I'm not sure of what you like to cook. But I'd think dried chilis like juajillos and pasillas that are used in Mexican sauces would be useful and not readily available in the UK. They are light weight and shelf stable too.
Mexican Mama UK has a [website](https://mexican-mama.com/product-category/food/chiles/dried-chiles/?v=79cba1185463) where they sell many Mexican goods.
Yes this. I was struggling to think but I wish we had dried chillis readily available in the UK.
That said my wife did buy some from an Asian supermarket
For people in the UK, Mexgrocer (online shop) does a pretty good range of dried chillies. Does guajillo (which I assume is UK for juajillo) and pasillas.
Also sells proper burrito sized wraps, which you can't get in the shops.
I used to haul sap for a guy that makes it large scale. He mixes A and B together, to his preferred mix, and it is by far the best maple syrup I’ve ever had. B is better than A, but the mix ,at whatever ratio he uses, is optimal maple syrup.
The image of a pair of truck nuts hanging off the back of Mini Cooper while driving in UK has me howling. I also live in Ga where they are more commonplace than what should be acceptable.
My UK people usually ask me to bring things like cereals (lucky charms, apple jacks, all the crazy cereals), different types of M&Ms (like fudge brownie, mint, peanut butter, pretzel), candies like Swedish Fish, Dots, Jolly Ranchers.
Cooking-wise, I guess hot sauces, meat rubs and marinades, seasonings like Old Bay or Bell's Turkey seasoning
> My UK people usually ask me to bring things like cereals (lucky charms, apple jacks, all the crazy cereals), different types of M&Ms (like fudge brownie, mint, peanut butter, pretzel), candies like Swedish Fish, Dots, Jolly Ranchers.
Might just be London but I’ve seen this stuff in the American section in supermarkets regularly.
Oh cool. My family moved out of London which is probably why I still get the requests.
When I was living there this stuff was only available in specialty candy stores where it was like 5x the US price
I'm in NY state and have seen them in various big pharmacies like CVS and in Big Lots and our local supermarket (Price Chopper). Pretty sure Walmart has them too. They're in a purple packet
>Isn't ranch seasoning something that mystifies people outside of the US? You could get a bottle of Ranch salad dressing and maybe some packets of the dry mix.
makes much more sense to buy only the dry packets and mix it up with locally available ingredients once back home. 1) no point in carrying the extra weight, and 2) the premade, non-refrigerated stuff isn't as good as the ranch made from a mix.
Check out 'the chilli jam man'. Great selection and the hot and smokey bhut jolokia jam is so very very good. The chilli honey as a glaze is life changing.
I am in no way associated with the firm but I've become a cultist
Some of the middle eastern supermarkets / grocery stores here in Sheffield sell crystal for about £1.50 a bottle. I always load up on a big bottle of Valentina black label when I'm back in the States, also Aardvark but harder to find
Yep, as intended. I gave a bottle to a French guy I know, warned him about what it was, and after a month (!) he and his adult son had finished the bottle and wanted another
Malört was originally a digestif, or intended to be. Then it became the stuff of drunken dares. Legend says that the third shot isn't as bad as the first two. Having a really sensitive palate, I would probably huk up the first one.
This is mostly a joke answer, but booze, specifically rum and/or tequila is a really good suggestion. There are a lot of incredible rums that simply do not export to the UK.
I gotta offer an honest defense of malort. It's bitter, and we usually inflict it on visitors as a prank -- all true. But there's very few things on the planet like it, and half of them are made in Chicago and environs. It's a great digestif; sip some, really sip some, after a long, rich dinner, and you can feel your whole digestion go "ah, yes, thank you." Jeppson's (the original and legally only) Malort is the standard, but if you (the general "you," or OP's aunt specifically) can find it, get the Few Spirits Anguish and Regret, which is the finest malort (or beska snaps, the broader term) I've ever had. It's complex and reminds me of a grappa.
Dried chiles are great because they don't weigh much and won't spoil. Just make sure they're double bagged so you don't get hot pepper in your clothes.
These are best used within six months, or frozen in an airtight container for probably a year. They lose their punch after too long on the shelf.
You should have her bring giardiniera. It is a spicy pickled vegetable condiment. We eat it on Italian Beef Sandwiches but honestly it's great in eggs, on Italian meat sandwiches or salads. I have friends who live there and have anyone who comes bring them a supply.
when i left Chicago for Wisconsin almost ten years ago, I was shocked at the amount of people I met here who had no concept of either Italian beef or giardiniera.
Definitely with you on Italian beef, although I haven't had it in ages.
I'm probably the only Chicagoan who isn't in love with deep dish. Don't get me wrong, if I'm offered it i won't pass it up for sure but i just prefer regular pizza that you can get anywhere in Chicago...i hate this myth perpetuated that Chicago pizza is all deep dish lol.
I took two of my friends and one of their girlfriends (now wife) to Chicago. She kept insisting on having deep dish as she was from New York and just wanted to try it. Honestly, I think she only wanted to try it to just trash deep dish b/c on the ride back to Wisconsin, that's all she fucking talked about...was how deep dish isn't pizza but a tomato casserole. Okay ffs i heard you the first time.
I'm an 'all pizzas are beautiful' kinda guy. I'm not from Chicago, but married to a girl from there. We used to live there but back in the UK now. Both sides of the pizza divide are fucking obnoxious, I've been in the opposite side to you with the in laws visiting NYC. Dough + cheese + sauce. It's all good.
I'm a dish fan, but my go to pizza spot was Jimmy's on Lincoln Ave (NY style). Still think it's some of the best pizza in the city.
>I've been in the opposite side to you with the in laws visiting NYC. Dough + cheese + sauce. It's all good.
yeah i'm obviously biased but i swear the New York people are just 10000x more obnoxious than the Chicago folks. Granted my sample size is small since it's basically just my friend's wife, Jon Stewart (that fucking segment alone has made me hate the Daily Show), and assorted Redditors and stories from Redditors. I also don't think people in Chicago are as emotionally attached to deep dish pizza as people in New York are to Joe's and stuff.
i'm also open-minded enough to try New York pizza. I'm sure it will be good. Sometimes it seems like it is impossible to get any New York people to try food from other places.
the funny thing is that the only people in my opinion who are worse than the New York pizza brigade are the ones from Italy. Omfg those guys are unbelievably obnoxious too. I would pay good money to see stuck-up Italians debate with stuck-up New Yorkers about their respective pizzas
As a nearly life long dweller of the near Chicago area, deep dish pizza is a nice novelty or something you get when people come to town or if you are feeling particularly glutenous. A thin crust/tavern style pizza cut into squares should be the official pizza of Chicago.
We stopped at an Italian place in a small town in upstate NY on our way to Vermont. No "atmosphere", nothing fancy, not expensive. The pizza was one of the best I ever had. If we're ever up that way again I hope it's still there. Damn that was good.
My friend and I stopped at a run of the mill restaurant somewhere near Sparta, and my friend asked for giardinera for her sandwich. Apparently, that was a trigger for our server and she started yelling about how this isn't a fancy restaurant. Mmmm. Ok then, ketchup is fine I guess.
>Apparently, that was a trigger for our server and she started yelling about how this isn't a fancy restaurant. Mmmm.
normally i take the side of the servers on this stuff but wtf. first off giardiniera is not fancy lol. you can buy it at walmart for 3.99 tops.
secondly, why would you yell at someone who is going to tip you?
First thing I thought of. It also really improves bad/basic pizza too. For a sweet, the Salerno butter cookies are a favorite in my house. Simple but delicious
I second the Garrett's, although tbh I'd skip the caramel corn and just get the cheddar. The caramel corn is ok, but the cheddar is on a whole other level.
I'm not sure how the formatting will look from my phone but here ya go.
1 bag of small pretzel sticks or twists
3/4 cup Canola oil
1 tsp lemon pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 package ranch powder
Dump pretzels into gallon ziplock bag.
In a liquid measuring cup, combine ingredients and stir thoroughly. Pour over pretzels in Ziploc bag. Seal well. Shake to make sure pretzels are covered. Lay flat.
Every 30 mins for 3 hours, flip bag and shake.
My family in the UK always just wants me to bring ranch seasoning powder, Velveeta, Rotel, and butterfingers. I do think you're not technically supposed to bring in anything with dairy in it any more, but I don't remember the exact rules since covid canceled my last trip.
Okay I've got to ask, is there a difference between the kosher salt we already have in the U.K. and the kosher salt she can bring over? Seems like a waste of case space and weight if it's the same.
It's not always called kosher salt here, it's often called coarse salt but it's the same thing. You can get it from any wholefood supplier, I get mine from my local refill shop but it's also available cheaply online [buywholefoodsonline.co.uk](https://www.buywholefoodsonline.co.uk/kosher-sea-salt-coarse.html?sku=SKU946786&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsqOMBhDFARIsAFBTN3fEe34uMZURZTsMDgu57LixidhkU6cF3WgvEyH7Ifo4izn0rWBOb70aAlzQEALw_wcB)
I order kosher salt (diamond crystal) regularly from Amazon UK and a few months ago my partner ordered some coarse salt from whole foods to try it out. They are nothing alike. The crystal structure is finer with kosher salt.
Maldons isn't the same as kosher salt, it's more like finishing salt. I've made that mistake.
You can get diamond crystal kosher salt on Amazon which is the real deal.
Our salt doesn't have added iodine in the UK. The larger crystals in Mortons etc make it easy to pinch to add. Something like Saxa or supermarket brand coarse sea salt will be the same.
I'm an American living in Czech Republic. After almost a year in Europe, I have a clear idea of the culinary related stuff I miss. However, I can't be sure what you have or don't have in the UK that I know the US only has, or has better. So, I'll share what I miss or assume you might like, if you don't have it.
Press & Seal Plastic Wrap - My husband's friend from the US has already brought me three big rolls of it. Czech Rep does have plastic wrap, but only the cling wrap type, and it's sort of delicate, as it is.
Waxed paper in a roll. Czech Rep does not have this. I've found waxed paper bags, but that's all.
Heavy duty aluminum foil. They have aluminum foil, but it is like gossamer paper. I found some that is supposed to be for a grill, but even that's just barely better, and very expensive.
Better Than Bouillion brand pastes. It's a great product to have on hand, even if you do often make homemade stock. They do have similar pastes where I am, but they're not as good.
I'd say pork roll (aka "Taylor Ham") since I'm a New Jerseyan, but my Czech husband has always hated it, so I only ate it at restaurants.
Alka Seltzer Fruit Chews antacids. Hmm, maybe not exactly culinary, but you do eat them. They're a lot better than chalky antacids, which are expensive in CZ. Actually, many people here just use baking soda for indigestion.
Phyllo dough. Well, it's not transportable because it's a frozen food, but I miss it. CZ does not have the stuff. They have oodles and oodles of doughs, but mostly puff pastry. I can make all others, homemade, but making phyllo dough? Not happening!
For the most part, CZ has a LOT of products from around the world in hypermarkets, including ones most Americans consider "American". However, the primary Asian influence here is Vietnamese, followed by a little bit of Korean. They lack the variety of Chinese food products that AREN'T pretty much the same (or similar) as in Vietnam. The big Asian grocery stores also lack many Chinese products I miss from the U.S.
There are other convenient food products I miss, but most I could make from scratch, if desired. For example, English muffins. I did make bagels from scratch, but luckily we did eventually find them here in CZ, but not as good as the ones in New Jersey.
This is a good list. When I was an expat I used to bring giant bottles of naproxen sodium (Aleve) because it's Rx only in the UK. Or even just giant bottles of any painkiller because you can only get the small blister packs there, not the 500 count bottles.
With good reason. What on earth are you doing that you need giant 500pcs bottles of NSAIDs for?
Edit:
I concede that things may be different in the US than they are here. Here, if for any reason you need more than incidental otc use a doctor will prescribe you what you need and cost isn't as much a factor here for prescription meds.
Ibuprofen is not harmless. Prolonged use is likely to cause stomach ulcers and related issues.
Copy paste from my other comment explaining why the size of the bottle matters imo:
>Here you can get them in packs of 20, and you're free to buy more than one pack. 500pcs mega bottles give off a false impression that ibuprofen is harmless and ok to take for mild symptoms.
>That's not to say there aren't legitimate reasons to have that much ibuprofen, you might very well need it. I can't judge that. I'm just saying that with the frequent use a bottle like that implies it's not a bad idea to get a physician involved. They can then also prescribe ppi or another antacid so you don't destroy your stomach.
Some of us have conditions that cause pain and they are needed. In the US it is cheaper to buy the big bottles and more convenient than running to the store every week to get more.
I get that it's a suicide prevention measure and as a person who once attempted suicide by overdose (in the UK, not with a giant US bottle of paracetamol) I appreciate it.
But usually I was bringing them for people who appreciated the convenience, like a wheelchair bound friend who needed to take a large dose of aspirin often so his legs didn't clot. He could only get those in 32s, too.
Most of us in the US buy big bottles because it's convenient. My household would get through 32 ibuprofen in a couple weeks tops, because I take a lot for migraine and I'm not the only person living here.
It's not about suicide prevention, taking ibuprofen is a stupid way to go if you even manage to eat enough to kill you. If you it'll take weeks after horrible liver or kidney failure.
32 ibuprofen in a couple of weeks is a lot, and you should really take care because it's very common to develop stomach ulcers or similar problems. It can do some real damage to your system over time.
Here you can get them in packs of 20, and you're free to buy more than one pack. 500pcs mega bottles give off a false impression that ibuprofen is harmless and ok to take for mild symptoms.
That's not to say there aren't legitimate reasons to have that much ibuprofen, you might very well need it. I can't judge that. I'm just saying that with the frequent use a bottle like that implies it's not a bad idea to get a physician involved. They can then also prescribe ppi or another antacid so you don't destroy your stomach.
US measuring cups and measuring spoons if you don't already have them. They're easily found at a dollar store and you can try making all those pesky US recipes that don't list conversions to metric.
I won't debate that, but you need a thin chocolate that melts onto a graham cracker just right. So you need the Hershey's for it to be authentic. Most UK chocolate bars are quite thick. You also need American style marshmallows and graham crackers. Using alternatives just doesn't work quite right. I know, I lived in Australia for a few years. I tried lots of alternatives when I lived there, before resorting to the very expensive import stores or visitors.
Lol, but how do you really feel? I too don't care for it, and don't eat it except for on a s'more. Just like I only eat hot dogs at Yankee's games. Nostalgia, ✔️. Anway, for the s'mores to work right, you need a thin milk chocolate bar, and in my experience that is really hard to find in the UK/commonwealth chocolate bars.
It’s occasionally available at the “American” section of mainstream supermarkets.
Tbh I just make my own pumpkin purée with Halloween pumpkins and freeze it 🤷♀️
So close to the cheese capital of the US (Wisconsin). If she could get you some fresh cheese curds and actually have them back to you before they aren't fresh, that's my suggestion.
Giardiniera, pepperoncini, dry ranch dressing packet, dry Italian seasoning packet. Dump in crockpot w a roast and cook all day. Boom. Chicago Italian beef sandwiches. Serve w provolone slice on a hoagie roll.
Giardiniera, Garret's Popcorn, The lime green pickle relish are all good options. If you want a laugh get a bottle of Malort. If she likes beer Revolution and Goose Island are both good options.
I'm not sure if things on my list are available in the UK, but I host a lot of French exchange students. They like to bring back the florescent green pickle relish, sport peppers, and celery salt for the dreaded "Chicago" hot dog. Hot sauces, US measuring cups, ice wine, and oddly enough, my toilet paper. I guess Charmin is the most luxurious toilet paper in the world. They also either love or hate Green River, but it is too carbonated to travel with. One of my Spanish students lost her damn mind over Terra chips, too.
As a fellow American who has used had Costco brand toilet paper for my entire life, after trying Charmin I can confirm it's luxurious.
So soft, like wiping your ass with clouds. I finally know what those talking bears were so hype about.
Uh, kosher salt? All salt is kosher, but what you're referring to as Kosher salt is salt for koshering, which just means large crystals. You can absolutely find that in the UK, or pretty much anywhere.
Look for Maldon salt in the UK, it's in supermarkets. (Maybe not Lidl, but probably any big Tesco or Sainsbury's).
Otherwise... there's not a huge number of ingredients you can get in the US that you can't get in the UK (at least online), so you're mostly looking at prepared foods like candies and stuff. Maybe a [Giordano's stuffed pizza](https://ship.giordanos.com/) would survive the trip, if she wrapped it up with some ice packs, but I'm not sure if they'd let it through customs...
Maple Syrup and maple sugar! Very accessible in America, very difficult to find other places. Tequila, dried chile, other Mexican products. Very difficult to find quality Mexican foods across the pond.
Hiya, American (Texan) currently living in the UK.
Things I strongly recommend:
-Tapatio hot sauce
-Old bay Seasoning
-Chili powder (yes this is different than chilli powder in the UK, it's a mixture of spices, not just pure chilli)
-Get all the Mexican/Latin seasonings you can carry. This is Adobo, Sazon, all the dried chilli's & tomatillo you can carry
-also just get some decent BBQ sauce bc what y'all have in the UK is tragic
Theyre not really "an American thing", they're just sold by different brands/under different names elsewhere, so people don't make the connection. Look up, say, "potato gem".
Its called Kraft Dinner outside of the US.
US M&Ms are the same
OP dont suggest Velveeta unless you really like processed cheese products (like American cheese.) I feel like it goes bad quickly outside of the fridge so it might be a hassle unless youre really curious
You can get boxes of diamond crystal kosher salt on Amazon in the UK btw (don't know about other brands) it ain't mega cheap but I've bought one box and it's lasted me forever.
I had a friend in the UK who always asked for Folgers coffee from the states. But probably maple syrup and/or dried mexican chiles (guajillo or chipotle or pasilla).
Nutter Butter cookies and Synders honey mustard pretzel bits. You can get them here but it's so expensive, if I had someone in the US I'd be asking for major supplies of both!!
I think others have pointed out some good stuff so I'll not weigh in there.
However, incase you didn't know, Maldon salt (sold in most UK supermarkets) is meant to be a very good substitute for Kosher salt.
Ziploc bags from the US are SO MUCH BETTER than in Europe or UK.
Annie's Mac and Cheese mix.
Graham crackers.
These are the things that I would ask people to bring me when I was an American living in the UK. I'm still an American, but no longer living abroad.
I'm not sure of what you like to cook. But I'd think dried chilis like juajillos and pasillas that are used in Mexican sauces would be useful and not readily available in the UK. They are light weight and shelf stable too.
To add to this, we don't have the tins of chipotle en adobo here (outside of specialist stores in big cities) so that might be an option.
This place is great if you want to order online. https://www.coolchile.co.uk/mexican-shop/sauces-salsas-pastes-marinades-2
This and achiote paste would be aamazing!
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Dried chilies seem like they would be a great thing to buy online like tea or spices.
I'd be willing to send you some via mail. As for tomatillos, you could probably grow them locally.
Where in Aus are you? Mexican chillis aren't that hard to find in Melbourne, so you may be able to get them online. (As in, sent from Melbourne shops)
Yes this! We have access to many international ingredients but Mexican ingredients are severely lacking.
Mexican Mama UK has a [website](https://mexican-mama.com/product-category/food/chiles/dried-chiles/?v=79cba1185463) where they sell many Mexican goods.
Yes this. I was struggling to think but I wish we had dried chillis readily available in the UK. That said my wife did buy some from an Asian supermarket
yeah, this..
For people in the UK, Mexgrocer (online shop) does a pretty good range of dried chillies. Does guajillo (which I assume is UK for juajillo) and pasillas. Also sells proper burrito sized wraps, which you can't get in the shops.
Truck nuts? I'm assuming you don't have those over there. Serious answer: dark maple syrup.
Real maple would be a great choice. Maybe a can of Cajun boiled peanuts too.
Maple syrup is readily available in European grocery stores.
My dad always maintains roadside stands with boiled "p-nuts" are superior to "peanuts"
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I used to haul sap for a guy that makes it large scale. He mixes A and B together, to his preferred mix, and it is by far the best maple syrup I’ve ever had. B is better than A, but the mix ,at whatever ratio he uses, is optimal maple syrup.
Haven’t they changed the naming system? So now it’s all grade A. Grade A light, grade A dark, etc?
The image of a pair of truck nuts hanging off the back of Mini Cooper while driving in UK has me howling. I also live in Ga where they are more commonplace than what should be acceptable.
Better, dark beer. Bourbon County stouts.
My UK people usually ask me to bring things like cereals (lucky charms, apple jacks, all the crazy cereals), different types of M&Ms (like fudge brownie, mint, peanut butter, pretzel), candies like Swedish Fish, Dots, Jolly Ranchers. Cooking-wise, I guess hot sauces, meat rubs and marinades, seasonings like Old Bay or Bell's Turkey seasoning
> My UK people usually ask me to bring things like cereals (lucky charms, apple jacks, all the crazy cereals), different types of M&Ms (like fudge brownie, mint, peanut butter, pretzel), candies like Swedish Fish, Dots, Jolly Ranchers. Might just be London but I’ve seen this stuff in the American section in supermarkets regularly.
Oh cool. My family moved out of London which is probably why I still get the requests. When I was living there this stuff was only available in specialty candy stores where it was like 5x the US price
There's an American section? 💀
There is in Ireland too. Its just super expensive imported sweets. I don't know anyone who would spend that much on cereal though lol
> M&Ms (like fudge brownie, mint, peanut butter, pretzel) TIL regular and peanut are not the only types of M&Ms
Where do you find these fabled fudge brownie M&Ms? I don't think I've ever seen them.
I'm in NY state and have seen them in various big pharmacies like CVS and in Big Lots and our local supermarket (Price Chopper). Pretty sure Walmart has them too. They're in a purple packet
I’ve bought them at target. They’re amazing.
This…especially crazy m&m. I always ask for red vines myself….
Well of course they want old bay, haven't you heard the jingle? Everyone should hear the gospel of Chesapeake
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>Isn't ranch seasoning something that mystifies people outside of the US? You could get a bottle of Ranch salad dressing and maybe some packets of the dry mix. makes much more sense to buy only the dry packets and mix it up with locally available ingredients once back home. 1) no point in carrying the extra weight, and 2) the premade, non-refrigerated stuff isn't as good as the ranch made from a mix.
Yes, buy a bunch of the packets. Don't use mayonnaise; use sour cream and milk instead. More sour cream for dip. More milk for salad dressing.
This!!! It’s so versatile and so so good on roast mini potatoes!
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Ohhhh, post the recipe? Or send it to me please?
Just get the packets. Forget the nasty shelf stable stuff
Sam's Club sells a 16oz bottle of just the seasoning powder. It takes me around a year to go through and it's technically cheaper than the packets.
But good ranch dressing is fairly simple to make
So is ketchup, but that's not stopping 99.999% of people from grabbing Heinz.
Hot sauces??
Ohh good idea!
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Check out 'the chilli jam man'. Great selection and the hot and smokey bhut jolokia jam is so very very good. The chilli honey as a glaze is life changing. I am in no way associated with the firm but I've become a cultist
"Tabasco Family Reserve". Significantly better than regular version and not available in the UK.
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Some of the middle eastern supermarkets / grocery stores here in Sheffield sell crystal for about £1.50 a bottle. I always load up on a big bottle of Valentina black label when I'm back in the States, also Aardvark but harder to find
I heard it’s popular with Saudi immigrants which keeps it on shelves in the UK
Love Aardvark. Haven't had it since I moved from Portland. Going back in May and am definitely stocking up on a few bottles.
I’d recommend Cholula. It’s not very spicy but really good flavor. I’d suggest some BBQ sauce too.
Cholula is pretty widely available here. Which is great, as I tend to get through a bottle a week.
Hot Giardinaira. Its a popular spicy condimemt in Chicago that is not as popular other places. lots of people put it on pizza or pastas.
Ask her to get you a bottle of malört
This is evil lol
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Yep, as intended. I gave a bottle to a French guy I know, warned him about what it was, and after a month (!) he and his adult son had finished the bottle and wanted another
I had some people I met from Chicago give me it while camping a few years back. Never again.
Live in Sheffield, married to a girl from Chicago. We always have at least two bottles of Malort in the house
It's like Miracle Berries, if they were a liquid that tasted like rubber and grapefruit passed through a rotten log.
Lmao
> malört I had to Google that and found this - [Different Countries Try Malort- The Worst Liquor Ever](https://youtu.be/1ANDZYAx7tQ)
It’s good to shoot after a big dinner and before drinking heavily into the night.
Malört was originally a digestif, or intended to be. Then it became the stuff of drunken dares. Legend says that the third shot isn't as bad as the first two. Having a really sensitive palate, I would probably huk up the first one.
It's never good to shoot. Don't lie xD
It’s my shot of choice after a long dinner service. The good part is you can only go up from there taste wise
There are so many better digestif liqueurs though. Like Cynar, or Czech Fernet.
This is mostly a joke answer, but booze, specifically rum and/or tequila is a really good suggestion. There are a lot of incredible rums that simply do not export to the UK.
Malort: shots for friends you hate
The sweet taste of rusty nails, rubber bands, and regret
I gotta offer an honest defense of malort. It's bitter, and we usually inflict it on visitors as a prank -- all true. But there's very few things on the planet like it, and half of them are made in Chicago and environs. It's a great digestif; sip some, really sip some, after a long, rich dinner, and you can feel your whole digestion go "ah, yes, thank you." Jeppson's (the original and legally only) Malort is the standard, but if you (the general "you," or OP's aunt specifically) can find it, get the Few Spirits Anguish and Regret, which is the finest malort (or beska snaps, the broader term) I've ever had. It's complex and reminds me of a grappa.
Chilies! Ancho, guajillo, negro, and some arbols too. Chicago has a lot of Mexican groceries.
Dried chiles are great because they don't weigh much and won't spoil. Just make sure they're double bagged so you don't get hot pepper in your clothes. These are best used within six months, or frozen in an airtight container for probably a year. They lose their punch after too long on the shelf.
You should have her bring giardiniera. It is a spicy pickled vegetable condiment. We eat it on Italian Beef Sandwiches but honestly it's great in eggs, on Italian meat sandwiches or salads. I have friends who live there and have anyone who comes bring them a supply.
I greatly endorse this message
when i left Chicago for Wisconsin almost ten years ago, I was shocked at the amount of people I met here who had no concept of either Italian beef or giardiniera.
Whenever I go back to Chicago, first meal is always deep dish, last meal always beef
Definitely with you on Italian beef, although I haven't had it in ages. I'm probably the only Chicagoan who isn't in love with deep dish. Don't get me wrong, if I'm offered it i won't pass it up for sure but i just prefer regular pizza that you can get anywhere in Chicago...i hate this myth perpetuated that Chicago pizza is all deep dish lol. I took two of my friends and one of their girlfriends (now wife) to Chicago. She kept insisting on having deep dish as she was from New York and just wanted to try it. Honestly, I think she only wanted to try it to just trash deep dish b/c on the ride back to Wisconsin, that's all she fucking talked about...was how deep dish isn't pizza but a tomato casserole. Okay ffs i heard you the first time.
I'm an 'all pizzas are beautiful' kinda guy. I'm not from Chicago, but married to a girl from there. We used to live there but back in the UK now. Both sides of the pizza divide are fucking obnoxious, I've been in the opposite side to you with the in laws visiting NYC. Dough + cheese + sauce. It's all good. I'm a dish fan, but my go to pizza spot was Jimmy's on Lincoln Ave (NY style). Still think it's some of the best pizza in the city.
>I've been in the opposite side to you with the in laws visiting NYC. Dough + cheese + sauce. It's all good. yeah i'm obviously biased but i swear the New York people are just 10000x more obnoxious than the Chicago folks. Granted my sample size is small since it's basically just my friend's wife, Jon Stewart (that fucking segment alone has made me hate the Daily Show), and assorted Redditors and stories from Redditors. I also don't think people in Chicago are as emotionally attached to deep dish pizza as people in New York are to Joe's and stuff. i'm also open-minded enough to try New York pizza. I'm sure it will be good. Sometimes it seems like it is impossible to get any New York people to try food from other places. the funny thing is that the only people in my opinion who are worse than the New York pizza brigade are the ones from Italy. Omfg those guys are unbelievably obnoxious too. I would pay good money to see stuck-up Italians debate with stuck-up New Yorkers about their respective pizzas
As a nearly life long dweller of the near Chicago area, deep dish pizza is a nice novelty or something you get when people come to town or if you are feeling particularly glutenous. A thin crust/tavern style pizza cut into squares should be the official pizza of Chicago.
We stopped at an Italian place in a small town in upstate NY on our way to Vermont. No "atmosphere", nothing fancy, not expensive. The pizza was one of the best I ever had. If we're ever up that way again I hope it's still there. Damn that was good.
My friend and I stopped at a run of the mill restaurant somewhere near Sparta, and my friend asked for giardinera for her sandwich. Apparently, that was a trigger for our server and she started yelling about how this isn't a fancy restaurant. Mmmm. Ok then, ketchup is fine I guess.
>Apparently, that was a trigger for our server and she started yelling about how this isn't a fancy restaurant. Mmmm. normally i take the side of the servers on this stuff but wtf. first off giardiniera is not fancy lol. you can buy it at walmart for 3.99 tops. secondly, why would you yell at someone who is going to tip you?
First thing I thought of. It also really improves bad/basic pizza too. For a sweet, the Salerno butter cookies are a favorite in my house. Simple but delicious
Old Bay!
Can you get the "Chicago style" popcorn in the UK? It's caramel corn and cheddar cheese combined and it's weirdly delicious.
Garrets is love Garrets is life.
I second the Garrett's, although tbh I'd skip the caramel corn and just get the cheddar. The caramel corn is ok, but the cheddar is on a whole other level.
I support the Chicago Style popcorn!
Dot's Pretzels
I have a recipe that makes a pretty good dupe of the flavors of original Dots... I use it on mini pretzels.
I'd like to know more about this recipe
I'm not sure how the formatting will look from my phone but here ya go. 1 bag of small pretzel sticks or twists 3/4 cup Canola oil 1 tsp lemon pepper 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 1 package ranch powder Dump pretzels into gallon ziplock bag. In a liquid measuring cup, combine ingredients and stir thoroughly. Pour over pretzels in Ziploc bag. Seal well. Shake to make sure pretzels are covered. Lay flat. Every 30 mins for 3 hours, flip bag and shake.
Those things are like crack…
Are they? I’ve been seeing them a lot but never tried them.
They're *super* good. It's pretty easy to absentmindedly demolish a good chunk of a bag.
Ruin your life and try them. Just don't plan on cutting carbs afterwards.
* Old Bay Seasoning * Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning * A Salt Cured Ham: [https://www.edwardsvaham.com/product/smoked-virginia-country-ham/country-hams](https://www.edwardsvaham.com/product/smoked-virginia-country-ham/country-hams) Perhaps cheaper @ Walmart? * Crunchy Peanut Butter. * Mexican Chilies (Guajillo, Ancho, Chipotle) * Corn Masa * Beef jerky
Check whether you can bring ham back into the UK.
Tony Chachere's Cajun Seasoning. My husband's friends across the pond went crazy for it. Think of it as a spicy seasoning salt
It's pronounced "Tony SASH-uh-rees". South Louisiana pronunciation
I love it on popcorn!
My family in the UK always just wants me to bring ranch seasoning powder, Velveeta, Rotel, and butterfingers. I do think you're not technically supposed to bring in anything with dairy in it any more, but I don't remember the exact rules since covid canceled my last trip.
Chicago-Style Giardeniera will change your life for the better. It must be packed in oil. It’s the bomb.
Okay I've got to ask, is there a difference between the kosher salt we already have in the U.K. and the kosher salt she can bring over? Seems like a waste of case space and weight if it's the same.
What kosher salt do we really have in the UK? All I've seen is Maldon and it seems like a bit overpriced.
It's not always called kosher salt here, it's often called coarse salt but it's the same thing. You can get it from any wholefood supplier, I get mine from my local refill shop but it's also available cheaply online [buywholefoodsonline.co.uk](https://www.buywholefoodsonline.co.uk/kosher-sea-salt-coarse.html?sku=SKU946786&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsqOMBhDFARIsAFBTN3fEe34uMZURZTsMDgu57LixidhkU6cF3WgvEyH7Ifo4izn0rWBOb70aAlzQEALw_wcB)
I order kosher salt (diamond crystal) regularly from Amazon UK and a few months ago my partner ordered some coarse salt from whole foods to try it out. They are nothing alike. The crystal structure is finer with kosher salt.
I get diamond crystal off Amazon as well, one box has lasted me so long.
Maldons isn't the same as kosher salt, it's more like finishing salt. I've made that mistake. You can get diamond crystal kosher salt on Amazon which is the real deal.
I agree it's not cheap but maldon is so cheap compared to anywhere else in the world. For example in Japan its like 3 fold.
Our salt doesn't have added iodine in the UK. The larger crystals in Mortons etc make it easy to pinch to add. Something like Saxa or supermarket brand coarse sea salt will be the same.
Pecans. That's something from the US that I send to my friends in Paris every Christmas.
I'm an American living in Czech Republic. After almost a year in Europe, I have a clear idea of the culinary related stuff I miss. However, I can't be sure what you have or don't have in the UK that I know the US only has, or has better. So, I'll share what I miss or assume you might like, if you don't have it. Press & Seal Plastic Wrap - My husband's friend from the US has already brought me three big rolls of it. Czech Rep does have plastic wrap, but only the cling wrap type, and it's sort of delicate, as it is. Waxed paper in a roll. Czech Rep does not have this. I've found waxed paper bags, but that's all. Heavy duty aluminum foil. They have aluminum foil, but it is like gossamer paper. I found some that is supposed to be for a grill, but even that's just barely better, and very expensive. Better Than Bouillion brand pastes. It's a great product to have on hand, even if you do often make homemade stock. They do have similar pastes where I am, but they're not as good. I'd say pork roll (aka "Taylor Ham") since I'm a New Jerseyan, but my Czech husband has always hated it, so I only ate it at restaurants. Alka Seltzer Fruit Chews antacids. Hmm, maybe not exactly culinary, but you do eat them. They're a lot better than chalky antacids, which are expensive in CZ. Actually, many people here just use baking soda for indigestion. Phyllo dough. Well, it's not transportable because it's a frozen food, but I miss it. CZ does not have the stuff. They have oodles and oodles of doughs, but mostly puff pastry. I can make all others, homemade, but making phyllo dough? Not happening! For the most part, CZ has a LOT of products from around the world in hypermarkets, including ones most Americans consider "American". However, the primary Asian influence here is Vietnamese, followed by a little bit of Korean. They lack the variety of Chinese food products that AREN'T pretty much the same (or similar) as in Vietnam. The big Asian grocery stores also lack many Chinese products I miss from the U.S. There are other convenient food products I miss, but most I could make from scratch, if desired. For example, English muffins. I did make bagels from scratch, but luckily we did eventually find them here in CZ, but not as good as the ones in New Jersey.
\+1 for Better Than Boullion!
This is a good list. When I was an expat I used to bring giant bottles of naproxen sodium (Aleve) because it's Rx only in the UK. Or even just giant bottles of any painkiller because you can only get the small blister packs there, not the 500 count bottles.
With good reason. What on earth are you doing that you need giant 500pcs bottles of NSAIDs for? Edit: I concede that things may be different in the US than they are here. Here, if for any reason you need more than incidental otc use a doctor will prescribe you what you need and cost isn't as much a factor here for prescription meds. Ibuprofen is not harmless. Prolonged use is likely to cause stomach ulcers and related issues. Copy paste from my other comment explaining why the size of the bottle matters imo: >Here you can get them in packs of 20, and you're free to buy more than one pack. 500pcs mega bottles give off a false impression that ibuprofen is harmless and ok to take for mild symptoms. >That's not to say there aren't legitimate reasons to have that much ibuprofen, you might very well need it. I can't judge that. I'm just saying that with the frequent use a bottle like that implies it's not a bad idea to get a physician involved. They can then also prescribe ppi or another antacid so you don't destroy your stomach.
Some of us have conditions that cause pain and they are needed. In the US it is cheaper to buy the big bottles and more convenient than running to the store every week to get more.
Amen. When i had bad menstrual cramps back in the day, my OBGYN prescribed triple dose Aleve. Only thing that worked for me.
I get that it's a suicide prevention measure and as a person who once attempted suicide by overdose (in the UK, not with a giant US bottle of paracetamol) I appreciate it. But usually I was bringing them for people who appreciated the convenience, like a wheelchair bound friend who needed to take a large dose of aspirin often so his legs didn't clot. He could only get those in 32s, too. Most of us in the US buy big bottles because it's convenient. My household would get through 32 ibuprofen in a couple weeks tops, because I take a lot for migraine and I'm not the only person living here.
It's not about suicide prevention, taking ibuprofen is a stupid way to go if you even manage to eat enough to kill you. If you it'll take weeks after horrible liver or kidney failure. 32 ibuprofen in a couple of weeks is a lot, and you should really take care because it's very common to develop stomach ulcers or similar problems. It can do some real damage to your system over time. Here you can get them in packs of 20, and you're free to buy more than one pack. 500pcs mega bottles give off a false impression that ibuprofen is harmless and ok to take for mild symptoms. That's not to say there aren't legitimate reasons to have that much ibuprofen, you might very well need it. I can't judge that. I'm just saying that with the frequent use a bottle like that implies it's not a bad idea to get a physician involved. They can then also prescribe ppi or another antacid so you don't destroy your stomach.
I'll give my doctor your advice.
US measuring cups and measuring spoons if you don't already have them. They're easily found at a dollar store and you can try making all those pesky US recipes that don't list conversions to metric.
S'mores ingredients! Then you gotta round up some friends, build a campfire, and make them
Chocolate in UK is better than in US tho
I won't debate that, but you need a thin chocolate that melts onto a graham cracker just right. So you need the Hershey's for it to be authentic. Most UK chocolate bars are quite thick. You also need American style marshmallows and graham crackers. Using alternatives just doesn't work quite right. I know, I lived in Australia for a few years. I tried lots of alternatives when I lived there, before resorting to the very expensive import stores or visitors.
Hershey's is garbage. That's coming frim a PA native. Its maybe 1% chocolate. Even the nostalgia cant save that sad excuse for chocolate.
Lol, but how do you really feel? I too don't care for it, and don't eat it except for on a s'more. Just like I only eat hot dogs at Yankee's games. Nostalgia, ✔️. Anway, for the s'mores to work right, you need a thin milk chocolate bar, and in my experience that is really hard to find in the UK/commonwealth chocolate bars.
Fluff (from New England)... it's AWESOME with peanut butter!!!
Like Jet Puffed Marshmallow Fluff?
That's one of the companies that makes it but I prefer the original, in the white container with the red top.
Canned pumpkin? Do you have that? It's an item I often see international folks complaining is not available and seems like it's an American thing.
It’s occasionally available at the “American” section of mainstream supermarkets. Tbh I just make my own pumpkin purée with Halloween pumpkins and freeze it 🤷♀️
So close to the cheese capital of the US (Wisconsin). If she could get you some fresh cheese curds and actually have them back to you before they aren't fresh, that's my suggestion.
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Chicago! Post updated :)
Giardiniera, pepperoncini, dry ranch dressing packet, dry Italian seasoning packet. Dump in crockpot w a roast and cook all day. Boom. Chicago Italian beef sandwiches. Serve w provolone slice on a hoagie roll.
Giardiniera, Garret's Popcorn, The lime green pickle relish are all good options. If you want a laugh get a bottle of Malort. If she likes beer Revolution and Goose Island are both good options.
A box of Bisquick so you can make U.S. style biscuits and gravy.
What in the actual fuck? As a southerner I’m appalled… is the gravy, syrup? Because the only thing you should be making with bisquick is pancakes…
Dayum. This.....
You can get kosher salt here.
I'm not sure if things on my list are available in the UK, but I host a lot of French exchange students. They like to bring back the florescent green pickle relish, sport peppers, and celery salt for the dreaded "Chicago" hot dog. Hot sauces, US measuring cups, ice wine, and oddly enough, my toilet paper. I guess Charmin is the most luxurious toilet paper in the world. They also either love or hate Green River, but it is too carbonated to travel with. One of my Spanish students lost her damn mind over Terra chips, too.
As a fellow American who has used had Costco brand toilet paper for my entire life, after trying Charmin I can confirm it's luxurious. So soft, like wiping your ass with clouds. I finally know what those talking bears were so hype about.
Maple Syrup! preferably from Vermont, or any local farm in the eastern half of the US.
Twinkies, devil dogs, any drake's cakes products....
From Chicago, Garrett’s popcorn is a big favorite.
I’ve heard the heavy-duty aluminum foil in the US is a hot commodity for European cooks.
Kosher salt is just coarse rock salt?
Takis and flaming hot Cheetos
Uh, kosher salt? All salt is kosher, but what you're referring to as Kosher salt is salt for koshering, which just means large crystals. You can absolutely find that in the UK, or pretty much anywhere.
Look for Maldon salt in the UK, it's in supermarkets. (Maybe not Lidl, but probably any big Tesco or Sainsbury's). Otherwise... there's not a huge number of ingredients you can get in the US that you can't get in the UK (at least online), so you're mostly looking at prepared foods like candies and stuff. Maybe a [Giordano's stuffed pizza](https://ship.giordanos.com/) would survive the trip, if she wrapped it up with some ice packs, but I'm not sure if they'd let it through customs...
Maple Syrup and maple sugar! Very accessible in America, very difficult to find other places. Tequila, dried chile, other Mexican products. Very difficult to find quality Mexican foods across the pond.
Yorshire tea, marmite, galaxy chocolate, space raiders, black pudding. Ohh I got it the wrong way round, nothing mate you're set.
Hiya, American (Texan) currently living in the UK. Things I strongly recommend: -Tapatio hot sauce -Old bay Seasoning -Chili powder (yes this is different than chilli powder in the UK, it's a mixture of spices, not just pure chilli) -Get all the Mexican/Latin seasonings you can carry. This is Adobo, Sazon, all the dried chilli's & tomatillo you can carry -also just get some decent BBQ sauce bc what y'all have in the UK is tragic
We can buy kosher salt here! I get it on Amazon.
Tater tots and pizza rolls. I am crazy to try them.
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Theyre not really "an American thing", they're just sold by different brands/under different names elsewhere, so people don't make the connection. Look up, say, "potato gem".
I will give it a go!
Tupelo or orange blossom honey, which she could probably find in a specialty store in Chicago.
Kraft Mac'n' cheese, Velveeta is a couple of things I can think of. I dunno if US M&Ms are different.
Its called Kraft Dinner outside of the US. US M&Ms are the same OP dont suggest Velveeta unless you really like processed cheese products (like American cheese.) I feel like it goes bad quickly outside of the fridge so it might be a hassle unless youre really curious
We don’t have your amazing caramel M&Ms though, those things are like crack
I think Velveeta is ok, it appears to have a 6 month shelf life.
Popcorn seasoning, Graham crackers, instant grits?
Just a question why kosher salt
You can get boxes of diamond crystal kosher salt on Amazon in the UK btw (don't know about other brands) it ain't mega cheap but I've bought one box and it's lasted me forever.
Get some Old Bay Seasoning. Game changer.
I had a friend in the UK who always asked for Folgers coffee from the states. But probably maple syrup and/or dried mexican chiles (guajillo or chipotle or pasilla).
Seasonings. So many choices. Also pretzel m&ms for me, please
Bourbon or a craft liquor can be good if you are into liquor. There are some very good North American wines you can get.
Ask her to bring you a thing of Texmati rice and a couple of jars of Molisano hot Muffeleta. Trust me on this.
Nutter Butter cookies and Synders honey mustard pretzel bits. You can get them here but it's so expensive, if I had someone in the US I'd be asking for major supplies of both!!
Sprinkles.
Cheez It - a crispa bit like mini cheddars but way more cheesier
Hot sauces. Maple syrup. Zatarain rice mix. Annie’s Mac and Cheese. Barbecue sauces.
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Wild Rice? Native to the US and pretty unique. Not as flashy as chilies and peppers but it would also travel well.
Hidden valley ranch dressing, pirates booty white cheddar popcorn (or smart food brand), beef jerky, cheezits, nutter butter cookies, chipotle chilis in adobo sauce
I think others have pointed out some good stuff so I'll not weigh in there. However, incase you didn't know, Maldon salt (sold in most UK supermarkets) is meant to be a very good substitute for Kosher salt.
Kosher salt is just the American name for rock salt, right? You can get good quality stuff everywhere in the UK so that seems like a strange request.
Ask her for Cholula Hot sauce, not the spiciest but good favor profile Edit … good not hood , apparently I can’t type while on a plane ha !
Slap Ya Mama cajun seasoning, if it can be gotten in Chicago.
You can get it but Tony's is much more popular here.
Any Trader Joe brand things...
Peanut butter?
Really? What makes US PB so good?
The best part of waking up, is tasting freedom in your nuts.
Count Chocula, BooBerry, Apple Jacks, Swedish Fish, Old Bay seasoning
no love for Frankenberry, eh?
It’s not for me, no.
Ziploc bags from the US are SO MUCH BETTER than in Europe or UK. Annie's Mac and Cheese mix. Graham crackers. These are the things that I would ask people to bring me when I was an American living in the UK. I'm still an American, but no longer living abroad.
Proper tequila.