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What I buy in Paris



While occasionally I treat myself to something very special,


the biggest joy I get is from bringing home something delicious from Paris.  If I were not limited by the airlines, I would haul home a disturbing amount of treats, spices, breads, teas, and trinkets.  Here are some of my favorite things that weigh down my suitcases:

Madeleines from Ble Sucre


All sorts of creams and lotions from City Pharma


Jellies and caramels from Jacques Genin




These sardines in Bordier butter are heavenly.  As I was paying for them, the cashier at Le Bon Marche told me to sauté them a bit in a pan and enjoy with a nice baguette.  This is one of my favorite snacks.


I can't hide the fact that I am a huge fan of Monsieur Bordier.  This caramel sauce is wonderful on pieces of apples, or smeared on a crepe.


Delicious chocolate from Alain Ducasse


A box of chocolates from Patrick Roger for my husband.


A few slices of Poilane bread along with their punition cookies.



I slowly expand my Poilane collection.


Marshmallows in France are delicious and my middle son is especially fond of them.  They come in a variety of wonderful flavors, are a little pillowier than the U.S. version, and taste so much better.


Yes, we do have Ladure in NYC


Unfortunately, for some strange reason, they do not carry my all time favorite reglise (liquorish) macaron.  Sadly, these little guys look like they have been through some tough times.


Swiss made Ovomaltine is one of my favorite childhood chocolates.  It is sold in Paris but not available in the U.S.


I love to bring spices back from Paris.  I use some and decorate my kitchen with others.


My boys love this jam which is sold is some supermarkets in Paris and at Poilane. It's made with real fruit and the taste is not overly sweet.


I am not a coffee drinker and this earl grey and bleuets (blueberries) tea is my favorite.


Now, Nutella.  I have been a fan for over forty years.  When I was a kid, my parents would scour Warsaw to find a jar for me as a birthday gift.  We do have Nutella available at most supermarkets in the USA, BUT, it is not the same.  The consistency of the European Nutella is thicker and the taste of hazelnuts is more pronounced.


I bring this Samourai Sauce, (mayonnaise with chili, peppers, paprika and other spices) for my son who likes to eat it with practically everything.


I used to buy these beautiful tablecloths until I was politely asked by my husband to stop.  This lovely selection is at the Queen Elizabeth II flower market.


Finally, I always come home with a bit of salt.  Partially, because salt is practical and useful, but really because it is pretty and I like the jars.


For some non-food related shopping, check out my Shopping in Paris post, here

How about you? What Parisian treasures bring you joy?

Joanna


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