Found: Crisco substitute

Lyon Hats reader, H. in Annecy, was looking for a substitute for Crisco (also known as vegetable shortening/Cookeen/Trex) to use in oatmeal cookies and pie crusts. She reports finding a good substitute at Carrefour: graisse à frire.

"There are two versions - the name brand version (about 4 euros) and the generic version (about 2 euros). I got the generic. It was in the butter section of the market and is labeled "graisse a frire" - it is for frying frites in. It says on the package "100% vegetale" and comes in a 1 kg package that is red and white and has photos of frites on it.

It made delicious oatmeal cookies, though I had to let it come to room temperature before it was useful. I haven't tried it for pie crust yet, but judging by the cookies, I think it will work fine."

Solo brand graisse à frire, 1 and 2, 5 kilo

(H. is also looking for plain Cheerios. Anyone have any leads? Thanks!)

Not exactly food-related, but...

...have you seen the newly launched TCL site in English? Very impressive!

Found: 131 American products!

You know you've been in Lyon a while when you have US grocery lists made up for either:

a) your next visitors to bring out

b) your next trip to the US (How much is an extra checked bag again?)

What's on your list? Betty Crocker cake mixes, Lucky Charms, French's mustard, Aunt Jemima's pancake syrup, dill pickles, Hershey's syrup, Twizzlers, Jell-O, JIF peanut butter, Karo syrup, Pop Tarts, KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Chips Ahoy!, Pam spray, grits, Reese's pieces...

Did you know you can get all of these in France? Mais oui! (And you can throw in an oh là là too.)



The recently opened My American Market has all of these items and more , all ready to be shipped to your door.

Special: Get 10% off your order by referring friends - and they'll get 10% off too!

My American Market features one of the largest assortments of American food and treats, in stock and ready to be shipped to you in Lyon. Thanks to their user-friendly online store (open 24-7, just like in the US!) you can find and order your favorite products in just a few clicks. Orders will be processed within the next business day and shipments will be securely packaged and sent via La Poste Colissimo, delivered to your door within 2 business days.

Group orders are available for people in the same area ordering together.

Found: Dr Pepper!

Spotted with much joy at Intermarché in Rochetaillée-sur-Saône!

Individual cans of Dr Pepper at 99 centimes each. They were in the international aisle, wedged between Old EL Paso salsa and Oreos. can anyone confirm that Dr Pepper is available at other Intermarché locations?

Very happy day!

Have you seen it?

Frugal Traveler of the New York Times paid a visit to Lyon - and several of its restaurants! The article by Matt Gross is wonderful. Read it here.

Now at Starbucks!

Lemon hibiscus and Lemon green tea Frappuccino blended juice drinks. Perfect for this 90° heat! Now available at Starbucks Villeurbanne and Starbucks République.

Found: Hellmann's!

Spotted by C. at Spar at the place de la Croix Rousse, Hellmann's mayonnaise. Spar is owned by Casino, so I'm wondering if anyone has seen it there yet?

To find a Spar near you, click here.

If you pick up a jar, here are some recipe ideas from Hellmann's.

Thanks to C. for passing along this sighting!