GERMANY-Famous People and Fun Facts

                                                                          

There are many people of German heritage who have shaped the history of our world. Some are known for atrocious acts of terror, but most for their wonderful contributions in many areas including Chemistry, Philosophy, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Composition, Sports, Songwriting and Invention. Here are some famous people who Germany can be very proud to call their own:

Albert Einstein-Physicist-developed Theory of Relativity

Anne Frank-Journalist-Holocaust Victim

Nicolas Copernicus-Mathematician/Astronomer-Identified Concept of Heliocentric Solar System

Ludwig Van Beethoven-Composer, Pianist

 

Mendelssohn-Songwriter, Conductor, Pianist

Karl Marx-Historian, Economist, Journalist

Angela Merkel-First Female Chancellor of Germany

Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen-Physicist, Credited with Discovery of X-Rays

 John Augustus Roebling-Engineer, Pioneer in Design of Steel Suspension Bridges-Best known work was the Brooklyn Bridge

Frederick Nietzsche-Philosopher, Scholar-Known for writings on Good and Evil

 

Mesut Ozil-Soccer Player(Midfielder)

                                                             

 

Fun Facts:

-      Germans can be credited with the discovery of Insulin, Petrol/Gasoline and Diesel Engines, The automobile (as well as the engine and differential gear), the light bulb, the pocket watch, the automated calculator, x-rays, the motorcycle, jet engine, Walkman, and LCD screen.

-     Some of the world’s greatest philosophers were German: Nietzsche, Kant, Hegel, and Schopenhauer.

-     Some of the world’s greatest musicians and composers were German: Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Strauss.

-     There are 1,300 Beer breweries in Germany making over 5,000 different kinds of beer. Germans are the World’s Second largest beer drinkers after the Czechs.

-     Germany is one of the last western European Countries to ban smoking in work places and restaurants. One of the political reasons is the Nazi’s officially frowned upon Smoking and post war German Legislators have been afraid of imitating Nazi regulations.  

-     Germans have been early pioneers of the Ecological Movement and Green politics.

-    In 2005, Germany produced over 35% of the World’s Wind Energy. There are 22,000 Wind turbines off the coast of Northern Germany.

-    Germany in known for avid recycling. They were ranked #3 by the BBC with a rate of 48% waste recycled, behind Switzerland and Austria.

-   Since 2003, Germany is the World’s Largest Exporter of Goods with $1.16 Trillion exported in 2005.

-Germany has over 700 Zoological Gardens, Wildlife Parks, Aquariums, Bird Parks, Safari Parks, including 440 Registered Zoos (More than the USA).

-Germany boasts a 99% Literacy rate in reading and writing. 

                                            

Sources:   http://www.eupedia.com/germany/trivia.html, http://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/germany-facts,  http://www.biography.com/people/groups/german

 

 

 

 

 

 

GERMANY-Deutschland

 





                                                        




This week we are studying Germany. When I think of Germany the first things that come to mind are Beethoven, Bach, Mendelssohn, Nietzsche, Masterful Engineering, Outstanding Soccer, Oktoberfest, Incredible Beers, Sausages, and Schnitzels.



I traveled to Germany in 1995 with my older sister Annie. After studying in Rome for several weeks, Annie and I got used to the laid back and easy going manner in which everything and everyone pretty much operated in Rome. Trains were never exactly on time, customer service was a bit of a non-entity and punctuality was not a priority.

Then we traveled to Germany. We were absolutely in shock over how punctual, accurate, and efficient the country was! If our train was supposed to arrive at 4:15 p.m., it absolutely arrived on the dot not a minute off. Everything ran like a well oiled machine. I came to understand the meaning behind the genius of "German Engineering".  The Germans we met spoke English very well, were helpful with directions, and for the most part very friendly.

The part of Germany I loved most was the raw beauty of the countryside and the gorgeous architecture. 

 

 

There are sixteen regions that make up Germany. These regions are classified under the Northern Germany, Central Germany, Southern Germany, Western Germany and Eastern Germany territories. The capital of Germany is Berlin. Germany is one of the most developed countries in the world due to its early scientific revolution. However, the Germans strictly preserve their important cultural symbols like the German language that has been used since thousands of years ago.

                                                                          

The beautiful volcanic landscapes of Germany make it an unforgettable destination for tourism. The Rhine Valley is picturesque with historical castles and glowing vineyards. The Bavarian Forest in the Bavarian Plateau next to Danube River Valley is filled with various tree species like the steady coniferous trees. The Black Forest with its quaint villages is a popular skiing and hiking destination. 

The Zugspitze Mountains are the highest highlands in Germany with an altitude of more than nine thousand feet above sea level. Germany is also home to many river valleys like the Rhine River, the Elbe River in Eastern Germany with favorite cruises across the river, the Weser River in Northern Germany, and the legendary Danube River.
The Cuisine of Germany is diverse depending on the region. What I remember most fondly from my time in Germany were the many "Wursts" or sausages, "Schnitzels"(Boneless Breaded Fried meat Patties), and delicious potatoes. This week we will cook traditional German Bratwurst, Spargel (White Asparagus), and Bratkartoffeln(German Skillet Potatoes).

 

Recipes courtesy of:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/german-bratwurst

http://germanfood.about.com/od/vegetables/r/asparagus.htm

http://backtoherroots.com/2011/11/10/bratkartoffeln-german-fried-potatoes-and-onions/

FRANCE-Dinner is Ready Plus Fun Facts!

We cooked our Feast de Provence last night and it was wonderful!!! The Olive Tapenade over warm baguette was creamy, salty, and delicious! The Sole Meunière was amazing. Melted in my mouth. So lovely in the Lemon Butter Sauce. The Capers were the perfect accompaniment. The star of the show was however the Scallops. Fresh, Sweet, and beautifully enhanced by the wine and herbs. We will definitely cook Provence in this kitchen again soon! 

Here are some Fun Facts we learned this week about France:

Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923), the famous French engineer who build the Eiffel Tower in Paris, also designed the Statue of Liberty which stands in New York's harbor.

France is famous for the beaux-arts, the many great painters, sculptors. Famous French painters are Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Paul Cezanne and Auguste Rodin is certainly one of the most famous French sculptors.

French composers which are very famous are: Maurice Ravel (Bolero) and Georges Bizet (Carmen). Children all around the world love French literature, like the famous “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas and “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

French political leader Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was born on Corsica. He reformed the French laws. He declared himself Emperor of the French in 1904. Napoleon’s army was defeated by the British in the Battle of Waterloo (now in Belgium) in 1815. He was exiled to the island St. Helena in the Mediterranean Sea where he died in 1821.

The Tour de France, which is the world’s most famous cycle race, was started already in 1903. The winning bike rider gets to wear a yellow shirt to show that he is the leader of the race.

About 20% of the Territory of France lies outside Europe.

According to a 2004 IFOP Survey about 44% of French People are Atheist.

French people are the second biggest consumers of alcohol per capita in the Western world, after Luxembourg.

Until 1964 French women were not allowed to open a bank account or get a passport without their husband’s permission.

French was the official language of England for over 300 years. 1066 until early 15^th century. It is still the official language of 30 countries worldwide.

France is the only country in the world where DNA tests or paternity tests of any kind are prohibited by law unless court ordered. They are punishable with heavy fines and prison sentences.

Sources: http://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/france-facts.html http://www.eupedia.com/france/trivia.shtml

FRANCE-Bienvenue en France!

We cannot possibly talk about Cooking the Globe and not incorporate one of the Culinary Capitals of the World. France has a distinctive food culture that is undeniable. It encompasses pride, exclusive ingredients and techniques, and a very discerning palate.

 

My memory of France-going back 18 years ago is still very fresh in my mind. The wonderful smells emanating out  of the lovely Fromageries(Cheese Shops), Patisseries(Specialty Pastry&Bakery Shops), and Boucheries(Butcher Shops) were complete sensory nirvana.  

 

 

My sister and I traveled through the South of France stopping at Nice, Cannes, and Avignon. I remember sitting on the beach with her in Nice with a fresh baguette in hand, a hunk of camembert cheese, and a bottle of Bordeaux. I recall fondly  thinking that I could completely survive off of this holy trinity of Bread, Cheese and Wine and be a very happy lady. Even though it might sound simple or peasant like, what made it remarkable was that it was the very best cheese, the very best wine, and very best bread. Period. Full Stop. The French are meticulous at maintaining the highest standards of quality in every aspect of their food culture. While French cuisine is known for its rich flavors and complex dishes, most French people eat Bread, Cheese, and Wine daily. With such delicious and abundant varieties of each, it is easy to understand why!

  

 

  

 Each region within France has their own local cheese and wine as well as regional dishes. So wherever you are be it Burgundy or Paris, you can be sure to find a very delicious meal wherever you are in France! That is one thing I adore about French food. It is centered on simple seasonal ingredients that must meet high standards of freshness and quality and must be prepared with great attention to detail.

 

This week we will be focusing on Provence, my absolute favorite region of France, gastronomically speaking!

So on the menu we will cook a traditional Olive Tapenade over warm baguette for our hors d'oeuvres. For our main dishes we will cook a classic Sole Meunière(Sole Filets in Lemon Butter Sauce with Capers, and finally Coquilles St.-Jacques Provençal(Scallops in Garlic, Wine, and Herbs). Here are our ingredients and recipes for this week!


Le Tapenade de Provence
 

1 Cup Nicoise or oil-cured Black Olives, Pitted

6 Anchovy Fillets in olive oil, drained and chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

juice of 1 lemon

6 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons Cognac

In a food processor fitted with metal blade or in a blender, combine the olives, anchovies, capers, garlic and lemon juice. Process to form a paste. With the motor running, slowly add enough of the oil to form a spoonable mixture. Stir in Cognac. Transfer to bowl and serve at room temperature.

*Recipe Courtesy of Joyce Goldstein's, Mediterranean-The Beautiful Cookbook


 Sole Meunière

 

 

 

 

 

• 4 fillets sole or plaice, skin-on (about 5oz each)
• 6 tbsp. plain flour
• 3 tbsp. light olive oil or sunflower oil
• ¼ cup butter, ideally unsalted
• 1 lemon, juice only
• 2 tbsp. small capers
• Check the fish for small bones and pull any out with tweezers. In a large shallow bowl, season the flour with a little salt and black pepper. Toss the fish in the flour, coating well, and shake off any excess.
• Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the fish and cook, skin-side down, for 2 mins. Use a fish slice or large spatula to turn, then cook the other side for 1-2 mins until golden.
• Remove the fish to a warmed plate, then season. Wipe out the pan with kitchen paper. Return the pan to the heat, then add the butter. Heat until it melts and begins to turn a light brown, then mix in the lemon juice and capers, if using. Swirl in the pan for a few seconds, return fish to the pan and spoon over any juices. Serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of  www.bbcgoodfood.com

 

Coquilles St.-Jacques Provençal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 1/2 lb Scallops

3/4 Cup all-purpose Flour

Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper

4 Tablespoons unsalted Butter

2 Tablespoons Shallots, minced

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1/2 Cup dry white wine

3 Tablespoons Chopped Flat-Leaf Italian Parsley

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 Cup Diced Tomatoes(optional)

Trim tough foot muscle off scallops. If they are large, cut scallops horizontally. On a large plate, stir flour, salt and pepper to taste. Dredge scallops in seasoned flour, shake off excess and place on a rack.

In a Large Sauté Pan over Medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add Shallots and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft. Remove from pan and set aside. Melt 2 more tablespoons of butter in same pan with Olive Oil over high heat. Add Scallops and sauté quickly, turning once until golden, just a couple of minutes. Pour the wine into the pan and deglaze over high heat. Scrape up any brown bits. Return shallots and garlic to pan and add parsley, thyme, and tomatoes(if using). Cook over medium high heat for about 8 minutes, until sauce thickens. Spoon sauce over Scallops and Serve right away.

*I cannot wait to cook this and serve over nice bed of Spaghetti!!!

FINLAND-Recipes from this week and Fun Facts

We have truly enjoyed discovering Finland! Here are the recipes from this week as well as some fun facts.

Ruisleipa-Finnish Rye Bread

Ingredients

1 cup stone ground dark rye flour (this is available at whole foods)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature

1 cup buttermilk ( or add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to regular whole milk to make your own)

1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds (optional)

2 large eggs

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Lightly grease a loaf pan with butter or Crisco.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add Buttermilk, butter, and eggs and whisk slowly until batter forms.
Add fennel seeds.
Knead for 5 minutes.
Put dough in loaf pan.
Bake for 40 minutes, or until browned on top.
Cool on a wire rack.
 

 

Rhubarb Compote

Ingredients

• 1 lb. rhubarb
• 1 cup sugar

Directions

1. Trim and chop rhubarb.
2. Put rhubarb and sugar in a medium saucepan with about 1/4 cup water (the water helps the sugar melt without burning) over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook, stirring once in awhile, until rhubarb breaks down and the mixture has thickened, about 20 minutes

 

Lohikeitta-Salmon Soup

Ingredients

1. Tbsp. Butter

2. 1 Onion Finely Chopped

3. 4 Potatoes

4.  4 Cups Fish Stock

5. 2 lbs Fresh Salmon Filet, cubed

6. 1 cup Heavy Cream

7. 1 Cup Fresh Dill, finely chopped

8. 5 Pieces of Bay Leaf

9. Dash of Sea Salt, Pepper, and Allspice.

 

Directions

1. Cut potatoes roughly into 1-inch cubes, and keep in water.
2. In a large saucepan, simmer onion in butter over medium heat until soft. 
3. Add peeled and diced potatoes and then enough water to cover potatoes. Turn up heat to high, cover the saucepan with a lid, bring to a boil and cook potatoes until soft.
4. Add salmon to pot and cook until almost opaque, about 5 minutes. Do not stir.
5. Add fish stock and cream, along with a dash of salt and pepper to taste with just a dash of allspice.  Cook 5-10 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in fresh dill.
7. Serve with rye bread and butter.

Recipes courtesy of www.alternativefinland.com, www.finnishfoodgirl.com

Fun Facts about Finland: 

-The National Bird of Finland is a Whooper Swan

 

 

-Finland is the 8th largest in Europe, and the most sparsely populated country in the European Union.

-Finland has only been an independent country since 1918. Before that it belonged to Sweden or Russia.

-Finnish athletes have won more Summer Olympic medals per capita than any other nation.

-Drivers from Finland have won more World Rally championships than any other country, and more Formula One Championships  compared to their country's population.

-According to UNICEF, Finland has the highest level of academic achievements of all surveyed countries for reading, mathematics, and sciences.

-Since 2004, Finland has ranked as 2nd or 3rd best country for the State of the World's Mothers by Save the Children.

-Finnish is a language belonging to the Uralic Family, along with Estonian and Hungarian. 

-Finns are the world's Largest Coffee Drinkers. They consume 25lbs of coffee annually. Twice more than Italians, Three times more than Americans.

-Santa Claus is known as Joulupukki or "Yule Goat" officially resides in a house built right on top of the Arctic Circle, near the town of Rovaniemi which is in the Northern Province of Lappland. The Santa Claus Post office address: Santa Claus Village, FIN-96930 Arctic Circle receives over 700,000 letters every year from over 200 countries. 

 

 

 

 Sources: http://www.eupedia.com/finland/trivia.shtml