A Mere 40,000 Food Items

What a dizzying array of new products and old standbys at the 2008 Fancy Food Show in Chicago's McCormick Place.

Here's what caught my eye. Hearty Hungarian Lentils Divine -- a 6-ounce package of black beluga lentils with a blend of Hungarian herbs and spices. One package serves four and takes only 20 to 30 minutes to cook. The icing on the cake? It's certified organic, loaded with antioxidants, and satisfies a vegetarian's Old World flavor cravings.

There were Eastern European 90-calorie Honey Wafers, all-natural Bilinski's Polish "kielbasa," Mrs. Miller's Homemade Noodles straight from Ohio Amish country, cheeses from Serbia, Rain Organic Vodka, Frank's Sauerkraut, and so much more.

I'll introduce you to many of these products in depth in the coming weeks. By the way, did you know sauerkraut originated with the Chinese?

Images courtesy of © 2008 Berhanu Enterprises LLC, © 2008 Honey Wafer Baking Co. and © 2008 Frank's Sauerkraut