Reflecting on the rather sad futility of such experiments and the dubious contribution of the Internet towards the creation of a more fulfilled society, I got to wondering how many imported products, such as Pop Tarts, we have had foisted upon us, and how many dishes, so popular in their country of origin, have failed to catch on in Australian homes. Sainsburys' still exports canned Mushy Peas to Australia, although why you wouldn't go down to Harry's Cafe de Wheels at newly trendy Woolloomooloo, I don't know. Some struggle on, all but forgotten on the lower shelves of the supermarket. Likewise, clever marketing has redefined the hamburger, fried chicken and the pizza. We've traded in sliced beetroot for the pickle, granny's special stuffing for 11 secret herbs and spices, and allowed Golden Circle pineapple pieces to become a Hawaiian topping.
Some dishes just sound too strange or foreign.
English puds like spotted dick and gooseberry fool demonstrate the linguistic gap that exists between our two countries. That gap becomes a culinary chasm when we look to America. In shunning shoo-fly, we've never taken to franks and beans, catsup or beef jerky either. Most would agree the British can keep their smoked haddock, kedgeree and black pudding. Try as it might, however, Kraft's export division has never been able to find a non-expat market for our favourite spread.