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Saturday, October 15, 2011

Food is my souvenir

My husband just returned from a business trip to Mexico this week and per my request, he came home bearing gifts. I, however, am not someone who wants meaningless souvenirs that bear no significance to my life. Don't bring me back a keychain or t-shirt that was probably made in China anyway. No, what I asked for was something very simple: bring me back something food-related like condiments unique to the area.

To me, there's no better reflection of a culture than through its food. Not to mention, these items are something I can't buy in the grocery store at home so it's actually a real gift from that country rather than something you can only find in souvenir shops that the real people of that place would never be caught dead with.

My husband and I have a very clear policy regarding shopping and travel: don't waste your time seeking out useless souvenirs for friends and family because what do they want with a keychain from Amsterdam or a shot glass from Germany if they've never been there? The only time we amend that policy is if we're shopping and we see something that reminds us of someone. Otherwise, we feel absolutely zero obligation to buy people stuff from our trips.

Anyway, my husband came home toting several Mexican condiments in his suitcase and I can't wait to find a way to use them in a few dishes I make in the next few weeks.Travel is such a wonderful opportunity to explore new flavors, and just because I didn't go on the trip with him doesn't mean I couldn't benefit from experiencing those flavors somehow.

I'm looking forward to playing with these flavors and coming up with something mouth-watering for dinner. The only bummer from all of this is that if it turns out to be delicious, I'm going to have to send The Husband back to Mexico to get some more. 
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12 comments:

  1. Beth FOctober 15, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    Great policy -- we are exactly the same way. Those bottles and jars are my kind of travel gift. Can't wait to hear how you use them.

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  2. ChinoiseriesOctober 15, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    I'm with Beth, great policy! I wish more friends and family felt the same way ;) I'm not very familiar with Mexican cuisine, but these bottles look very promising indeed. Happy cooking!

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  3. bermudaonionOctober 15, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    I agree. I love to go in the grocery store when I visit someplace new.

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  4. TamiOctober 15, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    Great gifts and great policy on souvenirs. Can't wait to see how you use your gifts.

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  5. TheBookGirlOctober 15, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Love your policy about travel gifts :)

    I can't wait to see what you do with these new condiments in the coming weeks.

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  6. NanOctober 15, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    I'll be eager to heat how you use them! And maybe if you really love something, you'll find an online source.

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  7. Heather S-GOctober 15, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    Oh, food is the ultimate way to explore a culture or a place and its people. I prefer these type of gifts from travels, as well. :D

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  8. caiteOctober 15, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    excellent idea! those are the best souvenirs!

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  9. UniflameOctober 16, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    I never get to travel anymore but when I did, I always too food with me home. It is such a great souvenir.

    I added your review of Lunch in Paris to my page btw :)

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  10. Little NellOctober 16, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    That’s an excellent policy. Here in Lanzarote we have Canarian sauces which are commercially produced for the supermarket, but restauarant chefs (allegedly) make their own. Last time I went back to UK I took my brother the ready mixed herbs and spices for blending into the oil. Less messy in the suitcase too!

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  11. Beth(bookaholicmom)October 16, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    Great traveling idea! We are big on condiments in this house too. We are always looking for something new and different.

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  12. LouiseOctober 17, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    Such an excellent policy. I'm guilty of buying amazing looking things whilst away, and then not quite knowing what to do with them when I get home. Hope you get to discover some new joys in the coming months.

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