Sweet Olive Jam

I love B&D*, the small grocery outlet blocks from my home. I shop there for simple things like canned beans, almonds, spray starch and come home with sushi rice, sesame seed butter, coconut milk and if I’m really, really lucky, wasabi paste. I’m definitely not a food snob, and I guess that is why I like B&D: it is a garage sale of canned goods. A place to discover new stuff and try things I’d never pay full price to try. Many times I find a $5 or $6 price tag on an item and the familiar B&D marking pen marking it at $1. It gives me the opportunity to try wasabi paste or for my friend Ellen to buy me a jar of Sweet Olive Jam.

Sweet Olive Jam? Never heard of it? Me either. But tonight I tried some. Today we had the honor of having Matt’s mother from Wisconsin here for worship and lunch. One of her goals for this trip was check out B&D and buy some cheap balsamic vinegar. So after lunch (meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, green spring salad, corn casserole, green peas, and fresh strawberry shortcake with whipped cream**), Ellen and I introduced Nancy to B&D. The above photo is of Nancy finding bargains and balsamic vinegar. Ellen discovered the Sweet Olive Jam imported from Greece, so she bought it for snacks tonight after the visitation evening. Sweet Olive Jam is made from green olives, sugar, permanganate juice and spices. I wasn’t brave enough to try it with a meatloaf sandwich, but I did try it on a small cheese sandwich and found it really delightful. A bit like chutney, but definitely different and well worth the $1 Ellen paid for it. Thanks E!

Sometimes I long for Africa. I long for our friends, the different food, and living with many different cultures. Today I was reminded that I at times overlook gifts in front of me: friends like Ellen and Nancy and B&D. I know that if I was not here, I would long for my friends and the little store that brings the world to me through strange and interesting new food.

God………help me to see and soak up the blessings you put in front of me each and every day.

*For another story about B&D, click here.
**Last week we had such a busy week, I didn’t plan a Sunday Lunch. So 6 of us after meeting for worship went to the local pizza buffet. We paid $44 for lunch and I decided that eating out was over rated and over priced. Every effort I make to cook at home really matters. I made lunch today for around $15.…and we have leftovers! I cook with a bit more purpose after last week.