Post #2426302

I wanted to celebrate a recent accomplishment, so I ordered from a shop that sells nice-quality local products. I do like many of the traditional flavors of this part of Eastern Europe, and they remind me of my Grandmother's Midwestern kitchen -- sauerkraut, horseradish, dill pickles. But for the longest time, I couldn't find any traditional products that were produced, well, traditionally -- everything (even ALL the pickles) had sugar and preservatives. It seemed you could only enjoy them if you had a grandmother with a garden making them herself. I have to stay away from sugar, so most of these food were out for me. But this shop has fresh dill pickles, horseradish, and other goodies that are made without all that extra stuff. I am feasting on them, with some flax seed crackers and local cheese, too. I thought the shop had mistakenly included strawberries in my order, but they were thoughtfully labeled "gift," and I felt really touched. I don't buy them because I can only eat a couple, but I'll certainly enjoy those couple not having bought them. In the past, I have lamented the food culture and availability here, especially in winter, but today I am happy, and I think Grandma would approve. #Food