Rice Rice Baby

~Blog post #3~

April 20, 2015

By Michael Huiras

            The most prominent food item for Chinese people is rice. They eat rice with every single meal every single day. Rice is consumed to balance out their diet and keep people from going overweight. Rice is very easily accessible to get in China. Fifty countries produce rice, with China and India supporting 50% of total production. China individually produces 30% of the world rice population, making it the largest producer of rice.

            China produces these great quantities of rice because of their very successful harvest strategy. However, the area of harvesting rice has continued to decline from its peak of 37 million ha in the 1970s to just over 31 million ha in 1995 to about 30 million ha in 2010.

            Rice is cooked by boiling or steaming. It sits in the boiling water until it absorbs the most amount of water it can hold. Rice can be eaten plain as white rice, or it can be mixed with chopped meat, sauces, vegetables, eggs, etc. to make fried rice. Most Chinese people prefer white rice due to it being healthier than fried rice.

            Chinese people do not just eat rice because they enjoy the taste of the food; it is also very nutritious for people. Rice is low in fat and high in starchy carbohydrates. It also consists of several vitamins and minerals. Rice is very easy to digest, which will keep digestive systems running better than ever.

http://www.statista.com/statistics/255937/leading-rice-producers-worldwide/

http://ricepedia.org/china

French Diet

French Diet

~Blog post #4~

April 20, 2015

By: Jenny Doyle

In France, people are taught at a young age to appreciate fine foods. They take great pride in their nation’s culinary reputation. They eat three meals a day with one snack at around 4 PM for the children. Starting with breakfast, in France, they typically just have a small cup of coffee and possibly a croissant. That is why it is called a “petit dejeuner” which means “little breakfast” in French. Next, Lunch is traditionally the biggest meal of the day. When time allows, it can go on for many hours, and includes wine. Usually the meal consists of an appetizer, a cheese platter, a soup or salad, a meat or fish, and to finish off this large meal, a dessert. For dinner, they usually just have a small meal. Typically it has only a few things like a sandwich, or yogurt and fruit. 
           Portions in France are very different then portions in the United States. While in the US, we typically have 3 average meals with snacking in between, in France you would be accustomed to having one extra large meal in the afternoon, and two small meals to start and end your day. Secondly, France eats much less processed food. While we will just stop on the way home from school or work and grab McDonalds, they have fresh cooked meals every day, and make sure to have a balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overall, in my opinion, France is much healthier than the United States. Not only do they eat just the right portions, but they eat fresh food, and they make sure to have a little bit of everything. It even tastes good!

"Eating Habits of Americans vs. French People and Europeans." Renegade Health. N.p., 11 July 2013. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.

Prominent Ingredients in French Cuisine

Prominent Ingredients in French Cuisine

~Blog Post #3~

April 20, 2015

By: Jenny Doyle

 

In France there are numerous ingredients prominent to traditional French cuisine. For instance, one prominent ingredient is the black truffle, also known as the black Périgord truffle. A black truffle is a black mushroom and is considered the finest of the edible fungi. The black Périgord truffle is named after the Périgord region in France. In this region the truffle grows on the roots of oak and hazelnut trees. The truffles are found just below the surface. In order to dig them up, specially trained dogs and pigs are used to search for them. Once the mushroom has matured it is harvested in late autumn through winter.  The harvesters in France are called trufficulteurs. These men sell the black truffles at markets during January, because it is the busiest month of the year. Black truffles sell between 200€ and 600€ per kilogram at these markets, depending on the quantity and quality of the harvest. Black truffles are used for flavouring many dishes such as: veal, fish, soup, shellfish, rice, and salads.

Another prominent ingredient In French cuisine is Fois gras. Fois gras is the fattened liver from a duck or goose.  This fattened liver is produced by using a traditional technique called Gavage. Gavage is the force feeding of ducks and geese to fatten their livers to produce "foie-gras-de-canard" or "foie-gras-d'oie". This famous delicacy in French cuisine is filled with flavor described as rich, buttery, and delicate. It is expensive and is worth 10 times more than the rest of the bird. Fois gras can be sold whole or prepared into mousse, parfait, or pate. Typically Fois gras is not a main course; it is usually served with another food item, such as steak or toast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Foie Gras." Foie Gras. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015. 

"Key Ingredients: French." Food. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

"EASY FRENCH FOOD." Famous French Food. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.                         

"Essential Ingredients for French Cooking Checklist." Real Simple. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

"Perigord Truffles of Tasmania Pioneered the French Truffle Industry in Australia. We Produce and Market French Black Truffles from the Cold Soils of Tasmania, NSW and Victoria." French Black Truffles. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015

 



Discussion Notes 4/20

Discussion Notes: 4/20/15

Pedro and Tita:
-Tita loves Pedro more then she loves John.
-Tita is more passionate with Pedro- physically

John and Tita:
-John is a better fit for Tita because he is not married. Especially not to her sister.
-Tita is more comfortable with John, but she doesn't feel the same connection she does with Pedro.
-John is her true love. (Group consensus)

Greek Diet
                                                  The Greek Diet Today
                                                        Blog Post #4
                                                        April 19,2015
                                                        Maddy O'Donnell

Greece's diet has been categorized as healthy Mediterranean food. The diet has been reported to reduce arterial blood pressure and risks of heart attack. The traditional Mediterranean diet and the traditional American diet are complete opposites. The diet of Americans mainly consists of sugars, fats, refined carbohydrates, and a lot of red meat. The Mediterranean diet consists mainly of fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. Also the American diet contains mostly saturated fats, while the Greek diet contains mainly of monounsaturated fats which lowers cholesterol. Greece in the 1960's was one of the healthiest countries in the world. Obesity, heart conditions, certain cancers, and other diet related diseases were at an all time low. This was because Greece's diet contained of mainly vegetables, fruits, bread, tree nuts, olive oil as their main source of fat, and other healthy and organic ingredients. Red meat and poultry were also consumed in low amounts. This was mainly because of Greece's heavy Christian Orthodox population and the cost of meat. Unfortunately, Greece's diet has drastically changed in the last 50 years. A study from the Huber journal recorded that the number of obese and overweight people has increased by 30% in Greece. This is due to Greece's dramatic socioeconomic changes that have allowed many Greek citizens to afford imported meats and other fats that were never incorporated into their healthy Mediterranean diet. Fortunately this change in diet has only really occurred in Athens, the capital of Greece, so the majority of the citizens in Greece still maintain a healthy diet.

                                                Video: The Mediterranean Diet

                                          Food Pyramid of the Mediterranean Diet

Links

http://www.womensheart.org/images/Mediterranen_Pyramid.jpg

http://www.livestrong.com/article/239583-mediterranean-diet-plan-vs-american-diet-plan/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bI3pyJv6hc

Like Water for Chocolate Reflection Questions: Feb-June

1.A time when Tita rebelled against traditional gender roles to show her inner strength was when Tita took control of the horses when she was in the carriage ride. She was able to handle the situation when the driver could not. Tita showed that even though she was performing what was then a "man's job", she proved that women can do the same work a man can. This showed that Tita is a strong and independent young woman who is not afraid to challenge herself.

2. -Rosaura and Pedro fall under the category of love. They both love one another but are not in love with each other. They have no passion in their relationship because Pedro still loves Tita and Rosaura knows that Pedro still has feelings for her younger sister.
-Tita and Pedro fall under the category of love and desire. They are both madly in love with each other and yearn to be together. They both share a deep desire to be together no matter what the consequences are.
-Gertrudis and Juan fall under the category of passion. When they fist met they instantly felt a connection and felt a deep passion for each other.
-Tita and John fall under the category of love and desire. John loves Tita and Tita is starting to grow some feelings towards John. John has a strong desire to be with Tita.

-This quote applies to the theme because without love, passion, and desire a person's light can start to dim. It also means that a person is brought to life when they have someone to share it with.

Bastille Day

Bastille Day

~Blog post #2~

April 12, 2015

By: Jenny Doyle

A national holiday that France celebrates is Bastille Day or in French, La fête nationale. Bastille Day is the national French holiday, which marks the beginning of the French Revolution. This holiday is on July 14 with a huge celebration throughout the nation. In Paris, there is also a huge Military parade, where they show off all of the branches of the French Military. A common thing that French families do on this holiday is have a picnic for lunch. During this picnic the menu consists of light food options. For starters they eat quiches and salads. A quiche is an open-faced pastry crust with a filling of cheese, meat, seafood, or vegetables. After the starters, they eat sandwiches, specifically the croque-monsieur, the croque monsieur is a ham and cheese sandwich, topped with a special French

sauce called “Bechamel sauce” this sauce is one of the mother sauces for French cuisine, and is also known as white sauce. Finishing off with a desert, they they have a peaceful afternoon and finish off the holiday just spending it with have anything such as cake or fruit. Overall, after having a feast for a lunch, their family and friends.

"Bastille Day Traditions." LoveToKnow. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

"18 French Recipes to Make for Bastille Day, from Rillettes to Ratatouille - Bon Appétit." Bon Appétit. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

Like Water for Chocolate: Reflection Questions Jan-Feb

 Like Water for Chocolate:Reflection Questions Jan-Feb

1. The theme presented between Mama Elena and Tita is dicatorship. Mama Elena is being controlling by telling Tita what she can and cannot do. Mama Elena doesn't give Tita any say in the life choices that she should be making on her own. Their is a tense atmosphere between Mama Elena and Tita. Esquivel is showing us early on in the book the poor relationship between the mother and daughter. The author is also showing how important family tradition is. Mama Elena says that the youngest daughter has to take care of her until she dies. This shows us how family culture is in Mexico.
 2. When Pedro and Tita talk they are demostrating their independence and rebellion. Tita isn't suppose to interact with Pedro, but at the wedding she hugged and congratulated him. Mama Elena disapproves of Tita's interactions with Pedro, but Tita doesn't let that stop her. Overall, as a group we feel that Pedro isn't rebelling. If Pedro was trully rebelling he would marry Tita and not her sister. Therefore, Tita's rebellion is stronger.

Chinese Holidays

                                                                                     Chinese Holidays
                                                                                      ~Blog post #1~
                                                                                      April 13, 2015
                                                                                   By: Michael Huiras
            Chinese people celebrate many different holidays. From an American’s perspective, the Chinese holidays might seem weird or strange. However, I always believed that the Chinese holidays were extravagant. They are extremely festive due to the dancing, fireworks, parades, etc. Almost every person in China participates in the holidays, making it a bigger celebration.

            My favorite Chinese holiday is the Lantern Festival, which celebrated the first full moon of the lunar year. During the Lantern Festival, people go out at night and release the floating lanterns into the sky. There is a lantern parade and a lion dance to celebrate the joy of this holiday. Growing up my family and I would always participate this holiday. We loved the lantern idea and still do to this day.

            One Chinese holiday that I didn’t know about is the Duanwu Festival, which is celebrated on the 5^th day of the 5^th month. The Duanwu Festival is a festival that occurs every year and it contains many events and traditions. The main event for the holiday is the dragon boat race. Many people gather around to watch it. It provides a tremendous amount of excitement for the viewers. Also, the Chinese people usually eat dumplings wrapped in Zongzi, which is lotus leaves. These dumplings are very popular on this day because it has been a tradition for many years. The Chinese people also drink yellow rice wine on this day. Drinking the wine is another tradition to help boost the spirits at the event.

Chinese Food Culture

The most important thing at a Chinese dinner table is table manners. Respect and politeness are essential to add enjoyment to the meal. It is often custom to respect the aged greater than others. This respect is not only for the dinner hosts; it is from the guests of the dinner as well. I am interested in the Chinese culture because they have been practicing the same traditions for thousands of years. They do not change what is successful for them.

Another table essential at a Chinese dinner is Chopsticks. China invented chopsticks. They allow people to pick and dip their food easier than forks or spoons. Although being invited many years ago, they are still used regularly and even used for small gifts. However, in America, not many people possess the power to use chopsticks effectively.

The most popular food in China is rice. China is the world’s largest rice producer. Rice is usually served with every meal. The rice can create a healthy balance with your meal. In China, it is called the staple food. Rice is cooked by steaming or boiling it until the rice absorbs as much water as it can. One of the main reasons I chose China was the rice. I enjoy eating it. 

The second most popular food item in China is the Chinese cuisine. The Chinese cuisine is a soup-like food that contains noodles, broth, eggs, and many vegetables. This dish is very important because it is very healthy. The vegetables can benefit a person tremendously. It also creates perfect balance in a meal.