The holidays is a time for family gatherings. We hosted my in-laws this weekend. Originally from Michigan, they love living in Massachusetts. Next weekend, I’m going to visit my sister in Tennessee. Born and raised in Michigan, my sister is happily now a southerner.
But, I think that no matter how happy they are in their adopted homes, the tastes of home have a powerful pull. On their way out of town, my in-laws stopped to get a case of Vernors into the car. Apparently, they can’t find it in the Boston area. My sister called me this morning and asked me to bring tahini when I visit. The Detroit area has a strong Middle Eastern tradition, and she prefers what is available in Detroit Middle Eastern grocery stores to what is available in local health food stores in Tennessee.
I’ve already got a stash of goodies to bring her. So, when I travel to Tennessee, I’ll be carrying dried Michigan cherries, Tahini from Lebanon, and ArborTeas Keemun tea from China. The taste of home, at least here in the Detroit area, has a global flavor ;).
Indeed! Michigan cherries especially are magical. “The Other Catherine”, a friend of mine from Michigan, now in Germany, always packs a case in her suitcase on the return trip. 🙂
The cherries are equally well loved by friends who have never been to Michigan. I took some to Poland, and they were a surprisingly huge hit! Apparently the idea of sweetening cherries hadn’t occurred to anyone there? I couldn’t have done any better with fine caviar, I think!
Maybe we should start a cherry exporting side-biz and grow the Michigan economy that way. 😉