Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
plain old green peas that have been smushed up?

One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
When she travels she always brings me something back.
From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
me what I want from England.

Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
might be available that are transportable and she would
have no trouble bringing back. To tell the truth most
of the foods I'd like to try are fresh, not canned or
packaged. It's very hard thinking of anything sort of
packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.

Anyway, so far I have thought of:

Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup

Cadbury chocolate or other candies

Heinz Baked Beans (as a sort of lark as I'm curious
about British "beans on toast" and I understand the British
version of Heinz baked beans is different from ours)

haggis (I saw that there's a canned on available though don't know
if it's any good and since my boss is a vegetarian she might
not want to get me that)

clotted cream (not sure if this is practical - I've seen bottled
ones, but do they still need to be kept refrigerater?).

Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))

Kate

--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

Kate wrote on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:56:12 -0400:

KC> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
KC> When she travels she always brings me something back.
KC> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
KC> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
KC> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
KC> me what I want from England.

KC> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things

I personally like brown pub-type pickled onions. You can buy
them here but they tend to cost an arm and a leg. However, the
weight might make them a little impractical. Apart again from
the weight, a English wine or two might be interesting. I'm told
they can be quite good these days tho' I have no personal
experience.

Apart from the clotted cream, I've seen all of your choices at
an import place here, Rodman's in Rockville, but they cost quite
a bit. However, it's been a while since I looked at food prices
in Britain. The last time I was there, the numbers on restaurant
items were similar to those in Washington but they were talking
about pounds and alcohol taxes seem fierce!

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

E-mail, with obvious alterations:
not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

"Kate Connally" > wrote in message
...
> Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
> plain old green peas that have been smushed up?

MUSHY PEAS are made with marrowfat peas (mature dried ones) and a bit of
mint. Sometimes you can find them in the British/Irish section of
supermarkets. They are an acquired taste!

> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> me what I want from England.
>
> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
> might be available that are transportable and she would
> have no trouble bringing back. To tell the truth most
> of the foods I'd like to try are fresh, not canned or
> packaged. It's very hard thinking of anything sort of
> packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
> actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.
>
> Anyway, so far I have thought of:
>
> Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup
>
> Cadbury chocolate or other candies

BRITISH CADBURY is very nice, but you might want to try Butler's chocolates.

> Heinz Baked Beans (as a sort of lark as I'm curious
> about British "beans on toast" and I understand the British
> version of Heinz baked beans is different from ours)
>
> haggis (I saw that there's a canned on available though don't know
> if it's any good and since my boss is a vegetarian she might
> not want to get me that)
>
> clotted cream (not sure if this is practical - I've seen bottled
> ones, but do they still need to be kept refrigerater?).

CLOTTED CREAM and Double Devon (a bit lighter) are in glass jars, so you
might want to ask your boss for other goodies and order these from King
Arthur Flour. As I recall, they should be refrigerated after opening.

> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> Kate
>
> --
> Kate Connally
> “If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
> Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
> Until you bite their heads off.”
> What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?
>

On Sep 25, 12:56 pm, Kate Connally > wrote:
>
> packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
> actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.

Branston Pickle is available in some speciality stores but much
cheaper in England. All you need is some good bread, the Branston, a
pickled onion, and _good_ Cheddar, not the yellow stuff. If it is
sealed in plastic, she will be able to bring you some of the cheese as
well.

--Stephanie

Felice Friese wrote:
>
> BRITISH CADBURY is very nice, but you might want to try Butler's chocolates.

I don't know who makes it, but there's a peculiar
chocolate flake bar popular in England. Worth
trying at least once, so you know what it's like.

From an Ex Pat in France point of View, what we request from visitors is

Marmite is something that you either love or hate, I can't stand it on
its own but do love Twiglets which are a snack stick covered in it.


Heinz Treacle Sponge Puddings might get through as not being fresh food
(Sponge pudding made with T+L Golden Syrup)

Heinz Baked Beans are a staple for us but that is a question of habit I
suppose. French "haricot blancs au sauce tomate" are ****te (Mind you I
only ever buy Heinz in the UK )

I used to love Fray Bentos Steak and Kidney pies in tins but wheras I
can't match their pastry, my filling is so much tastier.


Everything else I can think of would be considered "Fresh" I'm afraid
(We had major panics a month ago when we had stream of visitors heading
out here to France for our birthdays and the UK got by Foot + Mouth disease)


If Chocolates are allowed then 'er indoors would say that Bendicks
Bitter Mints are unsurpassed by anything else

Steve

PS If you are into proper tasting tea (ie strong) then a box of PG Tips
T Bags would be an idea.

Kate Connally wrote:
>
> Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
> plain old green peas that have been smushed up?
>
> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> me what I want from England.
>
> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
> might be available that are transportable and she would
> have no trouble bringing back. To tell the truth most
> of the foods I'd like to try are fresh, not canned or
> packaged. It's very hard thinking of anything sort of
> packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
> actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.
>
> Anyway, so far I have thought of:
>
> Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup
>
> Cadbury chocolate or other candies
>
> Heinz Baked Beans (as a sort of lark as I'm curious
> about British "beans on toast" and I understand the British
> version of Heinz baked beans is different from ours)
>
> haggis (I saw that there's a canned on available though don't know
> if it's any good and since my boss is a vegetarian she might
> not want to get me that)
>
> clotted cream (not sure if this is practical - I've seen bottled
> ones, but do they still need to be kept refrigerater?).
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> Kate
>
> --
> Kate Connally
> “If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
> Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
> Until you bite their heads off.”
> What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?
>

You really want to torture yourself with food from the land of the
culinarily challenged?

Stilton cheese, Worcestershire sauce...




"Kate Connally" > wrote in message
...
> Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
> plain old green peas that have been smushed up?
>
> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> me what I want from England.
>
> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
> might be available that are transportable and she would
> have no trouble bringing back. To tell the truth most
> of the foods I'd like to try are fresh, not canned or
> packaged. It's very hard thinking of anything sort of
> packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
> actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.
>
> Anyway, so far I have thought of:
>
> Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup
>
> Cadbury chocolate or other candies
>
> Heinz Baked Beans (as a sort of lark as I'm curious
> about British "beans on toast" and I understand the British
> version of Heinz baked beans is different from ours)
>
> haggis (I saw that there's a canned on available though don't know
> if it's any good and since my boss is a vegetarian she might
> not want to get me that)
>
> clotted cream (not sure if this is practical - I've seen bottled
> ones, but do they still need to be kept refrigerater?).
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> Kate
>
> --
> Kate Connally
> “If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
> Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
> Until you bite their heads off.”
> What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?
>

Must be Cadbury ! But am not sure whether the product available today
is the same as in my day, last one I saw was covered which seems to have
spoiled the whole thing. Used to be major part of a 99 !

Steve



Mark Thorson wrote:
> Felice Friese wrote:
>> BRITISH CADBURY is very nice, but you might want to try Butler's chocolates.
>
> I don't know who makes it, but there's a peculiar
> chocolate flake bar popular in England. Worth
> trying at least once, so you know what it's like.

I hope you are not from America making such a statement.


"Pete C." > wrote in message
...

> You really want to torture yourself with food from the land of the
> culinarily challenged?

Brown Sauce... preferable 'Dads'


"Kate Connally" > wrote in message
...
> Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
> plain old green peas that have been smushed up?
>
> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> me what I want from England.
>
> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
> might be available that are transportable and she would
> have no trouble bringing back. To tell the truth most
> of the foods I'd like to try are fresh, not canned or
> packaged. It's very hard thinking of anything sort of
> packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
> actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.
>
> Anyway, so far I have thought of:
>
> Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup
>
> Cadbury chocolate or other candies
>
> Heinz Baked Beans (as a sort of lark as I'm curious
> about British "beans on toast" and I understand the British
> version of Heinz baked beans is different from ours)
>
> haggis (I saw that there's a canned on available though don't know
> if it's any good and since my boss is a vegetarian she might
> not want to get me that)
>
> clotted cream (not sure if this is practical - I've seen bottled
> ones, but do they still need to be kept refrigerater?).
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> Kate
>
> --
> Kate Connally
> “If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
> Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
> Until you bite their heads off.”
> What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?
>

In article >,
says...
> Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
> plain old green peas that have been smushed up?
>
> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> me what I want from England.
>
> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
> might be available that are transportable and she would
> have no trouble bringing back. To tell the truth most
> of the foods I'd like to try are fresh, not canned or
> packaged. It's very hard thinking of anything sort of
> packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
> actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.
>
> Anyway, so far I have thought of:
>
> Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup
>
> Cadbury chocolate or other candies
>
> Heinz Baked Beans (as a sort of lark as I'm curious
> about British "beans on toast" and I understand the British
> version of Heinz baked beans is different from ours)
>
> haggis (I saw that there's a canned on available though don't know
> if it's any good and since my boss is a vegetarian she might
> not want to get me that)
>
> clotted cream (not sure if this is practical - I've seen bottled
> ones, but do they still need to be kept refrigerater?).
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> Kate
>
>
Tell him to bring back as many packages of McVitie's Plain Chocolate
digestive biscuits as he can fit in his suitcases, and forget about the
other stuff. The packages are cylindrical, so they may get some
attention when the bags are x-rayed, but they're well worth whatever
extra scrutiny they attract. And believe me, they still won't attract
near as much attention as a case of XXX Extra Stong Mints will, nestled
in your check baggage.

And, of course a package of microwave-able spotted dick mix is always a
conversation piece if he's got a spare suitcase corner to fill. Some of
the puddings these mixes make are actually pretty decent.

Bob

Ali wrote:
>
> I hope you are not from America making such a statement.
>
> "Pete C." > wrote in message
> ...
>
> > You really want to torture yourself with food from the land of the
> > culinarily challenged?

Of course I am. Like the Britts, we depend on a lot of imported
cuisine's, but at least the dishes that are our own native creations are
actually good

Kate Connally wrote:

>
> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> Kate
>



Have you ever had wine gums? They are jelly candies, quite nice.
Are TimTams strictly Australian or are they available in Britain also?

gloria p

On Sep 25, 3:40 pm, Puester > wrote:
> Kate Connally wrote:
>
> > Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> > pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> > exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> > Kate
>
> Have you ever had wine gums? They are jelly candies, quite nice.
> Are TimTams strictly Australian or are they available in Britain also?
>
> gloria p

Tea
Potato Chips (aka crisps) - just because they have so many more
flavors than we do.

Everything else that's been mentioned, I can purchase from my regular
supermarket in California. McVities, wine gums, spotted dick (makes
an excellent Christmas present for someone with a sense of humor),
Heinz baked beans, marmite, XO sauce, worcestshire sauce, imported
cheese, etc. So I'm not sure how special they are.

If you could bring back a London curry......

Susan B.

In article >,
Kate Connally > wrote:


> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> me what I want from England.


There are scone mixes. My daughter brought one back from England.

Kate Connally wrote:

> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> Kate
>
Almost everything you've named is available to me, even here in Podunk.
Publix actually carries the British version of the Heinz Baked Beans,
PGtips tea and other items. A couple of places have the cream.
I'd personally go for all the wonderful candies! Wine gums and
chocolates that make nice transportable goodies. Again, many found
stateside too, but if your boss insists...

Steve Y wrote:

> PS If you are into proper tasting tea (ie strong) then a box of PG Tips
> T Bags would be an idea.

That's my standard tea (hot and iced) these days. VERY good and recently
rated very highly by Cooks Illustrated. Publix sells it very reasonably
priced.
I'm also working on a tin of loose Prince of Wales Tea which is a nice
mild tea.

"Kate Connally" > wrote in message
...
> Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
> plain old green peas that have been smushed up?
>
> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> me what I want from England.
>
> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
> might be available that are transportable and she would
> have no trouble bringing back. To tell the truth most
> of the foods I'd like to try are fresh, not canned or
> packaged. It's very hard thinking of anything sort of
> packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
> actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.
>
> Anyway, so far I have thought of:
>
> Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup
>
> Cadbury chocolate or other candies
>
> Heinz Baked Beans (as a sort of lark as I'm curious
> about British "beans on toast" and I understand the British
> version of Heinz baked beans is different from ours)
>
> haggis (I saw that there's a canned on available though don't know
> if it's any good and since my boss is a vegetarian she might
> not want to get me that)
>
> clotted cream (not sure if this is practical - I've seen bottled
> ones, but do they still need to be kept refrigerater?).
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> Kate
>
> --
> As her to go to the Harrods Food Hall, and get you some Harrods'
> Cumberland Sauce and Harrods' Mind Sauce, both for lamb. If you don't like
> lamb, any other Harrods brand condiment is always interesting to try. If
> she's into food, Fortnum and Mason is also a mandatory visit for the same
> kind of thing.

Kent

sueb wrote:

> If you could bring back a London curry......
>
> Susan B.
>

Oh gawd..wouldn't that be fabulous? Best damn curry meal I've ever had
was in London... <sigh>

In article >,
Kate Connally > wrote:

> Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
> plain old green peas that have been smushed up?
>
> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> me what I want from England.
>
> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
> might be available that are transportable and she would
> have no trouble bringing back. To tell the truth most
> of the foods I'd like to try are fresh, not canned or
> packaged. It's very hard thinking of anything sort of
> packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
> actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.
>
> Anyway, so far I have thought of:
>
> Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup
>
> Cadbury chocolate or other candies
>
> Heinz Baked Beans (as a sort of lark as I'm curious
> about British "beans on toast" and I understand the British
> version of Heinz baked beans is different from ours)

Heinz Baked Beans are incredibly bland. I have had both the British
version and the variety that's available in most American stores and
they are both the same as far as I can tell, except that the labels are
slightly different.

I don't think haggis is a British thing, but I might be wrong. Honestly
though, just about anything you can buy in Britain, you can buy in
Pittsburgh, especially Cadbury candy, but you might consider asking for
some chocolates or teas from Harrod's department store that might not be
so easy to find otherwise.

"sueb" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> Tea
> Potato Chips (aka crisps) - just because they have so many more
> flavors than we do.
>
> Everything else that's been mentioned, I can purchase from my regular
> supermarket in California. McVities, wine gums, spotted dick (makes
> an excellent Christmas present for someone with a sense of humor),
> Heinz baked beans, marmite, XO sauce, worcestshire sauce, imported
> cheese, etc. So I'm not sure how special they are.

I could find pretty much everything else mentioned in the supermarkets I
frequented when I lived in Houston, as well. Someone else mentioned
McVitie's chocolate-covered biscuits. I LOVE them. I could always find them
pretty easily here in the states, but if you cannot find them locally in
Pittsburgh, Kate, I would request them.

Also, one of my very favorite beers in the whole world--Ruddles County--is
not available in the U.S. I've only been able to purchase it in the U.K. If
it were *my* boss asking what to bring *me* back from the U.K., I'd most
definitely request a six-pack (at least) of Ruddles County.

Mary

Goomba38 wrote:
> Kate Connally wrote:
>
>> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
>> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
>> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>>
>> Kate
>>
> Almost everything you've named is available to me, even here in Podunk.



I was thinking the same thing. If you have a Cost Plus World Market
nearby, most of the items mentioned will be available there.

gloria p

Kate Connally > wrote in news:fdblkc$e4v$1
@usenet01.srv.cis.pitt.edu:

>
> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))

Have them bring you a Snickers bar, then do a taste test with friends/co-
workers. The difference in taste will shock you. The chocolate is
creamier, the caramel smoother, and the nuts fresher. We get such crappy
candy bars here in the US.



--

Charles
The significant problems we face cannot be solved
at the same level of thinking we were at when we
created them. Albert Einstein

Charles Quinn wrote:
>
> Kate Connally > wrote in news:fdblkc$e4v$1
> @usenet01.srv.cis.pitt.edu:
>
> >
> > Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> > pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> > exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> Have them bring you a Snickers bar, then do a taste test with friends/co-
> workers. The difference in taste will shock you. The chocolate is
> creamier, the caramel smoother, and the nuts fresher.


> We get such crappy
> candy bars here in the US.

Really? That's pretty surprising considering the insane volume of that
crap we go through every day.

Kate Connally > wrote:

> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> me what I want from England.

The default would be to go to Neal's Yard for some cheese.
There is the original in Covent Garden and a smaller branch
near Borough Market (where your boss probably also should go,
if they are any sort of foodie).

The rules change at random, but typically British cheese aged 90 days
or more can be brought into the U.S.

Steve

MareCat > wrote:

> Also, one of my very favorite beers in the whole world--Ruddles
> County--is not available in the U.S. I've only been able to
> purchase it in the U.K. If it were *my* boss asking what to
> bring *me* back from the U.K., I'd most definitely request a
> six-pack (at least) of Ruddles County.

Mary, Ruddles were bought by Greene King (a very respectable
"super regional" brewer). They still market Ruddles County but
I do not know if it is still made in the old Ruddles brewery.
In any case it is still a great beer.

I'm not sure I haven't seen it in the U.S. not too long ago.
I'd contact Thames America or one of their distributors (if local;
there's a list on their website) to see if they have it.
They would be the most likely importer.

Steve

Kate Connally wrote:

> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))

If she's going to be in London, tell her to have a visit at Neal's Yard, a
very good cheese ager / selectioner. Theyr Stilton is incredible, and can
last long enough if well packaged, but then they have so many firm cheeses
as Cheshiere Cheddar, the one colored in red with annatto... to dei for!
--
Vilco
Think pink, drink rose'

I received 6 x 24 cans of Ruddles County for my birthday last month,
cans only give a Bury St Edmunds address. Beer was bought in Calais of
course where English beer costs 1/3 of the price in the UK

Steve
Lyon, France

www.ruddles.co.uk

Steve Pope wrote:
> MareCat > wrote:
>
>> Also, one of my very favorite beers in the whole world--Ruddles
>> County--is not available in the U.S. I've only been able to
>> purchase it in the U.K. If it were *my* boss asking what to
>> bring *me* back from the U.K., I'd most definitely request a
>> six-pack (at least) of Ruddles County.
>
> Mary, Ruddles were bought by Greene King (a very respectable
> "super regional" brewer). They still market Ruddles County but
> I do not know if it is still made in the old Ruddles brewery.
> In any case it is still a great beer.
>
> I'm not sure I haven't seen it in the U.S. not too long ago.
> I'd contact Thames America or one of their distributors (if local;
> there's a list on their website) to see if they have it.
> They would be the most likely importer.
>
> Steve

Stan Horwitz wrote:
> In article >,
> Kate Connally > wrote:

Hi Kate I have just seen this

>
>> Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
>> plain old green peas that have been smushed up?

They are dried peas that are cooked to a mush.


>> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
>> When she travels she always brings me something back.
>> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
>> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
>> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
>> me what I want from England.
>>
>> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
>> might be available that are transportable and she would
>> have no trouble bringing back. To tell the truth most
>> of the foods I'd like to try are fresh, not canned or
>> packaged. It's very hard thinking of anything sort of
>> packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
>> actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.
>>
>> Anyway, so far I have thought of:
>>
>> Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup
>>
>> Cadbury chocolate or other candies
>>
>> Heinz Baked Beans (as a sort of lark as I'm curious
>> about British "beans on toast" and I understand the British
>> version of Heinz baked beans is different from ours)

As Stan says, our beans are bland to US tastes. We have less sugar and salt
in ours.
Beans on toast are just that. Baked beans, heated up and served over
toast

We don't (usually) make baked beans from scratch.

> I don't think haggis is a British thing, but I might be wrong.

Haggis is a Scottish thing but I think you can probably buy them in England
too.

If I can help in any way, Kate, just ask

I am at elsinoreatblueyonderdotcodotuk


> Honestly though, just about anything you can buy in Britain, you can
> buy in Pittsburgh, especially Cadbury candy, but you might consider
> asking for some chocolates or teas from Harrod's department store
> that might not be so easy to find otherwise.

In article >, Kate Connally > wrote:
[snip]
>
>Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup

Dunno about the product as sold in Pommerania, but the tins as sold
here in Oz aren't all that well sealed -- the ones I've bought just
have one of those metal "press-in" lids similar to paint tins, but not
as well designed. (May be a consequence of it being "Britain's oldest
brand" still in use! :-)

I'm not saying this would preclude you requesting the product (it is
really excellent) but care may be needed to ensure it's not too
knocked about in transport.

>Cadbury chocolate or other candies

Doesn't the medical profession now recommend a bar of choc a day to
prevent some disease or other? ;-)

Cheers, Phred.

--
LID

In article >, yetanotherBob > wrote:
>In article >,
>says...
[...]
>> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
>> When she travels she always brings me something back.
[snip

>Tell him to bring back as many packages of McVitie's Plain Chocolate
>digestive biscuits as he can fit in his suitcases, [...]

Bob, me old mate, you appear to be exposing your subconscious
prejudices. ;-)


Cheers, Phred.

--
LID

Charles wrote on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:45:34 -0000:

??>> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
??>> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with
??>> the exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))

CQ> Have them bring you a Snickers bar, then do a taste test
CQ> with friends/co- workers. The difference in taste will
CQ> shock you. The chocolate is creamier, the caramel smoother,
CQ> and the nuts fresher. We get such crappy candy bars here in
CQ> the US.

There used to be a noticeable difference between US and British
Kit-Kat bars. From the ingredient list, I think it was because
peanuts (doubtless much cheaper) were used in the US and hazel
nuts in Britain.

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

E-mail, with obvious alterations:
not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

Mark Thorson wrote:

> Felice Friese wrote:
>
>>BRITISH CADBURY is very nice, but you might want to try Butler's chocolates.
>
>
> I don't know who makes it, but there's a peculiar
> chocolate flake bar popular in England. Worth
> trying at least once, so you know what it's like.

You may be thinking of Cadbury Flake. I had a ton of
those when I went to Ireland a number of years ago.
Every day for lunch on my travels around the back
roads of western Ireland I would stop at one of the
ubiquitous small grocery stores which all had soft-serve
ice cream machines (no, nothing like Dairy Queen). I would
get a "99" which is an ice cream cone with a Cadbury Flake
bar stuck in the top! That was some of the most delicious
ice cream I've ever eaten, very rich and creamy. And the
Flake bar (actually a roll of chocolate as though it had
been scraped off a bigger piece and curled up sort of like
a stick of cinnamon) was the topper. A quick and delicious
"lunch" to get me through from the hearty full Irish breakfast
at the B&Bs until dinner at my next night's stop.

Kate

--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

Kate Connally wrote:
>
> Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
> plain old green peas that have been smushed up?

LOL not quite. They are a particular sort of pea (marrowfat) that is
cooked up to the mushy point. Available as the dried peas or else
already cooked in a tin. Can also get pease pudding in a tin.
>
> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> me what I want from England.
>
> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
> might be available that are transportable and she would
> have no trouble bringing back. To tell the truth most
> of the foods I'd like to try are fresh, not canned or
> packaged. It's very hard thinking of anything sort of
> packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
> actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.

Difficult to bring back much in the way of fresh foods. Just not allowed
into the US.
>
> Anyway, so far I have thought of:
>
> Tate & Lyle's Golden Syrup

OK but can often be bought in (expensive) shops in the US. The tin is
interesting LOL.
>
> Cadbury chocolate or other candies

Ask for some of the 'weirder' chocs: http://www.jollygrub.com. While the
UK Cadbury's is better than the US version it isn't the best chocolate
around. However you might like 'Flake' which is often stuck into a
vanilla ice cream cone. There are licorice mixtures of sweets if you
like those.
>
> Heinz Baked Beans (as a sort of lark as I'm curious
> about British "beans on toast" and I understand the British
> version of Heinz baked beans is different from ours)

That's OK.
>
> haggis (I saw that there's a canned on available though don't know
> if it's any good and since my boss is a vegetarian she might
> not want to get me that)

Don't bother. The tinned version is nasty to say the least. Did have
some deep-fried from a chippie in Edinburgh.
>
> clotted cream (not sure if this is practical - I've seen bottled
> ones, but do they still need to be kept refrigerater?).

This can be bought in the US. The unopened jar doesn't need to be kept
refrigerated. Don't know if the fresh version is allowed in the US.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions. I want something that's
> pretty unique to Britain and is really good (well, with the
> exception of the haggis and bake beans ;-))
>
> Kate
>
A block of real Cheddar (or Stilton) would be nice if you like cheese.
Food items from the former 'Duty Free' shops are usually allowed into
the US.

If you drink alcohol at all a bottle or two of local lager, ale or IPA
might be nice and that's normally allowed in.

wrote:

> On Sep 25, 12:56 pm, Kate Connally > wrote:
>
>>packaged food that I would want, and most of them are
>>actually available here anyway, in specialty shops.
>
>
> Branston Pickle is available in some speciality stores but much
> cheaper in England. All you need is some good bread, the Branston, a
> pickled onion, and _good_ Cheddar, not the yellow stuff. If it is
> sealed in plastic, she will be able to bring you some of the cheese as
> well.

Okay, I should have said - no pickles. I'm not a big
pickle person. ;-)

Now cheese I would like. I actually would like to
try a good Wenslydale or Sage Derby. (No thanks on
the moldy ones, like Stilton. I don't eat moldy cheese
whether accidentally or on purpose. ;-)) What are some
good quality "brands" of cheeses. And how can you tell
if a Sage Derby is made with real sage or sage extract
and coloring - I would think the ingredients would be
listed on the package but who knows.

Also, I was thinking some jams might be nice, although
I don't often eat jam I do like it. Is Rose's a good
brand? They have a lime marmalade that sounds yummy.

Also, lemon or lime curd. What are the premium brands?

I've been looking at a website with British groceries
and have had more ideas.

Kate

--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

James Silverton wrote:

> Kate wrote on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:56:12 -0400:
>
> KC> One of my bosses is going to England for a month.
> KC> When she travels she always brings me something back.
> KC> From Europe it's usually chocolate. I prefer food
> KC> type gifts, rather than some tacky souvenir that I
> KC> have no use for. Anyway, she's used to me so she asked
> KC> me what I want from England.
>
> KC> Well, I've gone on line to see what sorts of things
>
> I personally like brown pub-type pickled onions. You can buy them here
> but they tend to cost an arm and a leg. However, the weight might make
> them a little impractical. Apart again from the weight, a English wine
> or two might be interesting. I'm told they can be quite good these days
> tho' I have no personal experience.
>
> Apart from the clotted cream, I've seen all of your choices at an import
> place here, Rodman's in Rockville, but they cost quite a bit.

Yes, I know you can get almost all of that stuff here, but
if my boss brings it to me from England then it's a nice gift
and I don't have to pay for it. ;-)

We have a gourmet grocery here that has all kinds of
specialty cheeses from Europe, especially the British
Isles. The also have lots of imported British product
like sauces, jams, curds, etc. They cost a fortune!

Kate

--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

Felice Friese wrote:

> "Kate Connally" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>Okay, what are mushy peas anyway? Are they just
>>plain old green peas that have been smushed up?
>
>
> MUSHY PEAS are made with marrowfat peas (mature dried ones) and a bit of
> mint. Sometimes you can find them in the British/Irish section of
> supermarkets. They are an acquired taste!

It would be interesting to try them just to see what
they're like. If it's an acquired taste you probably
can't get them many places in the U. S. :-)


> CLOTTED CREAM and Double Devon (a bit lighter) are in glass jars, so you
> might want to ask your boss for other goodies and order these from King
> Arthur Flour. As I recall, they should be refrigerated after opening.

Well, she can pack them in lots of bubble wrap. ;-)

Kate

--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

"Pete C." wrote:
>
> Ali wrote:
> >
> > I hope you are not from America making such a statement.
> >
> > "Pete C." > wrote in message
> > ...
> >
> > > You really want to torture yourself with food from the land of the
> > > culinarily challenged?
>
> Of course I am. Like the Britts, we depend on a lot of imported
> cuisine's, but at least the dishes that are our own native creations are
> actually good

LOL native British cooking is also very good. Just not usually available
in a caff or restaurant. They do make some of the best hams in the world
as well as some of the best cheeses. The smoked fish varieties are
excellent and there certainly is a wider range of potatoes available
than found in most US supermarkets.

Try these:

Devonshire splits (also claimed by Cornwall) from 'The Daily Mail Modern
British Cookbook' (paraphrased)

450 g/1 lb bread flour (or plain flour and a little gluten)
4 g/ 1/8 oz instant yeast (one packet or 2 1/4 tsp)
1 tsp sugar
pinch of salt
30 g/1 oz butter
150 ml/1/4 pint milk
150 ml/ 1/4 pint hand-hot water
oil for greasing
icing/confectioner's sugar for dusting

Sift the flour, yeast, sugar and salt into a bowl. Melt the butter in
the hot water and add that to the flour with the milk. Mix into a soft
dough and knead on a floured surface. Can be done in mixer.

Brush with oil, place in bowl and cover with cling wrap. Leave to rise
for 1 1/2 hours (until double).

Knead on floured surface and divide into 14 pieces. Roll each into a
ball. Place on greased baking tray, cover with a damp cloth and let rise
until doubled in bulk.

Preheat oven to 220 C/425 F/gas mark 7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until
golden brown.
Remove to a rack and dust each with icing sugar. Let cool covered with a
dry cloth to preven a crisp crust forming.

Split and fill with clotted cream and strawberry jam (preferably
home-made). Use whipped double (heavy) cream if no clotted cream is
available.




Makes 14

Steve Y wrote:

> From an Ex Pat in France point of View, what we request from visitors is
>
> Marmite is something that you either love or hate, I can't stand it on
> its own but do love Twiglets which are a snack stick covered in it.

I'm pretty sure I'd hate it but am not even willing
to taste it to find out. ;-)

> Heinz Treacle Sponge Puddings might get through as not being fresh food
> (Sponge pudding made with T+L Golden Syrup)

I decided to stay away from most cakes, cookies, etc. as
my experience of "packaged" baked good in the U. S. is that
they are almost always really crappy. I can't imagine that
it is any different in Britain. I'm very picky.

> Heinz Baked Beans are a staple for us but that is a question of habit I
> suppose. French "haricot blancs au sauce tomate" are ****te (Mind you I
> only ever buy Heinz in the UK )

Well, I don't buy canned baked beans of any sort any where.
However, I can eat them in a pinch. They're not inedible
but way below my standards of taste and quality. However,
having heard so much about beans on toast everywhere and having
heard that Heinz bake beans in Britain are totally different
that the ones they sell here, I would be really curious to
try authentic British beans on toast rather than use US Heinz
to make an ersatz beans on toast. Just for the experience you
understand. Curiosity kille the cat, or at least gave it
indigestion. (Speaking of curious cats, the other day I spilled
some "holes" from my hole punch and didn't vacuum them up
right away. Later I saw my cat eating them. Silly cat!)

> I used to love Fray Bentos Steak and Kidney pies in tins but wheras I
> can't match their pastry, my filling is so much tastier.

Well, the steak part sounds lovely, but I wouldn't touch
kidney with a ten-foot pole. ;-)

> If Chocolates are allowed then 'er indoors would say that Bendicks
> Bitter Mints are unsurpassed by anything else

Chocolate yes, mint no. Thanks, anyway. Boy am I picky.

I was actually thinking about Cadbury Chocolate Eclair
Rolls, that's more to my taste.

> PS If you are into proper tasting tea (ie strong) then a box of PG Tips
> T Bags would be an idea.

Nope, besides the fact that I rarely drink ten and already
have tons of various kinds of gourmet teas, I really don't
care for British teas very much, or at least don't care for
them the way the British drink them. I don't like my tea
that strong.

But I appreciate the input all the same.

Kate

--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?