Did You Ever Think Sour Cream Would Be Hard To Find?

That's what my daughter found out today over in Thailand. She's trying to make stroganoff for her host family. I just had a panic email asking what to substitute. So in case you ever wondered what you could substitute for sour cream, it's plain yogurt. Now if she can't find that, we're in trouble.

So I had a brainstorm. I don't know if it will work at all, but why not try buttermilk? It's slightly tangy. You'd have to keep taste testing to see if you were coming close. And of course, you'd have to be able to get either yogurt or buttermilk. sigh. It's hard to know from halfway around the world.

What common thing did you expect and were surprised you couldn't get?

Isn't life interesting? I hope to have the chance to go to Thailand and visit my daughter over there. I'd love to meet the lovely people who have cared for her for me through the school year. So many wonderful things they've done for her. Knowing she celebrated Christmas even when they don't, many of her Rotary friends gave her gifts. How thoughtful!

I really want to say thank you to all those people. Since we are hosting an exchange student too, I understand the commitment. But I also understand how much you can come to love a new member of your family. I'm treasuring the time I have with our Japanese son because he will be gone way too soon.

If you ever have a chance to host an exchange student, be sure to do it. It's an amazing and eye-opening experience. We totally look at our culture through new eyes. And, it's also incredible how much we have in common.

Angie