Ethnic Foods

Food Handler's Permit
Tacoma/Pierce County Health Dept.
King County w/ streaming video
Kitsap County

This course is designed for students interested in advancing their knowledge of other cultures while gaining experience in food preparations skills. Students will study a variety of countries including Mexico, Italy, France, Greece, India, and China. They will explore their culture, history of food practices, beliefs and taboos, use of herbs and spices, and unique culinary techniques. Students will plan and prepare a variety of traditional recipes from each culinary region, so be prepared to eat new and unusual foods! Also, please be prepared to conduct research and written projects.

Class Fee: $25.00 Please pay the bookkeeper and retain the receipt to show instructor.
A Food Handler's Permit is optional, but encouraged. For testing locations, see links at left.

Helpful Links

food sanitation

Mexico:
· A Thumbnail History of Mexican Food
· Traditional Dishes of Mexico
· Mexican Food & Cooking History
· Mexican Cuisine
· Mexgrocer.com

Italy:
· Italian food forever
· Italy!
· Pasta Recipes & Sauces
· Pasta recipes

Asia:
· AsiaRecipe.com
· ThaiCuisine

General Search Sites:
· E-Recipes
· Sally's Place
· Recipes Around the World
· Countries of the World
· WorldAtlas.com (maps)

· Fancy Napkin Folding

· Conversion Tables
(U.S. - Metric)

Course Outline

          ·    Kitchen Safety and Sanitation
                         o   Food Handling & Storage
                         o   Prevention of Food Borne Illnesses
                         o   Hazard prevention & Treatment
                         o   TEST

          ·    Kitchen Basics
                         o   Understanding and Modifying a Recipe
                         o   Measuring Tools & Equipment
                         o   Abbreviations & Equivalents
                         o   Care & Use of Equipment
                         o   Time Management
                         o   Lab Expectations & Organization of Kitchen Unit

          ·    Herbs & Spices
                         o   Report. Samples of student illustrations: Rosemary, Saffron, Cinnamon
                         o   Small Lab (may vary--dips, "cilantro salsa")

          ·    Garnishes
                         o   Video, questions, and practice of tools.
                               See student examples

Regional Cooking and Food Preparation
Depending on various factors (e.g. seasonal ingredients, time, instructor),
the following recipes and activities may vary.

          ·    Mexico
                         o   Reading, questions, vocabulary review
                         o   Recipes: Mexican Hot Chocolate, Bunuelos or Mexican Wedding Cake,
                             Salsa, Taco Soup, Huevos Rancheros or Huevos con Queso, Empanadas,
                             Frijoles Mexicanos, Enchiladas de Pollo.

          ·    Italy
                         o   Reading, questions, vocabulary review
                         o   Recipes: Bruschetta, Pesto, Italian Breadsticks, Minestrone Soup, Frittata,
                              Gnocchi, Calzones, Stuffed Manicotti Shells, Caesar Salad, Biscotti,
                              Focaccia Bread; Fetuccine Alfredo, Pesto Linguini.

          ·    Greece
                         o   Reading, questions, vocabulary review
                         o   Recipes: Pita Bread, Hummus, Tzatziki, Greek Salad, Spanikopita,
                              Baklava

          ·    France
                         o   Reading, questions, vocabulary review
                         o   Recipes: French Onion Soup, Quiche Lorraine, Berry Crepes w/ Cream,
                              Baguette Bread, Cream Puffs ("eclairs")

          ·    India
                         o   Reading, questions, vocabulary review
                         o   Recipes: Rice Pudding, Chicken Curry, Chapatis, Dahl

          ·    China
                         o   Recipes: Potstickers, Chicken Chow Mien. Depending on time, we may
                              touch base on other Asian cuisine. Recipes may include: Thai Fried Rice,
                              Eggrolls.

Ethnic Holiday Celebration/Desserts Around the World

· Research and team presentation

* Depending on time, students may plan and prepare a "decadent dessert."