like ketchup and Tabasco that make all the difference. And I know you ration out your stash like I do! I've ridden past Sligro but haven't gone in yet - I have a feeling I'll need to be very strategic in my shopping so I don't strand myself with too much stuff!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Pole living in UK and know exactly what you mean! Luckily, there are two Polish shop where I live and a decent section in almost every bigger supermarket in UK but 8 years ago I had to rely on mum sending me food from home.
ReplyDeleteHi Agnieszka, thanks for your comment! There have been a few things that we still rely on family to send us, but I am amazed at the things I am able to find. I haven't bought them yet, but the supermarkets in the Netherlands recently started carrying Oreos - I was floored when I saw them!
ReplyDeleteWe have those over here in the UK and use them a lot too - except I do not use the worcestershire sauce as it has fish in it which I am allergic to. I think the US version does not have fish in theirs (anchovy)!
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to finding the 'foreign aisle' when I am shopping in the US!
I had no idea there was fish in it... Now I'm going to go check the bottle and see if I can figure it out.
ReplyDeleteI really miss good Mexican food products in the States - it's just not the same here, not as spicy. You'll have to enjoy some for me!
Lol, so there's hope then!
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