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The Mediterranean!!. Italy, France, Greece & Spain. ITALY. Italian Flag. Dates back to the Trojan War--Mythology Capital—Rome Population—60,418,711 (as of 2010 census) Religion: Catholicism is taught in public schools—Roman Catholics Lunch is the heaviest meal of the day.
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The Mediterranean!! Italy, France, Greece & Spain
Dates back to the Trojan War--Mythology • Capital—Rome • Population—60,418,711 (as of 2010 census) • Religion: Catholicism is taught in public schools—Roman Catholics • Lunch is the heaviest meal of the day A Little History…
Important Italian Cuisines… Pasta • Two main types are dried and fresh • Can be kept in storage for up to two years • Most popular in Southern Italy • Cooked until “Al Dente”—meaning “to the tooth” • Fresh pasta usually uses eggs where dried may not
Italian Cuisine… • Olive Oil—used often in Mediterranean cooking— • Annual Olive Festival where feast on olives, wine and pasta • Pizza—originated in Naples • Antipasto— “Before the Meal” • Rice—Italy is Europe’s largest producer • Risotto—made from Arborio rice with cream • Cheese—over 400 different cheeses • Romano, Asiago, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Mascarpone, Provolone, Ricotta • Cheesecake—dessert made with Ricotta Cheese
A Little Info About Greece… • Population: 11,305,118 (as of 2010 census) • Capital: Athens • Surrounded by the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian Seas • Greece is also well known for its sculptures, paintings, pottery, poetry and playwriting • The Greek religion is Christianity Orthodox • 80% of Greece is mountains
A Little More Info About Greece… • The education system is very similar to the United States • The most important day in the life of a Greek is Baptismal Day—happens one year after birth and the baby is not given a name until that time—they are called “baby” for the first year • Easter is the most celebrated holiday in Greece
Greek Cuisine • The most characteristic and ancient element of Greek cuisine is olive oil • Lamb is the main protein, but beef and chicken are widely available as well • Wheat is the main grain in Greece • Honey is used in several dishes—main sweetener
Greek Cuisine • Baklava—Greek dessert made with phyllo dough, honey and walnuts • Moussaka—Greek casserole made with ground beef, tomatoes and eggplant • Spanikopita—phyllo pastry filled with feta cheese and basil • Pastitsio—consists of layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy bechamel sauce baked to perfection
SpainInformation… • Population: 40,525,002 • Capital: Madrid • Main Religion: Catholic • Borders Portugal and France • Bodies of Water: Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Baby of Biscay
Spain Culture… • National Sport is Bull Fighting • Soccer also very important • Antono Gaudi—famous Architect—many buildings and monuments were designed by him • Siesta—15-30 minute nap taken after lunch—daily…shops close • Flamenco—traditional dance of Spain
Spanish Cuisine… • Many Spaniards will shop daily at the open air markets • Spaniards eat more cheap, but substantial meals as opposed to gourmet • Lunch is the main meal of the day and is eaten mid afternoon • Dinner is served around 9 or 10 at night • Lamb is the main protein • Bread is served with every meal
More Cuisine Info… • Cheese is very important in Spanish cuisine • Olive oil is used often in Spanish cooking • Paella—rice dish cooked in various ways • Empanadas—small pastries filled with different meats, cheeses and vegetables • Tapas—appetizers—very popular for dinner! • Many restaurants are Tapas bars • Bocadillo—similar to a sub sandwich—fresh bread rubbed with tomatoes, basted with olive oil and various meats and cheeses • Innards—uncommon cuts of meat used in Spanish dishes • Examples would be tongue, knuckles, tripe (stomach)
French Culture • Population: 65,821,855 • Religion: Roman Catholiscism (51%)…30% do not have any…religion not as important as is in other European countries • Capital: Paris • Education system very similar to United States • Art is very important to the French—Louve art museum has the original Mona Lisa painting • Monet, Matisse are famous impressionists • Sports—Football, tennis and Judo • Fashion capital of the world
French Cuisine… • Roux—thickening agent of flour and butter • Crepes—thin pancakes filled with whipped cream and flavored fillings such as strawberries and chocolate • Hors d’oeuvres—French word for appetizers • E-Claire’s –a long cream-filled French pastry • Ratatouille—a traditional stewed vegetable dish, originating in Nice, France • Quiche—Pastry with eggs and variations of vegetables, meats and cheeses
French Cuisine… • Hollandaise—sauce of egg yolks, lemon juice and butter • Vinaigrette—oil and vinegar • Bread is served at each meal • Baguette • long, crusty loaf of bread • Brioche • yeast roll that contains egg • Croissant • flaky, buttery crescent shaped roll