Cravings

It's the little things in life! It really is!


Crisco, McCormick Bacon Chips, Miracle Whip, Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning, Buttermilk, Graham Crackers, Crispy Streaky Bacon, Pecan Flavored Coffee, On the Boarder, Mercado's, Chic-Fil-A, Andy's Frozen Custard...

Those few ingredients that define the taste you grew up with. You can substitute them, but it doesn't come out quite the same. The pie crust isn't quite as flaky, the deviled eggs don't have the same creamy sweetness, the s'mores are lacking, the salad dressings don't taste the same, the coffee is missing that perfect flavor...

And those places in your home town that you ate at 1-3 times a month! Those familiar country friendliness when people didn't think calling them 'ma'am' or 'sir' made them feel old.

I guess I'm in that season of craving the foods I knew. Some of it I can make here perfectly; Some I can make well enough; Some I cannot make/find at all.

But the blessings? 

I am discovering new foods and recipes. Without my regular go-to's I must learn different things to try. But it's not like I have nothing here to cook familiar foods. It's truly only a handful.

And my missing my favorite restaruants will ensure I don't eat out as much (not that I have the money to), and will appreciate them more when I return! And when I do join a friend out, I discover a wondeful place that has good food and great service!

It's not all bad! In fact, it's not bad at all! I know it's perfectly natural to miss what was familiar to me. And they say that food is always the first thing people miss and crave.

As for the country friendless and manners? It's not like I've come into a closed off and distant country. Of course, even in the States only the country folk use 'ma'am.' But there are so many other wonderful things about the English culture that is full of life and vigor.

What's important isn't that I miss my home country's food or culture.

What's important is that I don't miss out on all the wondeful, beautiful things here!