Mediterranean Cooking at its Finest
July 8th 2008 18:14
Mangia Mediterranean is a celebration of the cuisine of the region. Most people know that Greece, Italy, France, and Spain are the countries in the Mediterranean that have the best food. But, that isn't true. What of the other nations in Europe and those that are in Asia and Africa? Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco are some of these.
Yet, despite the differences in these countries, the ingredients remain similar. Fresh produce, olive oil, wine, and the pure joy that comes from eating foods that are healthy and fresh. We long since have come to understand that this region offers us the prescription to near perfect health if we just follow it.
But I've learned that embracing this cuisine is more than just eating the food and following a recipe. The dishes have a much greater meaning if the culture surrounding them is also examined. And it couldn't hurt to learn a few words in another language while we're at it.
The English word "appetizer", for example, doesn't accurately describe what a Greek "meze" really is. Though, it is an appetizer of sorts but it is much more than that - it is a concept that could easily turn into an entire meal.
And that's what we'll explore in this blog. The food, culture, recipes, people, language, and ingredients of the Mediterranean region. Anything less will not lead to understanding.
Yet, despite the differences in these countries, the ingredients remain similar. Fresh produce, olive oil, wine, and the pure joy that comes from eating foods that are healthy and fresh. We long since have come to understand that this region offers us the prescription to near perfect health if we just follow it.
But I've learned that embracing this cuisine is more than just eating the food and following a recipe. The dishes have a much greater meaning if the culture surrounding them is also examined. And it couldn't hurt to learn a few words in another language while we're at it.
The English word "appetizer", for example, doesn't accurately describe what a Greek "meze" really is. Though, it is an appetizer of sorts but it is much more than that - it is a concept that could easily turn into an entire meal.
And that's what we'll explore in this blog. The food, culture, recipes, people, language, and ingredients of the Mediterranean region. Anything less will not lead to understanding.
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