Food Gift

last trip we made our hosts asked for those bottles of marshmallow to make "fluffer nutter". They had read about it but couldnt get it. Definitely not my taste

Ask them if there is anything they want specifically. Some grocery stores do carry American food products but they're expensive.

Peanut butter (smooth and chunky), tuna fish and Doritos.

My suggestion would be to wait until you get there and buy a good bottle of champagne, wine or cognac. Those are recognized host gifts, as would be a nice bouquet of flowers or a potted plant. How about a small dream catcher? Since you're from OK, an American Indian gift might kill two birds with one stone - something from your home state and Indian as well, which would interest many Germans, who were raised on the popular books by Karl May, who glorified Indians. Or, as others suggested, ask you hosts what they would like from over here that they can't get at home.

my swiss friends always enjoy peanut butter, which i think is gettable, but pricey. and who beats JIF? my spanish friend loves maple syrup (the real stuff) so i always bring him some of that.

Is there some food specialty that is made in your area? I know some posters from the northwest coast have suggessted taking things like applest and cotletts (a fruit candy made there) and some from New England have taken maple syrup and maple sugar candy. Peanut brittle (especailly some "homemade" by you or from a farmer's market) would be good and you could pack it in your carry-on. If you do take something like peanut butter or marshmallow cream don't try to carry it on- you may have to confiscated. TSA says it's density is too similar to some explosive materials (go figure). Alcohol is often a hostess gift- maybe some locally made wine, or specialty liquior or whisky. What about something with cornmeal- it is not a typical European product. Maybe take some homebaked corn muffins (or the ingredients and make them there). Or your mom's (grandma's, aunts'....) special cookies or biscuts (also unknown in Europe)or similar treat with home made jelly......

In my many years of living in Germany, I have only come across a handful of Germans who like peanut butter, and yes, very acceptable brands are available in all the grocery stores now in Frankfurt. We have a signifigant Asian population who use it for making Satay. That and the signifigant American population too (not talking military here) Fudge is unknown, so that would be my first choice or a local specialty. I do agree that a Native American gift will often be very admired and welcome. It doesn't have to be large, just authentic. Weavings, pottery, baskets, etc.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I was drawing a blank. I do intend to buy some wine and flowers there, but also wanted to take a little piece of America with me. I do not know our hosts - they are friends of a friend, and were kind enough to offer a few days lodging and some sightseeing.

a jar of jalapenos or salsa might be a good gift for someone that likes spicy food, or maybe visited the us and misses tex-mex.

Hi, I recently was in Germany visiting with friends, I had asked them what they would want from the US and they both told me Maple Syurp and Maple Sugar Candy. I also bought spices, they wanted something of the spicey smokey type and crushed red pepper. One asked for Rice Krispy Treats. I also brought them a magazine about Wisconsin that they really enjoyed.

Hi Tina, When I was visiting or invited to my landlord's home, I always took flowers, a bottle of wine or her favorite item, Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil. She always complained that the German version wasn't as durable and always requested that I get her some while at the commissary. I know those items aren't what your thinking, but I'd ask if there is an item they prefer over another. Whatever you get will be appreciated.

I do plan to take a bottle of wine and flowers. After reading the suggestions here, I'm thinking I will forget the food gift and go with Native American and Oklahoma items. I love the dream catcher idea, and the magazine, too. I have a friend who is half Seminole and half Creek, and another who is Cherokee. Both make jewelry, and have told me about who makes dream catchers.

I'm reminded of the story told here some years ago in which someone took a bottle of Texas wine to a French host living in, of all places, Beaune. They were surprised when their thoughtful gift didn't make the desired impression. Oh well, the French tend to be a bit picky about wine.

Kent, thanks for that! Made me chuckle.

Sees candy is popular

I am surprised about the wine as many wine fans are quite curious about wine from "strange " places and enjoy trying them naturally they are as never as good as French . The west is popular in Europe an Chilli mixes can make a light weight gift.

You can never go wrong with scrapple! Share the pride of the PA. Dutch region.

Hello Tina. If you think they would like to receive candy : I heard that butterscotch candy is not available at most places in Europe, and many European people would be delighted to receive butterscotch candy. A high quality butterscotch candy (individually wrapped small pieces in a plastic bag) is for sale at some natural food stores in the United States of America. I forget the brand name.

Bob, Scrapple is meat isn't it? Prohibited, I think?