Recipe Book ◉ ◉ ◉
This is your recipe book. keep it with you and place all of your recipe cards in it throughout the year.
welcome to a cultural adventure! ◉ ◉ ◉
Join us as we explore various cultures and their traditions and customs. We’ll visit 12 different cultures to see what a meal in the life is like for families all around the globe. You will also learn different table etiquette and dining practices so if ever invited to a dinner, you’ll fit right in! However, this tour isn’t just about the cultural practices. It’s also about the thing that brings everyone together in the first place; the food! From the spices of India to the tastes of the Caribbean, your palette will be treated to the trip of a life time. Use this recipe book to learn more about each culture and their tastes, collecting recipe cards along the way. These recipe cards will be handed out at events throughout the year, so you can collect and store them here in this book so you can go home and experience A Meal In The Life for yourself!
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In Russian culture, it is customary for the meal to begin with a toast. When toasting you should not break eye contact until your glass is placed back on the table. After all of the guests have received their food the host will invite you to begin your meal, usually by saying, “Pree yat na vah appeteetah”. The usual spread will consist of dishes such as Borscht, a beat and cabbage soup, smoked salmon and variations of potatoes. Between each course a shot of vodka will be poured and each guest will be expected to make a toast. Now lift up a glass and declare “Na Zdrovia”!
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Place recipe card here
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When it comes to entertaining guests, the Native Americans consider two things more important than anything else; kindness and food. In fact, when guests are greeted they are often asked, “Have you eaten?” The Native Americans traditional practiced what early European settlers referred to as The Eternal Cooking Meal. This usually consisted of a large container of food, typically some sort of stew, that simmered over the fire all day and night. There is no traditional meal time and guests are always given the best food and treated with respect, kindness, and humility.
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Place recipe card here
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Hospitality is king at a traditional Italian dinner. For example, the hosts do not sit at the head of the table rather they sit in the middle to completely emmerse themselves into the company of their guests. Life moves a little slower in Italy so you don’t have to worry about being punctual. Guests that arrive early or on time will often be met with a host that is still preparing the food. Italy is famous for its wines so expect to try a few different ones during the course of the evening. Typically the finest wine will be served at the beginning of the meal so you can appreciate it more. Expect full servings of bread (that should be broken by hand) and rice dishes such as risottos in Northern Italy and wheat based dishes like pasta the further south you go.
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Place recipe card here
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Invited to a traditional German meal? It’s all guten, German dining etiquette is not much different than American or European dining etiquette. Like most places it doesn’t hurt to bring a gift to the host. These gifts usually range from wine to sweets. Expect a lot of beer and wine to be served. If you feel you’ve had too much, leave your glass more than half full. A nearly empty glass will prompt the server to refill your glass. For the cuisine, expect a large amount of meat to be served. Pork is a dietary staple in Germany, schnitzel being a popular dish. At the end of the meal, if you don’t wish for anymore food, leave just a little on your plate. This will prevent the host from giving you more food which you will be obligated to eat.
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Place recipe card here
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African American dining customs are like many who gather around the modern American table; a large family surrounded by plenty of food, drinks, and conversation. African American cooking has it’s roots planted deeply in the south. Soul Food or comfort food was made famous by the African American community. This style of food includes menu items easily grown or caught, such as catfish, various green vegetables, and blackeyed peas. In addition to items like cornbread and biscuits, everyone tends to serve themselves and waits to eat until the host has said a few words. In the Southern United States, sweat tea is a beverage typically enjoyed with meals. After the meal, it is polite to offer to help the host clean up.
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Place recipe card here
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Irish dining tends to be a relaxed affair with some customs borrowed from their neighbor Great Britian. However, not all customs are followed; take for example hand placement. In Great Britian it is common practice to place your hands on the table. In Ireland, it is customary to place your hand in your lap when not eating. The most common toast in the country is Cheers! which is usually announced before enjoying a delicious beer or Irish whiskey. Bread is not typically served with dinner in Ireland. But what about that little plate? That is actually for the left over potato peelings from the boiled potatoes that are typically served. If you’re feeling really daring, try Black Pudding which is made from congealed pork blood.
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Place recipe card here
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In India it’s okay to eat with your hands as long as you wash your hands before and after each meal. It is important to remember that when eating with your hands you must always use your right hand and never your left. The foods consist of vegetarian or meat curries, served with rice and sauce. While all of that curry may make you very thirsty, it’s important to remember that you must never pour your own drink. You may only fill your neighbors beverage. But what if you’re thirsty and out of water? Pouring a small amount into your neighbors cup serves as a polite reminder that your glass needs refilling. At the end of the meal, never thank the host. This is considered a form of payment. Instead simply say “namaste” when you have finished eating.
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Place recipe card here
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The Asian Pacific includes a vast region on the eastern side of the world. Fish is a large part of the Asian Pacific diet and is prepared in a number of different ways. When entering the home you may be asked to remove your shoes. A fork and spoon are typically used to eat meals and in certain instances your hands may be used. You should never be the last person to take food from the center of the table. It is considered impolite since someone else may want more. Toothpicks will be handed out at the end of the meal and everyone is invited to clean their teeth. Make sure, however, that you keep one hand over your mouth as a mask while cleaning.
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The most common toast in the Caribbean is Salud! which means “for your health”. Seafood, chicken, and beans are commonly served for meals. In Jamaica they have created a style of cooking in which they use Jerk spices. This tends to be very hot and spicy and can be applied to a number of dishes. Although traditionally, Jerk spice was applied to pork and chicken. When it comes to customs at the dinner table, countries in the Caribbean tend to follow the practices of their North American or European counterparts. The host usually sits at the head of the table and in some countries, couples may not be seated together and instead will be seated next to someone they do not know as a way to promote new conversations.
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The French add a certain, je ne sais quoi, to everything they do and dining is no different. Every meal is celebrated and planned. In more formal dinners, a place card with your name on it will be placed at the seat that the host has chosen for you Go to the bathroom before you arrive as getting up from the table is considered rude. Bread, cheese, and wine are guaranteed to be served at every meal. Bread is typically placed directly on the table cloth, not on a plate. When eating the bread, you should break it into bite size pieces instead of breaking it off with your teeth. Bread is one of the only foods that you may eat with your hands. If you’re dining at a restaurant be sure to ask for the check. Servers consider it rude to present you with the bill before you ask for it.
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Place recipe card here
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The time has come to show your stuff and break out those chopsticks! Japanese dining etiquette is intricate and detailed. First, when entering the hosts home, you must take off your shoes, bow, and be seated on the floor at the table. There will be a warm wet cloth waiting for you. This is used to wash your hands before the meal. The meal itself usually consists of meat, seafood, rice, noodles, and vegetables. Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese dishes and is primarily enjoy over lunch. In Japan, it’s okay to slurp your food. In fact, slurping ones soup or noodles symbolizes they are enjoying the dish. Lastly, make sure you finish all of the food on your plate; it is considered wasteful to leave food on your plate.
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For those of Hispanic Heritage, food is a cause for celebration! Dining is a social event and may take many hours. Many guests may end up arriving late and once at the dining venue, drinks and socializing take precedence over the food. Tequlia is the drink of choice and is traditionally endulged with a pinch of salt before the shot of tequlia and a bite of lime after the shot. Do not try to expedite the dining process along even if you are hungry. It will look like you are trying to escape your company. Once the host takes his or her first bite feel free to dig in yourself. Be sure to keep your hands above the table at all times. Unlike many other cultures it’s actually considered rude to finish all of the food on your plate.
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Place recipe card here