Rare Commodity

Where I grew up, it was understood that the only acceptable salad dressing was Mullen's French. Everybody (who was anybody) agreed that it's unique flavor and texture, as well as its over all deliciousness made it the clear dressing of choice. (It's so unlike any other old, run-of-the-mill French dressing. More like a tangy, French vinaigrette of sorts. You'll just have to try it. Seriously.)

I didn't realize that it was rare until we moved to Indiana during my high school years, and the only grocery store that carried it was the local County Market, which only had a small supply at that. (Really, people didn't even know what they were missing.) Regardless of the special trip it took to acquire the goodness, Mullen's French remained a staple in our household for all of our salad topping needs. Imagine my sadness when Brad and I moved down South and Mullen's deliciousness was nowhere to be found.

For the last eight years, I've had an open commerce with the North going to supply my favorite dressing. In most instances, a parent of ours would bring a shipload down with them whenever they visited that would sustain me until our next fair trade. Sadly, I depleted my resources over a month ago, ahead of schedule.

When Brad and I visited Indiana this past weekend, I had to visit County Market and purchase a stock pile of the classic dressing, myself. (Since Brad doesn't like it, {pshh} I think three bottles should last me a couple of  months...) I can't wait to make a tasty chef salad, complete with ham, turkey, bacon, carrots, hard-boiled eggs, green bell peppers, grape tomatoes, lots of cheese, and croutons, then top it all off with my very favorite salad dressing of all time, Mullen's French. Mmmm... I'm hungry just thinkin about it.

What regional item do you love that you have to "import" to your home?