Green What!??!

by Amy

In America have you ever noticed what the color green indicates when it comes to food? Most often it could imply one of two things: First of all -- low fat (healthy choice started this I think). You know, you can buy "normal Ritz" or the ones with the a green stripe somewhere on the label showing that these are the low fat variety. The same is true with other crackers, ice cream or cookies (not that I can handle low fat oreos!) Secondly, green could also indicate mint flavor. -- Think Andies Chocolates, think mint-oreos, think mint chocolate chip ice cream.....Clearly this second implication is my favorite! :) I love mint. Those of you who know me well, (and probably even those of you who don't) know that mint, particularly a mint-chocolate combo, is one of my all-time-forever-favorite flavors!


Well, the first week we were here, our American friends took us to a 4 start hotel to enjoy their western lunch buffet! As I scoped out the options, my heart was warmed with the sight of light green ice cream.... Later I discovered that it was not mint flavor, but GREEN TEA flavor. Little did I know that would be a foretaste of things to come. Not long after that, I bought some tooth paste, Crest toothpaste, mind you. When I got home, I was dismayed to discover the picture on the box did not match the picture on the tube inside the box....I'm sure that's OK....I mean, who's ever heard of adult tooth paste any flavor other than mint? (wintermint, spearmint, peppermint, but all mint) Well, we were shocked to discover locals here find GREEN TEA toothpaste refreshing! YUCK! We tried to deal with it for a few days, but just couldn't handle it! Then, a few weeks ago Brad bought some Wrigley's Gum, once again in the light green package. So, on our way home from the store, the kids were excited to chew some new gum! So, Brad whipped out the pack, passed it around and within three chomps, I knew this was not Wrigley's spearmint as I was anticipating. Again, it was green tea flavor. The kids, and even Brad, didn't seem too disturbed by the green tea gum, but I just couldn't handle it.

Well, for the last 8-10 days, we've all been fighting something.... our throats have been raw, noses running and even a touch of a fever here and there. Well, one of the results of this 'bout with illness was that we ran out of Kleenex. No problem, my sweet house helper was heading to the store, so I asked her to buy 6 boxes for us. (Winter is coming and I know we'll go through the Kleenex!) So, since I don't know the word for Kleenex in my new language, I had saved one box so I could show her what I wanted. But, I was sure to tell her any brand would be OK -- it did not have to be exactly what I had previously bought. (BIG MISTAKE!) What did she come home with? 6 mint green colored boxes with GREEN TEA scented tissues! You've got to be kidding me!

As as side note, I am happy to report that even though mint is not a common flavor, we just reciently discovered a Baskin' Robins down the street ~ And, yes, they do carry mint chocolate chip! What a great discovery! I also had a sweet friend mail me some extract, so I've been able to make some delightful mint chocolate brownies when I get the craving!