So I'm going to the U.S. in 1 week. This will be the first time in over 3 years. For 2 of our 5 kids, this will be their first time on U.S. soil and to meet a lot of our family. We're excited. This trip is just for a month. I am NOT looking forward to the time changing back and forth for 7 people! Oh well. I am GREATLY looking forward to family, restaurants, shopping, and did I already mention the food? Recently someone asked me what kinds of things I still have on my list for buying in the U.S.. It was a timely question since I've been making that list. The person said they find their list is getting shorter and shorter as years go by. I would have to agree! SO much more is available in China than 7 years ago when we moved here. Between nice grocery stores in big cities and Taobao, we really get almost anything we want locally. Or we've just learned to live without. However, I feel we sometimes have to pay a lot for some items, even if its available easily nowadays. So, some of my list for the U.S. is for things I know I can buy cheaper there. I mean, when you have 7 peoples worth of luggage, it can definitely hold a few boxes of cereal! So, here's a few things on my list (its still growing and I'm sure will explode when I actually walk through Kroger!). Some are practical, some are just treats we can't get here, all are food/kitchen related. What is on your list for when you are going to the U.S. or having others come from there? I'd love to hear!
- Chocolate Chips and other specialty baking chips and caramels
- Extracts--vanilla, mint, almond, butter
- Ranch dressing powder (easy to make dressing yourself but we love it sprinkled on popcorn!)
- Liquid smoke (makes BBQ sauce and fajita marinade super yummy!)
- McCormick Grill Mates marinade packets (makes a cheap and easy marinade for quick meals!)
- Various spices, poppy seeds, sea salt, peppercorns, etc
- Curing salt for ham making
- Velvetta and Rotel
- Crystal Light
- Welch's Grape Jelly
- Cheap cans of jalapenos and chipotle chilis
- Jello and instant pudding
- Gummy fruit snacks
- Granola bars or energy bars easy for Brian's mountain excursions
- Craisins
- Pecans
- Pepperoni
- Decaf coffee
- If space, Wheat Thins, Cheez-its, Reese's, Rolos, and cereal to fill up bags!
*FYI-Extracts are easy to find and cheap in Thailand. As well as dutch processed cocoa! I stock up on that there. Some of the things on this list are easily available in Hong Kong as well.
good to know about the extracts and cocoa in Thailand. we are going there in a couple weeks...i will have to keep my eye out for them!! and stock up! thanks for your list, it helped me begin one as well for the summer.
ReplyDeleteTricia, I LOVE cocoa from Thailand. Its such nice quality and only about 140B for a large sized bag. I have found the extracts at Tops Supermarket in Central Mall in Chiang Mai. I'm sure Villa Market in Bangkok would have them as well. Even Tesco Lotus will have an 8oz Imitation Vanilla for around 100B.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I'm coming back to see you. But my list for a wayward southerner-in-part in Deutschland?
ReplyDeleteSeasoned salt.
Grits.
Oil sausage.
Clothing (it's expensive here)
Shorter. Less healthy. Just as heartfelt. ;)
Hello Sara Beth, I am a new subscriber, and just arrived in Chengdu three days ago. Your website already has been most valuable to me. A million thank yous! Can you please tell me where to buy the best ground beef, cubed beef, and beef roast you use in some of your recipes. I bought some ground beef at metro and could not stomach it. Also where to buy boxed mac and cheese. Thanks again, and enjoy your visit to the states.
ReplyDeleteBeth--I don't know where you live in town. Carrefour has decent ground beef and some other nicer cuts that are pricier. I like a little guy over on YulinNanJie that is near the Sultan Restaurant. Nice ground beef from him and you can get a roast cut too. There are beef guys in wet markets around as well. LiJi or YaoLiu are the most tender cuts to have them grind or buying as roast. You really just have to experiment!! I've really cut down beef usage lately since its up to 30-32rmb per jin where I shop!
ReplyDeleteFor Kraft mac and cheese in a box, try www.waifood.com! They sell it for 12 something a box. Usually next day delivery and can pay cash when he comes. The big Carrefour in Tongzilin and Sabrina's will also have it, but maybe 16-20 a box there?
Thank you so very much. You are most helpful.
ReplyDeleteDecaffeinated tea is my latest requests from the US. Even our amazing former British colony of a nation that does tea so well has zero black decaf tea. I'm Southern to the core when it comes to my sweet tea and I want my kids to drink it, but not at dinner so they're awake at bedtime. Have fun in the US!
ReplyDeleteI used to bring pepperoni but found 5 pound bags for 200RMB at this taobao link http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=8289204014 We eat pepperoni rolls almost every week. No need to hoard the pepperoni.
ReplyDelete