Hello.
Are there any candies or chocolate from America that are favored in Italy? What small treat can I bring?
I realize this relates to personal taste of the recipient but I hope you might have some thoughts. Good old bubble gum? Hersheys chocolate?
Thanks for any suggestions!
Italian chocolate is of a very high standard. Your previous post said you were in Italy in October, and the annual European chocolate fair in Perugia is from 16 - 25 October, about 90 minutes south of Florence if you want to visit somewhere a bit different. I suspect Hersheys perhaps doesn't compete.
If you can transport it, one thing that is surprisingly expensive in Italy is non-italian wine, especially US and Australian wine, so if your hosts tastes include alcohol a decent bottle would go down well - just expect your hosts to be well informed about grape varieties, growing conditions, the effects of local climate, etc. While there's plenty of local wine in supermarkets here for €3 a bottle or less, there' s a surprising amount of italian wine at € 30 +, so it needs to be good to impress!
I would also question taking chocolate to Europe, most of theirs is better than what we make. BUT I do have a former German exchange student who loves Reeses Peanutbutter cups.
I have found that Maple Syrup was received well. I understand it is very expensive in Europe.
For kids: Jelly Beans or Lifesavers. Any candy bar that is not available in Europe (so no Mars, Snickers, Twix, etc...); but if you come in summer, be careful how you transport anything containing chocolate.
Something I appreciated: fudge brownie and chocolate chip cookies mixes.
Pecan nuts, pancake syrup, peanut butter. More daring: Jell-O or Kool-Aid.
What great ideas! It is so helpful to get your perspectives. I can see how our Maple Syrup, Reeses, Pringles and Bourbon would be a treat! I never would have thought of that.
Grazie!
Yes, peanut butter can get hard to find and it's expensive; chocolate with peanut butter is unheard of here. I personally love it.
I have been to the USA recently and was surprised at the huge variety of Oreos with double filling - we get only the plain ones here. Mint Oreos quickly became a favorite...
Bring cheeseburgers!
(they have them here, but they're not the same)
Seriously, all good ideas above--though yes, Pringles can be found in (at least Northern) Italy. In about four flavours.
Think about your favourite snacks and beverages...
