China

China is "home to one of the oldest civilizations", it also has the largest population in the world. It is a large country that has a ranging climate, from the ocean, to the mountains, to the plains, even subarctic conditions. China has been influenced by the Dynasties who have controlled it. Now, called the People's Republic of China, is a Communist country. Most Chinese are farmers of some kind. The cuisine developed in isolation, so it is unique. The cooks use many seasonings and spend more time prep-ing food to be cooked than cooking it. Not many utensils are used, although a wok comes handy, as well as a steamer. There are four main cooking methods: stir-frying, steaming, deep-frying, and simmering. Rice, noodles, wontons are common bread products. Vegetables are used more than meat. Main dishes use mostly chicken and duck. Soup is popular and so are desserts. Tea is also common. The Chinese eat 3 meals a day. Also, they use chop sticks.

The first dish was Pai-Fan. This was the easiest dish that I have had to make since taking foods class. You just put it in the pot, let it cook, and serve. And it is such a good companion to other dishes.

The second dish was Chinese Braised Chicken with Vegetables. This was easy enough to make, although the sesame oil spat back a bit, which stung. But, this dish was by far the biggest success since I have been in foods class. DELICIOUS!!!!

Africa

Africa, unlike the rest of these sections, is a continent. The countries are varied, but most of the continent is in development. Most of the countries are subtropical, meaning warm all year long. Tropical foods such as cacao and bananas are grown here. Africa is made up of 70% 'Native Blacks' and there are over 800 languages spoken. Over half of the population does not have the opportunity to attend school. The fact that Islam is a major language affects the cuisine. Africa does not have a typical cuisine, since it has so many different cultures. There are many types of fruits and veggies as well as breads, pastries and meat. African meals are served on low tables while the eater sits on the ground, knives and forks are not used, only spoons and fingers. There are hand washing rituals.

The first dish I made was African Curry. It was a bit hectic to make, it took some time and focus. But this dish was extremely appetizing. Once the sauce was made, the chicken had to simmer for a while, then the coconut milk was added and it was ready to go. The sauce was the high maintenance part. But like I said, it was really good! We ate it with rice.

The second dish was Ethiopian Party Punch. This was very easy to make, just dump all of it together, mix and drink. And it was gone before I could even have a second glass!

Italy

Italy is a popular vacation spot as well as it is known for it's history and cuture. Italy is rather small and consists of mainland and many islands. There are also many mountains and valleys. It has three distinct reasons: Northern Italy (the Alps and lakes), Central Italy (Grain, grapes and olives), Southern Italy (poorest in resources, Naples). The climate is also variable. Italy has been influenced by the Greek, Romans, and the Roman Catholic Church. Agriculture is vital to the economy of Italy and relaxing past times are common. Italian food is colorful and varied, yet simple. Cooks use many seasonings, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Pasta is a staple. Cheese is very important as well as ice cream, coffee and wine. Pizza is common in the south and soup is common in the North. Lamb and cheesecake are common in Central Italy. The meal starts with an appetizer, then soup, a main course with meat, ending with fruit and cheese.

The first thing I made was the Chicken Parmesan. Pounding the chicken was entertaining and dipping it to create the breading was a bit messy, but once in the pan to be broiled it was easy from there on out. This dish, though involved, was a success. It tasted good and was filling.

The second dish I made was the salad dressing. This was by far the easiest dish I have made all year. It took me a total of less than 2 minutes to make and was the perfect topping to a simple salad. (no picture due to no glass container)

Germany

Germany is in the center of Europe, though the border has changed many times. The country is a mix of plains and mountains (the alps). The climate is moderate. There are two types of German people, Northern (who are tall and fair complected) and Southern (short and dark complected). It is an industrial country and is also very agricultural. The country has never quite been unified. The cuisine is characterized by roasted meats, filling side dishes and baked goods, we like to eat a lot :). Meat is a staple ('meat n potatoes'). Also sausages and sauerkraut are common. Breads and cakes are common desserts. Beer is a common beverage.

The first dish I made was the potato pancakes. They were easy to make, just shred, mix and fry. They tasted ok, I ate mine with syrup. I could understand this being a staple, very filling.

The second dish I made was the Black Forest Cake. The cake was just a box cake, very simple, and then it was a layered cake, so in between the layers were cherries and whipped cream. It was not my favorite but it was ok.

France

France is a large European country and is also an old country. It has many oceans surrounding it. Also, being surrounded by many other countries, that has also affected the cuisine. The land is made up of rolling planes and coasts. The climate is moderate. French cuisine is a mash-up, a mixture of many different cultures' cuisine. 'Good food and wine are an important part of daily life'. There are 3 types of cuisine: Haute (elaborate chef-style), Provincial (daily home cooking), and Nouvelle (focus on light and natural tastes). There are two important aspects of French cooking, quality ingredients and patience. The French like to use sauces and seasonings. They also have straight-forward meal plans. There are different regions of France too, which have different cooking styles.

The first dish was Poulet au Citron. It was a more simple main dish, compared to the others. The sauce was even pretty easy to make. The mixture of spices worked with the lemon to create for a nice taste. It was delicious.

The second dish was Pommes Croustillantes. And to quote my sister, "You can make this awesome, delicousness any time." This dish, besides peeling, coring, and chopping up the apples was virtually timeless. And it melted in your mouth. Easy and amazing.

Spain

Spain is on the Iberian Peninsula between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Being isolated, their cuisine has become proud and independent. The land, being near the sea, is fertile and prosperous. There are also mountains, which make the climate vast. There have been many influences on Spanish culture such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Christians, and Christopher Columbus. Many Spaniards make their living fishing and farming. Some of the common foods, or crops, from this region are wheat, olives, barley, oats, rye, potatoes, rice, beans, grapes and honey. Sheep and cattle are also grown. Several things are grown in the more costal land such as almonds, oranges and lemons. Romans brought garlic and olive oil to Spanish cuisine, while the Moors brought fruit and spices. Spain's colonies brought tomatoes, chocolate, potatoes and sweet & hot potatoes. Invasions also brought about changes in the cuisine. Different regions of Spain vary, but there are similarities between the cooks. A part of Spanish cooking are tapas, or appetizers. Also in Spanish cooking is slow cooking and mixing foods. The cuisine uses normal courses, starting with tapas, then salads and soups, main dishes, accompaniments and desserts.

The first dish was the Tortilla Espanola. Sauteing the potatoes was a bit hard, just making sure they were all done (this is something I tend to struggle with). But once they were sauted, all that was required was adding some eggs and spices and then making. It was a bit difficult to flip the tortilla, doing this the Tortilla turned into more of a scramble, but it was still edible and quite delicious!

The second dish was the Ensalada Catalana. It was quite delicious, and quite simple to make. It was a pretty basic salad, and with the layering involved, it ended up looking quite lovely. The olives were a nice surprise, too.

New Unit

The next unit is Food From Around the World. We will take a look at food from different countries, such as Spain, Germany and France.