Comments | brits_americans: I hear there's a thriving black market in semi-sweet morsels

eofs in brits_americans

I hear there's a thriving black market in semi-sweet morsels

Sep 20, 2009 23:52

My parents are off to the States in a few days and I'm hoping they'll be able to pick up a few bits and pieces for me. The problem is, I haven't been across for 8 years and thus don't know what interesting things there are that I might want ( Read more... )

shopping, food

Comments 36

tisiphone September 21 2009, 00:19:55 UTC

You can get white candy melt that you then color with gel or paste food coloring - problem solved! Joann has a decent selection of baking/sugarcraft supplies as well as quilting supplies, also. Where will they be in New England? Honestly, there's not that much USAian that can't be found in the UK, but if she happens to be going through Vermont a trip to the King Arthur store in Wilder is always fun!

rubberduckgrrl September 21 2009, 01:08:50 UTC

Ah, KAF... the baker's dream! :) They have INCREDIBLE caramel that is delish on apples. But then again, I have never had anything bad from that place!

tisiphone September 21 2009, 01:19:22 UTC

I used to live about a mile from there. It was a daily exercise in restraint!

eofs September 21 2009, 20:42:08 UTC

If I'm colouring them, do they still give a significant advantage over just using white chocolate? (Also, at the moment I only have liquid food colouring and don't have ready access to paste ones. That said, I've managed to colour chocolate with liquid colouring before, although I know I shouldn't have been able to!)

They certainly are going to Vermont - can't go at that time of year and skip it! Also, because they're going to the Ben and Jerrys factory. Wish they could bring me some back. I'd imagine Dad could be interested by the King Arthur place, he's the family's bread baker.

Thread 6

hobbitblue September 21 2009, 00:34:27 UTC

Well, thinking of what *I* like, in case it helps.. A friend always used to send me Ibarra mexican hot chocolate, much different taste to all the others I've tried.. And another friend sent me maple candy which is to die for.

ftmichael September 21 2009, 12:32:26 UTC

Seconding the maple candy, and also real maple syrup. Vermont in particular is known for it and should have it at roadside shops and things, as well as (probably) supermarkets.

intendent September 21 2009, 13:42:27 UTC

Yes! real maple syrup. Mmm.

eofs September 21 2009, 20:43:49 UTC

Oooh, I've heard of Ibarra. That's actually a really good idea too because my boyfriend is a massive chocoholic and we're always looking for new and interesting ways to consume it. Excellent, that'll definitely go on the list.

I was rereading my Laura Ingalls Wilder the other week and the maple candy sounded really appealing. But then I wonder if it's not just the stuff I had when I was in Canada years ago, which I remember not liking.

Thread 7

rubberduckgrrl September 21 2009, 01:07:25 UTC

Fluff?

southernmyst September 21 2009, 10:20:22 UTC

Nah, it's easy enough to make your own (just omit the part where you pour it into a pan and let it set up, of course, and proceed from there with the fluff for whatever recipe).

myfirstkitchen September 21 2009, 17:46:07 UTC

Supermarkets sell it in the UK if you look hard enough in the right branches. It's horrible, though.

eofs September 21 2009, 20:45:59 UTC

I'm sure I've seen it in the UK, though I can't think where. Moot point anyway though as I can buy it easily in Germany, so I could have it every three weeks if I wanted.

Good suggestion though, thanks.

scarletumbrella September 21 2009, 01:53:37 UTC

Not sure where they'll be going in New England, but if they are in Vermont (or around there) at all you might want to have them pick up some real maple syrup. Unfortunately I don't know the specific places where it can be purchased, though I would guess most supermarkets in that area (New Hampshire and Maine, probably, as well) will have it? Here is a list of retailers of Vermont Maple Syrup if that helps at all...

Can't think of anything else you wouldn't already have across the pond, although it is apple season and the Cortlands being harvested right now in New England are particularly crisp and delicious. :D Perfect for pies! There are a billion orchards all over New England.

I really hope your parents enjoy their trip! As a resident of the area, I love it here and hope they do, as well. :)

eofs September 21 2009, 20:52:39 UTC

They'll be dipping into Vermont - and also up into Canada. Maple syrup is a delicious must.

I love the area too and am well jealous that they're going. I've not been to New England for 15 (!!) years and would really love to go back, especially at this time of year.

scarletumbrella September 24 2009, 13:54:51 UTC

Oh yay! Lovely. I hope they have a great time.

Haha you should come visit us again sometime. :)

(The comment has been removed)

eofs September 21 2009, 21:05:19 UTC

Alas, whilst I love (crunchy) peanut butter on toast I absolutely loathe it with chocolate or in any sweet context. Or, actually, peanuts in general I don't like in combination with other things - I don't like satay either.

Cheezits look a lot like Cheeselets which, for whatever bizarre reason, are available in abundance at Christmas but not the rest of the year.