What I miss(ed)...

While I was making salad last night, a common staple in our house, I was musing over what I miss from home. That got me thinking; What do I miss? What did I think I'd miss? What did I miss from Switzerland when I was in Portland? So here is my list of five things I miss, thought I'd miss and missed...

What I miss from Portland (besides people):

1. New Cascadia Bakery

New Cascadia Bakery is a Gluten-free bakery in SE Portland. They make everything from breads to cupcakes, cookies, galettes and more. We would buy two loaves a month, at least, as well as the occasional, seasonal cupcake or cookie. Their stuff is SO good.

2. Coconut Bliss 

Dairy-free, soy-free ice cream. They have so many delicious flavors to choose from. We once bought 11 pints (they were on sale), and almost always had one in our freezer. The first bite, or two, is a bit coconut-y, but after that it's divine.

3. Kale

Yes, you read that correctly. I cannot get kale this time of year in Switzerland. It is offered only in the fall. We would probably eat kale 2-4 times a month in Portland, and even our baby liked it. So, it is missed.

4. Squash

This is one of the few foods our baby has been consistently able to eat, and the two of us love it too. In the states you can get squash about 9 months out of the year. Here, again, it is only available in fall. No more spaghetti squash dinners or butternut squash soup for us... at least not for a few more months.

5. Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free and Bulk Buying. 

Portland is a mecca for all things different. There were various options at any restaurant, as well as specialty restaurants such as Blossoming Lotus, Portabello and Dick's Kitchen to name a few. There is just this different attitude about food in Portland that is hard to find anywhere else. I miss New Seasons, Salt, Fire and Time and other places like them who are striving everyday to get great food options in the hands of the people. No matter what you eat, or don't eat, Portland is a great place for food. 

In Switzerland, local and seasonal eating has always been a thing, but it kind of stops there. There is a movement in Zurich for fresh, local, healthy food that is grown sustainably and eaten responsibly, but is up and coming. Also, since we don't live in downtown Zurich it is hard to get our hands on certain things.

What I thought I'd miss:

1. Pizza (Silly me, pizza is better in Switzerland)

2. Fast Food/Diner food (Burgers, shakes, "Blizzards", fries)

3. Ethnic food (Oh, I actually do, but not as much as the above)

4. Cookies (This is so true! The Swiss make awesome bread and wonderful cakes... but not cookies)

5. Going out to a restaurant and actually ordering food by myself. (This I do miss, but we haven't been out       once to a restaurant since moving here. Take-out doesn't count)

What I missed from Switzerland when I was in Portland:

1. Migros Rahmglace

This ice cream on a stick has a cult following, I swear. It is addicting, and at less than 1 frank, it is easy to fund as well. It comes in vanilla, mocha, chocolate and sometimes strawberry and my favorite Stracciatella. I've had probably about a half dozen in the two weeks we've been back. 

2. Zopf 

This light, fluffy bread is usually eaten on Sundays here in Switzerland. It is paired with all manor of meats, cheeses, and spreads. I love it with lox or Nutella. My husband loves it with Strawberry jam or Bündnerfleisch. We had one our first weekend here, but have yet to repeat that meal.

3. Tartare Cheese

I know, its a cheese spread, but it is the cheese spread. Flavorful and creamy, it goes with any savory dish. I love it on toast with a fried egg, on Zopf with lox, or in mashed potatoes. I've only been able to find it here in Switzerland.

4. Pre-cooked, fresh Beets

Called Beeteraves or Randen, these lovelies come 2-3 per package. No streaming required. Just peel and eat. In the states, if you want cooked beets they come canned and usually pickled. No thanks. I will eat these any day though.

5. Schweden Torten

Swede Cake, Princess Torte, Princess Cake... all the same thing, and all unavailable in Portland, Oregon. Layers of sponge cake and cream, topped with marzipan... heaven on a plate. I would probably eat this every day if you let me. (Please don't let me :))

So, that it my list of missed things. What would you miss away from home? Until next time...

En Guete!

Effretikon...

The last time I visited my fiance, now husband, lived in Zurich proper in the district of Oerlikon, which is located in the northern part of Zurich. He lived directed on the tram line and very near the local shopping and train station. I went downtown quite often to window shop, or actually shop, and to see all the tourist sights along the way.

Now we are living in Effretikon, roughly 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) outside of Zurich. This puts us at about a 30 minute train ride or 15 minute drive from the center of the city. Effretikon itself is a small village, but it has a lovely market square with all you really need to get by: a Migros, a Coop, an Apotheke, various shoe and clothing stores and some restaurants and pubs. A block or so away is a Metzgerei (butcher) and a Bäckerei (bakery).  Right behind the bakery is the train station. From our house I can literally walk to anything within 10 minutes. I mean, what more could a girl ask for?

Well, I guess that depends on the girl. In my previous life, which I lovingly shared with you, I was a baker, and a tinkerer in the kitchen, and this would have been enough. I would have popped into the Mirgos and come home to whip up a Swiss favorite or an American classic. Back then, the entire culinary world was my playground, and my biggest concern was where to find vanilla extract. That life, my friends, is long gone.

Now, I worry about gluten, dairy and what soap I use to wash my dishes. Where can I get kale? Organic, free-range chicken? Unscented, detergent free soap? Dairy-free ice cream? Quinoa? So, my wonderland of Zopf and Tartare cheese has turned on me. Where this blog will go, I'm not sure... but I hope you'll come along for the ride. If nothing else, it should be healthy... and maybe even enlightening.