Fun Food Friday: The Oreo

When I lived in China four years ago, the questions I received the most were food related. The tradition continues compliments of my sweet three year old niece, who asked me this morning if China had chicken fingers (FYI – yes, China does have chicken fingers). So in order to capture the ‘food memories’ we are making, today marks the start of Fun Food Friday – basically we are providing you with a little taste of China’s twist on the food you know and love.

Today, when we were grocery shopping for the essentials (apples, peanut butter, eggs, chocolate cake, etc.), Tim and I started talking about one of my best friends. She LOVES Oreos, or at least that is what she said. I don’t think I have ever seen her eat one (you know who you are, AC!), but I believe her. As we were talking about this friend, I rounded the corner and saw a variety of Oreos. And so, in honor of my beloved AC, please meet the Chinese Oreo.

Before this evening, when was the last time I ate an Oreo? Probably over a year ago – I don’t recall, but it’s not an essential on our grocery list. Maybe the following flavors are available in your country, but I had never seen most of these flavors before: Green Tea Ice Cream, Raspberry/Blueberry, Peach/Grape, Strawberry, Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Cream.

We also saw Mango/Orange and Birthday Cake, but they were sold in large packages, which may have been an issue if they were good.

Now before we give you our opinions, please note, Oreos in China have less sugar than those in the USA. This may be the reason for our disappointment.

Tim’s Favorite: Green Tea Ice Cream (tasted like mint!)

Maggie’s Favorite: Chocolate Cream

Each package had two cookies. We threw away the second cookie for Raspberry/Blueberry, Peach/Grape and Strawberry. These flavors tasted way too fake and, in my opinion,  give the Oreo a bad reputation. The Vanilla Ice Cream tasted funky to me, but Tim enjoyed the second cookie.

Although the Chinese Oreo will not be replacing chocolate cake on our grocery list anytime soon (OK – cake isn't REALLY on our grocery list), it was definitely a fun experiment. 

The best part of this taste test – an evening of laughs costing a mere $1.25.

Crazy Busy!

CRAZY BUSY! That about sums up the past month. Tim and I were discussing the next two weeks and the thought of sitting on an airplane for 14 straight hours without connection to email sounds absolutely wonderful! 

A lot of really exciting things have happened lately. First, our visas arrived! I had them delivered to me at work because no one would be home when FedEx delivered. I tracked that package all day and if you work with me, you witnessed a happy dance and a lot of laughter when they finally reached my desk. To be completely honest, I kind of freaked out! I am so excited!!!!!

Two Saturdays ago I ran my last race (for a while) with one of my best friends, Corie. It was for an awesome cause, raising money for the Julie Valentine Center. Check it out! Corie and I have been running together for a tad over two years now and she has helped me through a bunch of 5ks, 10ks and a couple half marathons. She is pretty fabulous. Although neither one of us achieved a PR, we had an absolute blast and enjoyed the fellowship – especially breakfast after the race at Tupelo Honey! Oh my YUM! 

This past Friday, we celebrated birthdays with a group of close friends. Tim and Corie share the same birthday so we went out to dinner to celebrate their awesomeness. We will miss Kaitie’s celebration in September, but I know she will be spoiled rotten! 

Kaitie and my good friend Melissa threw us a farewell party this past Saturday. It was great to see friends and former teachers that we haven’t had an opportunity to visit with recently! It made us feel VERY loved!

Saturday night, we went to Dave and Mary’s home. Dave works with Tim and has become a good friend. Since it was Tim’s birthday, Dave bought Tim a cake and sang to him - highlight of the evening! Well, that and his awesome pinball machine!

 Monday night was our last time with Darren and Poppy. They have been tutoring Tim and me in Chinese over the past six months. Poppy made jaozi, or Chinese dumplings. Tim has tried dumplings before, but never ate anything this authentic. I have been tasked with learning the art of Chinese dumpling making – he loved them!

 Less than a week until we fly up to Pennsylvania to visit family before the adventures begin! Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that has to be done, but feeling incredibly blessed for all the good friends we made while making Greenville our home!