Gastronomic Globe-Trotting

While taking our mystery trip through central PA on Thursday, we stopped into Wegman's in State College for the bounteous feast you see in the picture. We really like Wegman's international section, and often try some of the more unusual foods they have. Since I (Jason) am of Mediterranean descent and grew up in a very culturally diverse area, there's always something interesting to try.

There were some things we knew we would like, a couple that looked good and at least one that gave us real cause for concern. So step in the balloon, and join us for Around the World in 800 calories:

1. Alu Mutter: If you've ever been to an Indian buffet, you've probably had this. The label describes it as "Baby potatoes and green peas in a delectable curry." We were impressed with this brand of Alu Mutter before, and it did not disappoint.
2. Palak Paneer: Another popular Indian dish, the box proudly proclaims, "A delectable combination of tender chunks of cottage cheese and fresh, green spinach." What it doesn't mention is the significant kick the curry has which, depending on your inclination, is either wonderful or torturous. Since we both like spicy food, this got two thumbs up.
3. Honey Soy Ginger: The box announces itself as "Hokkien noodles with honey soy ginger sauce and baby corn." The combination of honey and ginger was a fun surprise to me. We served it right from the box, but it would make a great meal supplemented by some chicken.
4. Roghani Nan Bread: It was a tough decision, at first, choosing whether to get Nan bread or pita bread. Ultimately, we decided that the nan would work best with Indian cuisine. This bread had the added bonus that the bread company, Kontos, is based in Paterson, NJ, maybe 3-4 miles from my (first) childhood home.
5. Turkish Delight: Inspired to get this dessert by the "Chronicles of Narnia" books and movies, we had high hopes for this one. I've seen lots of different things called a Turkish delight, but this one was basically a fruit-flavored jelly candy covered in chocolate, and with a hint of rose fragrance; it was good, but not to my liking. The main problem was the rose fragrance, (which was clearly labeled on the outside). I guess I just haven't jumped on the flower eating bandwagon (yet).
6. Rambutan in Syrup: This was the weirdest thing we've eaten in a long time. I'll admit that I was on the lookout for something unusual, and when I saw what looked like a cross between a sea anemone and a hedgehog, I was intrigued. The fruits themselves resemble something between a hard-boiled egg and a fresh mozzarella ball, and they have a subtle, sweet flavor that makes us wonder if they're flavorless without the syrup in which they're stored. It's not the flavor, though, that poses the problem: it's the texture, which is rather rubbery and indicative of the "firming agent" that is mentioned in the ingredient list. According to WiseGeek.com, "The rambutan is a sweet fruit that most palates find appealing," which gives us hope that someone in the online community will help us figure out what to do with them (in fact, if you have any family rambutan recipes, please feel free to pass them on). Who knows, maybe we can auction it off on ILoveAltoona to the highest bidder.
7. Pocky: "Biscuit sticks covered with strawberry cream," this item was kid-tested, parent-approved. We appreciated the lack of artificial food coloring, and Elise liked its pink color.

So, those are the results of our culinary carnival. Leave us a comment and let us know if you've tried anything above, and what you thought of it. And if there's something you think we should try on our next endeavor, we'll be willing to consider it (but if you're even thinking ostrich eggs, don't bother).