Like anyone, when I travel to a new place, I like to bring back some nice souvenirs with me. The first time I visited Slovenia, I was overwhelmed with all the goodies and I even bought many “gifts” for myself, family and friends. A lot of them consisted of food.
Now, when I visit my family and friends in Canada (or elsewhere), I love to bring something “made in Slovenia” with me. I think it’s a nice way to share and spread the beautiful (and delicious) things that Slovenia has to offer. A lot of them consisted of food, but here’s what I usually bring with me:
Salt from Piranske Soline
Part of the Slovenian heritage is the Traditional Salt-Making in Sečovlje. For anyone who loves food, solni cvet – salt flower, also known as fleur de sel, is a must at the table. A small pinch of it will enhance the flavor of any dishes.
Cookies from a Local Bakery
One of a must-bring (at my mom’s special request), is at least 1-2 kg of cookies from Slaščičarstvo Cerkovnik, my favorite local bakery. One box offers a variety of flavors and beautifully made cookies: nuts, coconuts, jam, chocolate and much more.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
One of the most wonderful ingredient I’ve discovered in Slovenia is pumpkin seed oil, a delicacy from the Prekmurje and Štajerska Region. I use it as condiment for salads and a few drops of it adds an unique flavor to carrot or pumpkin soup. Yum!
Laces from Idrija
An ideal gift for women is indeed some laces from Idrija. Made from threads with the help of needles and bobbins, beautiful laces items are created: decorative art pieces, gloves, table clothes and jewelries. The first time I saw it, I was totally in ❤ !
Wine and Liquor
I’m not a wine connoisseur, but I enjoy to gift and share some bottles of Slovenian wines with my friends and family. There’s many choice of good bottles and I like to bring something new with me every time: renski rizling, modra frankinja or teran.
Liquors are part of the Slovenian traditions. They come in different interesting, such as teran (yes, from the wine), blueberry and my favorite: pear liquor!
Other popular souvenirs to bring back from Slovenia: decorative beehives panels, fancy crystal pieces from Rogaška, Slovenian honey, handmade leather slippers, wooden folk crafts and Dražgoše honey bread.
I also like to bring back some of Gorenjka chocolates with me. They come in a variety of delicious flavor such as lime, raspberry and my all time favorite: apple and cranberry mix. Yum!!
Until next time,
Anna.
Anna in Slovenia 