One of the world's most cherished desserts comes from cacao (Theobroma cacao). We call it chocolate, a name drawn from an Aztec dialect. Cacao became a trade item for the Europeans, but the Aztec considered it a gift from the gods. Today the Amazonian Indians eat only the white seed coat. Chocolate is made from the toasted fermented seeds.
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is harvested from an orchid and was also first domesticated in Mesoamerica (known today as Central America). There are ninety species but only two produce commercial vanilla. This plant is still cultivated by the Totonac Indians, who may have been first to domesticate it. Today, however, almost all cultivated vanilla comes from Madagascar and the Comoro Islands in the Indian Islands.
Traditional Eastern European Foods: Polish Traditional Foods
Poland's chefs are making a new name for Polish traditional foods. Many restaurants in Poland are offering new twists on old favorits, like Polish pierogi. Stuffed meats, hearty stews, sticky pastries, and regional fish dishes will also be found on Polish tables.
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Traditional Eastern European Foods: Hungarian Traditional Foods
Hungary's traditional foods are most famously seasoned with paprika, and can sometimes come with a kick. Hungarian goulash is a dish enjoyed the world over, but Hungarians also love stuffed vegetables, fish dishes, and rich desserts. If you like sausage, Hungarian sausage makes a great hot or cold snack.
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Traditional Eastern European Foods: Bulgarian Traditional Foods
Bulgarians love salads, and fresh salads, as well as salads made with yogurt, accompany most meals. Large meat eaters, Bulgarians like spicy meat balls and meat patties, and will serve up tasty one-pot meat and vegetable dishes in traditional restaurants or at the traditional Bulgarian table. Desserts in Bulgaria often hearken from Turkey, but you can also find traditional Bulgarian desserts if you really wish to sample the full range of Bulgarian cuisine.
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Traditional Eastern European Foods: Romanian Traditional Foods
Romanian traditional foods are often well-seasoned with herbs. Salty fish dishes, vegetable soups, and casserole-like dishes can be found on Romanian menus. Crepes, danishes, and Mediterranean-inspired desserts finish off traditional Romanian meals.
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February 22, 2010
One of the world's most cherished desserts comes from cacao (Theobroma cacao). We call it chocolate, a name drawn from an Aztec dialect. Cacao became a trade item for the Europeans, but the Aztec considered it a gift from the gods. Today the Amazonian Indians eat only the white seed coat. Chocolate is made from the toasted fermented seeds.
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is harvested from an orchid and was also first domesticated in Mesoamerica (known today as Central America). There are ninety species but only two produce commercial vanilla. This plant is still cultivated by the Totonac Indians, who may have been first to domesticate it. Today, however, almost all cultivated vanilla comes from Madagascar and the Comoro Islands in the Indian Islands.
Traditional Eastern European Foods: Polish Traditional Foods
Poland's chefs are making a new name for Polish traditional foods. Many restaurants in Poland are offering new twists on old favorits, like Polish pierogi. Stuffed meats, hearty stews, sticky pastries, and regional fish dishes will also be found on Polish tables.
More Info
Traditional Eastern European Foods: Hungarian Traditional Foods
Hungary's traditional foods are most famously seasoned with paprika, and can sometimes come with a kick. Hungarian goulash is a dish enjoyed the world over, but Hungarians also love stuffed vegetables, fish dishes, and rich desserts. If you like sausage, Hungarian sausage makes a great hot or cold snack.
More Info
Traditional Eastern European Foods: Bulgarian Traditional Foods
Bulgarians love salads, and fresh salads, as well as salads made with yogurt, accompany most meals. Large meat eaters, Bulgarians like spicy meat balls and meat patties, and will serve up tasty one-pot meat and vegetable dishes in traditional restaurants or at the traditional Bulgarian table. Desserts in Bulgaria often hearken from Turkey, but you can also find traditional Bulgarian desserts if you really wish to sample the full range of Bulgarian cuisine.
More Info
Traditional Eastern European Foods: Romanian Traditional Foods
Romanian traditional foods are often well-seasoned with herbs. Salty fish dishes, vegetable soups, and casserole-like dishes can be found on Romanian menus. Crepes, danishes, and Mediterranean-inspired desserts finish off traditional Romanian meals.