Chinese cuisine is the work of art for people to appreciate

The Great Wall of China was built to link existing fortifications into a united defense system and better keep invading Mongol tribes out of China. It is the largest man-made monument ever to have been built and it is disputed that it is the only one visible from space. Many thousands of people must have given their lives to build this colossal construction.

The highly sophisticated food culture is a unique characteristic to Chinese culture. It is probably also the best-known feature of Chinese culture by foreigners. In almost every country in world, you can find Chinese restaurants. It is commented that Chinese is a lucky people because wherever they go, they can always have hometown food.

The vastness of China's geography and history echoes through the polyphony of Chinese cuisine. To begin, it is best to divide Chinese cuisine, with all the appropriate disclaimers and caveats, into that of four major regions: the northern plains, including Beijing; the fertile east, watered by the Yangtse River; the south, famous for the Cantonese cooking of the Guangdong Province; and the fecund west of Szechwan and Hunan Provinces.

Chinese cuisine is the general term given to the food or styles of cooking of various regional cuisines originating from China. Regional cultural differences vary greatly amongst the different regions of China, giving rise to the different styles of food. There are eight main regional cuisines, and they are: Anhui , Cantonese , Fujian , Hunan , Jiangsu , Shandong , Szechuan , Zhejiang.

Food Culture : Just as the ingredients of each dish and presentation is important, table manners and courtesy among diners are very much part of the Chinese cultural tradition. Only by combining excellent food with good manners can the high art of Chinese cuisine be truly enjoyed to the full.

As a country that pays great attention to courtesy, our cuisine culture is deep rooted in China's history. As a visitor or guest in either a Chinese home or restaurant you will find that table manners are essential and the distinctive courtesies displayed will invariably add to the enjoyment of your meals and keep you in high spirits!

Respect First : It is really an admirable custom to respect others at the table, including the aged, teachers and guests while taking good care of children.

Although the hosts in China are all friendly and hospitable, you should also show them respect. Before starting to eat dinner, the host may offer some words of greeting. Guests should not start to eat until the host says, 'Please enjoy yourself' or something like that, otherwise it suggests disrespect and causes displeasure.

Chopsticks are the primary eating utensil in Chinese culture for solid foods, while soups and other liquids are enjoyed with a wide, flat-bottomed spoon (traditionally made of ceramic). It is reported that wooden chopsticks are losing their dominance due to recent logging shortfalls in China and East Asia; many Chinese eating establishments are considering a switch to a more environmentally sustainable eating utensil, such as plastic or bamboo chopsticks. More expensive materials used in the past included ivory and silver. On the other hand, disposable chopsticks made of wood/bamboo have all but replaced reusable ones in small restaurants.

The Classic French Dessert

Almost all the famous French dishes are regional specialities, some of which have become popular throughout France (such as Coq au Vin and Foie Gras) while others are mainly enjoyed in the regions in which they originate. Although regional specialities are often offered throughout France, the quality of ingredients and preparation is often superior in their region of origin.



Chocolate Mousse (Mousse au Chocolat)

"Mousse" is the French word for "foam", while "Chocolat" is of course French for "chocolate". Consequently, "Mousse au chocolat" translates as "foamy chocolate", and is one of a number of foamy desserts.



Ingredients:

7 ounces (200 g) dark chocolate (70% chocolate),
14 ounces (400 ml) cream,
4 eggs,
1.7 ounces (50 g) sugar.


Preparation Time: 20 Minutes.
Cooking Time: 5 Minutes.
Serving for 6 people.

Method:

Break the chocolate into pieces and then melt it, using just enough heat to gently melt the chocolate. Stir the chocolate with a wooden spoon as it is melting.
While the chocolate is melting, mix the egg yolks and sugar. Also whip the egg white until it is foamy (but not stiff) and whip the cream until it is foamy.
Once the chocolate is melted, add the egg-yolk/sugar mixture to the melted chocolate, stirring until it is mixed in.
Then "fold" in some of the whipped cream, followed by some of the whipped egg white. Continue to fold in both ingredients, alternating between the two until they are both used up.
Once all the ingredients are added and mixed in, spoon the mixture into attractive glasses. Place the glasses in a refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, to allow the chocolate to cool.

Notes:

This recipe can be made with light cream. However, in blind taste tests, my readers definitely prefer both the taste and the texture if heavy (thick) cream is used.

Decoration:

After the dessert is prepared, decoration is sometimes added to the top. Most commonly, this is flakes or sticks of chocolate, which not only is visually interesting but also adds contrast (in both taste and texture) between the chocolate flakes and the underlying chocolate mousse. Other common decorations are cream or berries (raspberries and strawberries are often used). A less common but elegant edition is mint leaves.

Culture of French Food

French cuisine is extremely diverse, with only the Chinese having similar variety in their food. This variety is supported by the French passion for good food in all its forms, France's extraordinary range of different geographies and climates which support the local production of all types of ingredients, and France's long and varied history. In many ways, an understanding of the culture of French food is an understanding of France itself.


Throughout the country, French cooking involves a large number of techniques, some extremely complicated, that serve as basics. Any cook will tell you that French food will not tolerate shortcuts in regard to these fundamentals. Because mastery of sauces or pastry doughs is the center of the culinary arts, recipes themselves remain classic and constant. In a way similar to Japanese cuisine, it is expected that even the simplest preparation be undertaken in the most careful manner, which means disregarding the amount of time involved. This is one reason why French cooking has always seemed so daunting on the other side of the Atlantic.



Not only do basic cooking techniques require great skill, but they also demand a deep understanding of the ingredients themselves. Just as the vintner knows that the finest Bordeaux comes from the grapes grown on that side of the hill and not this, so too the chef knows not only from which region come the finest petits pois (small, young green peas), but from which town -- the same goes for asparagus, and even cauliflower. If there is something worth eating, and cooking, there is a best representative of such. Many foods are known by the town that made them famous, such as Pessac for strawberries, the peas of Saint-Germaine, Macau artichokes, the Charolais steer, butter of Isigny.

Meals range from the very basic, such as the traditional baguette plus cheese plus inexpensive wine, to very elaborate affairs than can involve a dozen courses and different wines consumed over several hours. Obviously, the latter type of dining is exceptional for most people. However, it is this more sophisticated dining which is typically found in "French restaurants" outside France, giving many foreigners the mistaken impression that French food is heavy and complicated. In fact, much of the French cuisine is fairly simple, relying on high quality fresh ingredients and loving preparation rather than complex recipes.

It is common in much of France to take a two hour break for lunch, with many working parents (particularly in villages and smaller towns) returning home for lunch. In some areas, mainly in the south of France, even longer lunch breaks are taken. Due to the long lunch break, businesses which close for this period typically reopen around 2PM or so and then stay open until about 7PM.

Raksha Bandhan Ceremony And Recipe.

Raksha Bandhan One Of The Most Popular Festival Of India.



The Shravana or the monsoon month carries all hues and shades of nature and emotions. Religiously speaking Shravan is a pious month and full moon of this all-important month is considered to be a very holy day. It is celebrated in different ways for different reasons almost throughout the country.


Raksha Bandhan is an enchanting Indian Festival that glorifies and strengthens the beautiful relationship between a brother and sister.The festival of Rakhi is eagerly awaited by brothers and sisters in India. On this day sisters fast till they complete the ceremonies of Rakhi. Dutifully following the tradition, sisters apply red tilak on brother's forehead, tie the most beautiful Rakhi or Raksha and perform an arti of him. After this brother is given a small sweet to eat. The simple ceremony symbolizes sister's sincerest prayers for the health and well being of their brother. Brothers too bless their sisters and promise to protect their sister's honor at the cost of their life. Brothers and sisters strive to perform Rakhi ceremonies in person and in many families Rakhi is the time for joyous family reunion.


Auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan calls for celebration and best of festive food! Try out the delicious Rakhi Recipe with love and delight your brother or sister with dishes made by you.


Vegetable Pancakes.


Ingredients:


250 grams,
Besan3 tbsp,
Maida2 tbsp cornflour,
3 tbsp rice flour,
1 teaspoon baking powder,
1 Potato (large) finely chopped,
1 carrot (large) finely chopped,
2 onion, chopped,
½ cumin powder,
½ turmeric powder,
3 spring onions, finely chopped,
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice,
1-1/2 cups (375 ml) oil,
1 cup (250 ml) water,
approximately Salt,
red chilly powder to taste,
300 ml water.
Oil for shallow frying.


Method:

Mix all the ingredients and make a thick batter with water. Keep aside for 10 minutes. In the mean time grease a pan and heat it. Now drop the batter in 2'' rounds in the pan fry till deep yellow on both the sides. Serve hot with green chutney or tomato ketchup.




Banana Cutlets.


Ingredients:

6 Raw bananas,
1/4 cup fresh peas,
boiled1/4 cup beet root,
boiled and finely chopped,
1 tbsp. each mint leaves & coriander leaves finely chopped,
4-5 green chillies finely chopped,1
" piece ginger grated(optional),
1/2 tsp. each mustard & cumin seeds,
1/2 tsp asafetida,
1/2 tsp. turmeric powder,
1 tsp. Amchur oil to deep fry,
1-1/2 cups Breadcrumbs,
salt to taste.


Method:


Steam whole bananas with skins, till soft. Remove skins. Mash while still hot. And keep aside. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a pan, add seeds, allow to splutter. Add asafoetida, mint, coriander, chillies, ginger, amchur, peas and beet root. Mix this well with the mashed bananas. Add salt and other spices as well.

Heat oil in a pan. Shape the cutlets with the mixture, roll them in the breadcrumbs and deep fry till golden brown. Drain and serve hot with green chutney or tamarind chutney or tomato ketchup.

Indian Food And Culture

Indian culture is unique because of its diversity and variety in physical, .... Indian cuisine is diversified in its varieties similar to its cultures.




The multiple families of Indian cuisine are characterized by their relatively extensive use of spices and herbs. Indian cuisines vary, reflecting the varied demographics of the ethnically diverse subcontinent. They are also characterized by a wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques.Without exception we aim to ensure you into a truly unique, unforgettable cuisine experience. We combine the ancient with the modern and take you down the path to losing yourself in the exotic flavours of INDIA.






The Indian culture varies like its vast geography. People speak in different languages, dress differently, follow different religions, eat different food but are of the same temperament. So whether it is a joyous occasion or a moment of grief, people participate whole-heartily, sharing the happiness or pain.




In India, the whole community or neighborhood is involved in bringing liveliness to an occasion. An Indian wedding is a celebration of union, not only of the bride and groom, but also of two families, maybe cultures or religion too! Similarly, in times of sorrow, neighbors and friends play an important part in easing out the grief.Throughout the 21st century, India still maintains traditional lifestyle.





Indian cuisine is famous the world over with its distinguishing sophisticated use of spices and herbs. Very integral to the Indian culture is the Indian cuisine and love of food amongst its vast population, cuisines differ according to community, region, and state. Indian cuisine is delightfully unique with a great variety of foods, spices, and cooking techniques, each with its distinct taste. Each religion, region, and caste has left its own influence on Indian food.


Indian cuisine offers a number of delicious and healthy, low-fat choices. Chicken, fish, veggies, steamed rice and Dal are included in a healthy menu. Bean soups are delicious and healthy. You can opt for chapatti or roti if you want a bread substitute although you should avoid fried Nan bread. Generally, Indian cuisines are a healthy dining option when you are watching what you eat.




In a traditional Indian home, the wife and mother does not go out to work. She stays at home and spends her days making sure that there is wholesome and tasty food ready for her family to eat whenever they may want it. If there are other older women in the household such as aunts or a grandmother, they will help too.




The food of India, with its special techniques and its unparalleled range of spices is celebrated as much for its vast repertoire of splendid meat dishes as for its versatile vegetarian cuisine.




Food, glorious food...The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

A Cuisine-focussed Look at the Regions of India.

Stylish Indian succeeds in repositioning Indian food as trendy, cosmopolitan and contemporary, adaptable to the short-on-time lifestyle.


The culture of food.

Think of India and one of the first things that comes to mind is its diversity.Indians take their food very seriously. Cooking is considered an art and mothers usually begin to teach their daughters and pass down family recipes by show-and-tell, fairly young in life. Mealtimes are important occasions for family to get together. Most meals comprise of several dishes ranging from staples like rice and breads to meat and vegetables and rounded off with a dessert.

Someone who shows how Indian food can be stylish without being complicated; elegant without being fussy; easily doable for a family meal or casual weekday dinner party; and most of all that it can actually be fun. Someone who can take Indian cooking out of that slot of elaborate time-consuming party food.

Here is a real simple recipe to get you started and feeling like a pro right from the get-go!


Mutton Pepper Fry.

Ingredients:

500gm boneless mutton,
1 cup mustered oil,
8 green chillies
½ medium-sized fresh coconut, grated and ground to a fine paste
3 cloves garlic, chopped,
2cm piece ginger, chopped,
3 tsp red chilli powder,
½ tsp turmeric powder,
1 tsp coriander powder,
1 tsp black pepper powder,
3cm stick cinnamon, broken into pieces,
2 cloves,
1 tsp fennel seeds,
1 tsp salt.

Method:

Cut meat into finger-sized strips then pressure cook for 30 minutes with half cup water. Drain the stock. Rub spices into meat and marinate for an hour. Heat oil in a pan and deep- fry meat in batches. Drain and set aside. Take 2tsp oil, add green chillies and coconut. Fry, stirring constantly, till the coconut turns brown. Mix the meat and serve.

A twist on the classic butter chicken with pepper recipe

I'm going to share with you a powerful method to enhance nutrient absorption and decrease toxin and fat levels, while decreasing heartburn, bloating, gas, and other negative reactions to food.

WHY LOW-FAT?

Fat is bad for your heart and other serious diseases, like cancer.
Fat contains more than twice the calories of other foods.
Fat is 7 times more easily converted to body fat than carbohydrates.
Fat helps to destroy your taste for healthy food.

Eat less fat - especially animal fat. Switch to lower fat options like: low fat dairy food, low-fat cheese, and fat-free dressings. Switch to fish and chicken instead of beef, lamb, and pork.

I would like to give you a simple and great chicken recipe that I find really tasteful and it is easy to do.


BUTTER CHICKEN WITH PEPPER

Ingredients:

1 whole boneless chicken cut up,
200 grams yoghurt,
2 onions chopped,
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste,
15 cashew nuts paste,
2 tsp pepper powder,
3 tbsp cream,
50 grams butter,
salt to taste,
1/2 tsp sugar.


Method:

Marinate the chicken with the yoghurt for 1 hour. Heat 1/2 part of butter in a non stick pan and cook onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add pepper, salt, sugar and 2 Tbsp. butter and simmer for 10 minutes. . Add the cashew paste, and cook for 10 mins. Stir in marinated chicken pieces. Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Add rest of the butter and the cream . Mix well and cook till it turns brownish.Garnish with cream and sliced onion and serves 4 - 6.

COLD COMFORT

Cool and Creamy in Summer.

Today, ice creams are global, and every region, country even city has its own, typical brand of icecream, with its loyal band of supporters. The Gelato is simply the Italian word for ice cream, however, is a little different of ice cream as we know it. It has low fat than an ice cream, because of which it is softer.

A Gelato can look wonderful because of the colours, and there as many types of Gelato as there are flavours. You can have a gelato with honey and walnut, with praline, chocolate and hazelnut or even a Black Forest Gelato.

One great thing about the Gelato is that you can happily experiment with it. You know something like : gelato, no problemato.

I have a very nice recipe.

Gelato Di Cappuccino.

Ingredients:

250ml milk,
600ml double cream,
3tsp instant espresso coffee powder,
10 egg yolks,
150gm castor sugar,
Whipped cream and powdered chocolate for garnish.

Method:

In a heavy- bottomed saucepan, boil milk, cream and coffee, and then set aside. In a bowl, beat egg yolks and suger until pale and creamy. Slowly add the hot milk, stirring continuously with a balloon whisk. Clean the saucepan, and return the mixture to it. Stir on low heat with a wooden spoon until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon . Strain the custard into a bowl leave to cool. Churn in an ice cream machine. Serve with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkling of powdered chocolate.

HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Most of us already know breakfast is the most important meal of the day… This is especially true when it comes to kids. We need to ensure their little bodies receive nourishing foods to help them grow and thrive.

Here are some healthy, quick breakfast ideas the whole family will enjoy.

Mexican Breakfast with grilled cheese.

Ingredients:

Chop 4 cheese slices; combine with eggs and set aside.

12 slices Jalapeño Jack cheese,

4 large eggs,

beaten 4 strips turkey bacon,

chopped 2 green onions,

thinly sliced 8 slices sourdough bread Butter, softened.

Method:

Sauté turkey bacon and green onions in butter until onions are translucent. Add egg and cheese mixture; cook, stirring over medium heat until eggs are set. Remove and keep warm.
Butter all slices of bread on one side. Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, in clean skillet. Top each with one slice of cheese and an equal amount of scrambled eggs. Place one slice cheese over eggs on each sandwich; top with remaining bread, buttered side up. Cook over medium-low heat, turning once carefully, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information:

Calories Per Serving: 641, Protein: 33 g, Fat: 43 g, Carbohydrate: 30 g.