Our favorite New England snacks, condiments and appetizers

by Eric H., lifelong New England native

There's something special about buying products from your own region. For some travelers, it's even more special buying products from that region as a vacation memory.

Whenever possible, we like to buy local to celebrate the unique products in our areas, support local business, and validate the idea that our New England area turns out food products as good as any in the country. Here are a few of our favorite regional snacks, condiments and appetizers:

Stonewall Kitchen Blueberry Jam

(Click on image below to purchase)

Just thinking about Stonewall Kitchen Blueberry Jam makes my mouth water. I believe that all blueberry jam is good, which makes it noteworthy that Stonewall Kitchen's brand clearly stands above the rest.  It's like they picked the blueberries at the peak of ripeness,  and then added the right amount of sweetness to augment the inherent great blueberry taste.  It's slightly more expensive than other jams, but certainly worth the price!

All New England states turn out maple syrup, but somehow the best maple syrup comes from Vermont. The words "Vermont" and "maple syrup" have formed a household name phrase for many years, given the fresh, sweet taste that is just great on pancakes, waffles and French toast!

Legal Sea Foods Clam Chowder

(Click on image below to purchase)

New England has countless places that offer great clam chowder (or "chowda," as we say here).  Legal Sea Foods is one of those storied New England seafood restaurants that represents the clam chowder scene quite well. It's everything a New England chowder should be: creamy, thick, tangy and with the right proportion of clams and potatoes.

More to come soon!