When I was home, Mom kept telling me that I should make a list of (non-perishable) foodstuffs that I couldn’t get here in Germany so that I could make myself a “care package” to bring back with me. When she made that suggestion I was highly amused because I had planned all along to make sure I brought some contraband back to Germany with me in the from of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, and Skippy Peanut Butter. (I managed the Reese’s and the Mac and Cheese, but not the peanut butter.)
Of course when I was in the grocery store at home the sheer amount of things that I couldn’t get in Germany was overwhelming: So overwhelming in fact, that I ended up gorging myself on lots stuff that I don’t really even like all that much. (Remember the Cheetos?) Of course, I also bought quite a few items that I had been pining away for, but I ate them long before I could even consider turning them into a care package.
However, now that I have been back to Germany for a while, I have had a chance to really think about what the contents my perfect “care package” would be. And as a result, I have decided to post the contents here in case any of my friends or family in the US would like to one day surprise me with any or all items as a gesture of their love and friendship. 
So without further ado, Renée’s perfect care-package from the US would contain:
Top Three Items:
- 1.) Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
- Though any variety is acceptable, it MUST be Kraft and I am particularly fond of “White Cheddar” and “Spirals.”
- 2.) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Don’t be fooled if they tell you that I can find them here. They can be found occasionally but are usually months if not years old! And believe you me, nothing is worse than a stale peanut butter cup!
- 3.) Skippy Honey-Roasted Nut Chunky Peanut Butter
- I think the specificity speaks for itself.
Other Desirables:
- Jell-O Instant Pudding
- The problem with pudding in Germany is that they have only a limited flavor selection and I haven’t found any instant. My two favorite Jell-O Instant pudding flavors are Pistachio and Coconut Cream.
- Stove Top (Chicken Flavor)
- I have learned to make a mean stuffing from scratch, but nothing beats good old-fashioned Stove Top!
- Prego Spaghetti Sauce Flavored with Meat
- This is probably a long-shot due to the fact that glass jars are probably a little risky to send via airmail, but I still think it is worth mentioning.
- Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
- Pre-made in the bottle only please: Finding proper mayo to make it from the package presents only another problem.
- Club or Town House Crackers
- The things they call crackers here are nothing but a sad joke.
- Fruity Pebbles
- The breakfast of champions!
- Strawberry Quick
- Granted they have Strawberry Yogurt flavored Quick here, but it just isn’t the same.
- Pure Cane Brown Sugar
- Brown sugar is made from sugar beets here and just doesn’t pack properly.
- Quaker Fruit and Cream Instant Oatmeal
- No “Banana’s and Cream” though!
There you have it… I will now be eagerly awaiting the postman every day for the next few months, so please don’t disappoint me!