One of my favorite things . . . .

Chocolate! Not just any chocolate but Leonida's Pralines. There is nothing as wonderful as taking a bite into these, they but all other chocolate to shame. While I lived in Belgium as a missionary, we (you are never alone as a missionary) would go to the little shops and buy two or three of our favorite chocolates. The shops were on almost every corner, kind of like Belgium's national Starbucks except they sold chocolate instead of coffee! It made all the rejection bearable, even a little sweet. Even if we successful, we would get chocolates as a way to celebrate. I loved the dark chocolates with butter cream inside, to die for. All of them were to die for! I haven't had any for a long time, but they now have a store in New York City. The next time I'm in New York, I'm going to stop by the store and order some of my favorite chocolates. Even better, I can order them, and have them delivered. (You don't get to pick which chocolate come in a package.) So I've been thinking about sending myself a Valentines present, perhaps I should say it's for my husband, but he would share, wouldn't he? If you want to try the best chocolate, go here and let them know I sent you. Perhaps I'll get some free samples! (They are expensive, but worth every penny!)

Other food I enjoyed in Belgium: the waffles (they aren't the same as Belgian Waffles in America) yogurt, bread, soups (pumpkin was one of my favorites), and Fries. They had fritures (my Dutch spelling has gotten worse) also on every corner with every type of sauce available. I've had them in America once, while on a layover with my husband in Hartford, CT. They made them in a bar--I think that is the only time I've actually been in a bar--to buy Fries. Fries were invented in Belgium by the way, not France. They also fry them twice: once at a very high temperature which seals the fries, and the next at a lower temperature to cook the fries. I guess I must be hungry this morning, so I better go and make breakfast! Although it won't be nearly as good as the chocolate and fries!