In this special edition of What’s Cooking, we asked Janet our cooking and baking questions. Here are your questions, and Janet’s answers.

Where can I find Crisco for my pie crusts?

Believe it or not, Crisco does exist here in Belgium. You can locate it in the “American Food” section of most grocery stores.

Where can I find vanilla extract?

Check out the baking section of your favorite store. Look hard, since it won’t jump out at you. It is there, keep your eyes peeled.

What is American sour cream, here in Belgium?

Crème fraiche èpaisse. I have found small containers of it in Colruyt actually. Look next to the crème…it lives there. Also, most of the major stores carry it too.

What compares to American “half & half” here?

I had to do some research on this one and found out that half and half contains 18% butterfat, and whipping cream contains 30-36%. These are based on American standards. As you may have noticed here, cream is sold by percentage of butterfat. We can buy anywhere between 20-40%. My best advice would be to buy the 20% carton and if it is still too rich then add a small amount of milk.

Where can I find dark brown sugar?
There is a wide range of flours here, which kind of flour should I use for baking?

I am a pastry chef, so I have very personal opinions on this topic. I do not have the time, money or energy to “trial run” my recipes on foreign products that I am not familiar with. Stonemanor carries a full baking department and their products are tried, true and tested. I personally used all of them while working for a catering company in Ireland. Both Odlums and McDougalls offer plain, self raising and bread flour. Also, you can find both light and dark brown sugar there.

I’ve found fresh ham hocks here, but do you know where I can find smoked ham hocks? I like to put them in soup for the flavor.
I am confused about the cuts for beef. When I ask for “filet mignon” at the butcher, I think I get sirloin. And for special occasions, I would like to find prime rib.

Jack O'Shea's Butcher Shop is the best place to go for help. Their shop is located in the heart of the EU quarter in Brussels. Everyone speaks perfect English and they are very knowledgeable.

* Just a quick note on conversions. Check out www.onlineconversion.com

You will find all of the conversions that you will need. Also invest in a small kitchen scale. It is so handy when weighing up grams and ounces. You can find them in most kitchen departments and they are not expensive at all.