Classics & Imports

So I was strolling Lojas Americanas (Brazilian Semi-Target) today with my semi-sicky, home from school, restless toddler.  It's the best thing to do with an irritated child on a hot Brazilian day.  It's out of the house, it's air conditioned, it's free, and there are toys to look at. 

Imagine my surprise when I ran into the legendary Hershey's candy box!  Ok, maybe it's not legendary but it should be.  An awesome blog reader of mine, Ms. Stephanie, mentioned that she found this box in Zona Sul. I had kept one eye open but never saw it at my neighborhood Zona Sul.  I was starting to lose hope until...

It just happened so fast. I was innocently strolling the candy isle, as the eternal child inside me likes to do, when the clouds parted. Yes, apparently there were clouds in Lojas Americanas. I hadn't noticed until they parted. 

Anyway, the clouds parted and then angels started to cry.  Yes, real Angels! And their tears stung... do you think I should be worried about that?

That's when I started to cry. Not only did I find a box of Hersey's Candies, so appropriately named "Classics and Imports" (Portuguese "Clássicos & Importados"), it included Reese's Peanut Butter cups!  I almost fainted right then and there but how would I buy and eat the candy if I was passed out on the floor?!

Upon opening the box, I was a smidgen disappointed with the serving size of the candy and there are only two Peanut Butter cups. I'm so pathetic I actually, quietly, gave thanks that my 4 year old may have a peanut allergy. It meant one less to share the 2 cups with! But per the size of the box and the price (a shockingly low R$6.99), I'd say it's worth the splurge people. 

Oh how my Rio de Janeiro is changing. When I first got here I couldn't find anything imported. I was happy when I found the Brazilian version of Worcestershire sauce, and I hardly use the stuff.  Imagine my joy when I actually found Skippy (that Peter Pan stuff is horrible and waaayyy overpriced) Have you guys noticed the same thing?  What have you found lately that made your panties jump up and tie in a very excited knot?  What do you wish they would import here?

I miss Candy

I hate Brazilian Candy. It sucks. I'm sorry but I come from the Candy Land.  It pains me to think of my kids not recognizing the bazillion different candies in the 300 candy isles at Target.  And at Easter! Sure the HUGE chocolate eggs are cool but where are the peeps, the good jelly beans, the Cadbury cream eggs, Reeses peanut butter eggs, and robin eggs? 

I had a serious candy addiction back in the day.  I saw a homeopath once and she told me that my body had a sugar addiction.  I had been trying to cut back but physically felt ill.  I took some homeopathic meds but it didn't help. I was back on the candy horse.

Brazil broke my habit. When I came a little over 4 years ago, you couldn't really get American candy excluding chocolate.  I'm not a huge simple chocolate bar fan. I like them like my men, simple on the outside but hot, creamy, and full of nuts in the middle.  Ok, that last part was a bit dirty but you catch my drift.

One special day I found Nerds at my local supermarket.  I loved Nerds as a kid but hadn't really eaten them as an adult.  A box of tiny multi-colored booger looking things aren't really a mature candy. The little baby inside my belly had different plans. I took those Nerds home for a whopping R$10 ($5.55) for a small box.  It was oh so good!

I've adjusted now. I like jujubas (gumdrops). I'll eat baton (a chocolate lipstick).  All and all though, I've left behind candy and snacks. I've moved on to food!  Brazilians know how to do food. Who knew ground beef could taste so damn good?  Who knew you could use 12 cloves of garlic when cooking and not be overwhelmed? And beans, I never would have believed you if you told me that I'd manage to eat black beans at least 4 times a week.

So I gave up candy and my chip habit is all but gone too.  I am happy to say that you can now get big bags of chips down here! It used to only be the little lunch sized bags.  I was horrified when my Mother-in-Law pulled out one of those tiny bags out for everyone to share.  I'm American, that little bag is like a sip of water to my chip appetite.

Oh well, who knew switching from processed snack foods and candies to fruits, vegetables, free range meat, and legumes would be such a good thing. Ok, anyone with an ounce of brain but I didn't really believe them until I tried. 

On a side note: I do bring back certain snack/food items from home.
Licorice (never will be able to give up this habit)
Maple syrup
Peanut butter
Baking soda
Packets of taco seasoning
Packets of powdered Turkey gravy
Tea (tea down here is very weak)
Lawrys seasoning salts (amazing on popcorn!)

to name a few.  What can't you live without?