Cuisines for a Global Potluck

Even though Thanksgiving has passed, preparing food and sharing it with loved ones doesn’t have to be an annual occasion. Let’s celebrate culture and diverse dishes and host a potluck with recipes from around the world.

FRANCE

France is characterized by regions with diverse and varying cuisine. The Alsatian region in the Northeast sector is one of the best foodie destinations. Unfortunately, authentic Alsatian food and ingredients is almost impossible to come by in the United States. But there some simple recipes and easy replacements for ingredients make it possible to still enjoy Alsatian cuisine.

Tarte flambée, one of the signature dishes of the region, includes a thin and crispy crust, topped with a white cheese sauce made from fromage blanc (which literally translates to 'white cheese' in French). Popular toppings for this pizza-esque dish include —but are not limited to—caramelized onions and bacon.

SPAIN

On a visit to Madrid, one is sure to enjoy tapas at least once. While the ambiance of a traditional Spanish bar is difficult to emulate, the dishes can be simple to prepare, and are excellent for sharing with large groups. Datiles rellenos are dates stuffed with marzipan (sometimes stuffed with soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta) and wrapped in bacon before being cooked in the oven until the bacon has rendered and becomes crispy.

For other simple tapas ideas, head to Trader Joe's, which offers a Spanish tapas sampler including Iberico, Manchego, and Cabra al Vino cheese. TJ's also has a "Spanish Brand Deli Selection," which comes with three types of cured meats. And while at the grocery store, pick up some classic French ingredients as well, such as soft cheeses like brie and camembert, pickled gherkins, and dijon or grey poupon mustard. A crusty French baguette is the perfect thing to complement the salty and fatty elements of this cheese board. If possible, head to a liquor store in search of Rioja, a classic red wine from Spain, and Riesling, a French white wine which originated in the region of Alsace, but is now made in wine regions all over the world.

UNITED KINGDOM

Scones are a flaky, buttery treat that are often enjoyed with tea. While scones can be associated with English ‘high tea’, they’re a Scottish invention enjoyed across the United Kingdom in Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Scones can be sweet or savory. Common toppings include fresh salted butter, jam, and clotted cream, which is lighter and creamier than butter. Scones are found in most bakeries and grocery stores in the United States. Purveyors of tea, such as David’s Tea and Teavana, have high quality selections.

King Arthur Flour also sells a highly comparable boxed mix product at most large supermarkets and takes minutes to prepare. An easy way to add complexity to a boxed mix product is to incorporate dried fruit, nuts, citrus zest, or drizzle with icing or melted chocolate.

HONG KONG

Hong Kong is revered as a culinary capital of the world and has European, Cantonese, and other East Asian cultural influences in its cuisine. The region is best known for its night markets, dim sum, hot pot, and Western-influenced dishes such as Hong Kong toast. While nothing can come close to enjoying these foods in their native location, it is worthwhile to explore Cantonese cuisine through traditional ingredients and condiments that are available in certain supermarkets in the United States.

Chow mein has gained immense popularity in the United States and can be enjoyed with minimal difficulty. A great recipe for Cantonese Chow Mein can be found on the food blog Made With Lau which shares recipes passed down from the author’s parents, who grew up in Guangzhou, China. All of the ingredients for Chow Mein can be found with most Asian grocers, including Asia Food Market on Erie Boulevard in Syracuse. Grab some Hong Kong style noodles, which can be substituted for other egg noodles or homemade noodles. For a vegetarian alternative to oyster sauce, we recommend looking for a vegetarian stir fry sauce, or a mushroom oyster sauce, both of which may be found at Asian grocers, or larger supermarkets in the Syracuse area such as Wegmans.

Hopefully, these dishes inspire you to try new traditions with friends and family, as well as an encouragement to learn about unfamiliar foods and cultures. A good meal is enjoyable on it’s own, but can be made even more memorable and satisfying when shared with others. What better time to do so than during the holiday season!