You know, sometimes it really is about the little things. The expat journey doesn't end with unpacking the last box in the new place, or getting the residency cards, or finally ordering dinner without getting a confused look from the server in return. It's not over even when the new place feels like home. It probably won't be over even when everything and everyone is right back where we started. Part of the journey is discovering, over time, that stuff from home that you took for granted is suddenly and deeply missed.
Over the past eight or so months, we've become slightly obsessed with condiments. Why? Well, during the first few months the local cuisine was new and exciting, but after about 6 months or so the novelty wore off and the palate became a bit fatigued. While nearly everything is covered in some sort of sauce- poivre, béarnaise, provencal, moutard, to our American palates these sauces don't really taste like, well, anything. No salt, no sweet, no flavor. Nothing. Even the foods at Chinese, Indian, or Thai restaurants end up tasting a bit bland.
Enter the condiments. Sriracha. Sweet Chili. Curry. Chipotle Tobasco. Whip out a bottle of one of these, dash some on the Szechuan Chicken, eggs, really anything and Booya! We've got some flavor, people! Of course, we're always on the hunt for something new, something different. Perhaps a chutney or, hmmm, a relish? We even started making our own stuff. Sriracha Buffalo. Barbecue. Honey Mustard.
Well, imagine our delight when we happened to stumble upon a whole line of some delicious jellies, jams, and sauces at the British and American import shop in Strassen, Luxembourg. They've singlehandedly revitalized breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
My personal favorite, which I try to work into as many meals as possible, is the Habanero Chilli Sauce. It's very similar to BBQ Sauce but with a little more smoke, sweet, and spice. It goes great on chicken, beef, burgers, eggs, and even sandwiches. The Jalapeño Ginger Jam is another delicious sandwich topper. The Chillililli mustard has made smoked meats a whole new experience, and their chutneys (both sweet and savory) go excellently with the fine regional cheeses. All the products are have the same quality that we were used to from similar companies from Ohio. While I don't sneak them into restaurants, they do make a daily appearance on our table at home.
The downside is these products are currently only available in the UK. So, great news for all those in Britain! I'm just thankful some thoughtful person has imported some to Luxembourg. For a couple of people that love some heat, some smoke, hot peppers, and anything else with a flavorful kick, these little bottles of deliciousness have been lifesavers. Its a relief to know I won't have to haul a suitcase full of sauces back from our next trip home. Cottage Delights does just fine.
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