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

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

Greece

The Greek Flag

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

Spain

Spain Information…

• 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

La Familia—Gaudi’s most famous monument

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)

PAELLA VIDEO CLIP… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=168dKCnNyOU

Tapas Clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWRiE2SLq-8

France

French Flag

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