The Mediterranean Countries Cultures & Cuisines| Chapter 30

Geography & Climate of Spain Located on the Iberian Peninsula; the land mass on the SW corner of Europe. Made of water and mountains. Coastline is fertile and agriculture prosperous. Land is divided by mountain ranges and the center is a large plateau called the Meseta. Hot dry summers, mild winters and light rainfall Insert a picture of one of the geographic features of your country.

Agriculture of Spain Farming…most live on their own small farms. Wheat, olives, barley, oats, rye, potatoes, rice, beans, grapes, and honey. Valencian oranges. Sheep in the Meseta plateau. Fishing… as most live along the coast of the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean Sea. Known as the “gardenland”; extensive irragation systems were build by the “Moors”. Insert a picture illustrating a season in your country.

Culture/Religion & Holidays of Spain Invasion of various enemy groups until 1975 when a democratic government was established. Religion & Holidays: Christianity New Year’s Eve—a grape popped in their mouth which represents 12 months of good luck. Fiesta of San Fermin in July Running of the Bulls Insert a picture illustrating a season in your country.

Cuisine of Spain Made contributions to Mexican cuisine. Not as spicy as Mexican food. Traditionally slowly simmer foods. Insert a picture of an animal and or plant found in your country. Empanadilla’s

Cuisine of Spain Paella Sangria Tapas Flan Spanish Tortilla Gazpacho

Meal Patterns of Spain 4-5 Meals/Day Desayuno—breakfast of coffee or a chocolate drink Amuerzo – 2nd breakfast (11AM) more substantial; omelet, grilled sausage, fried squid, open faced sandwiches Comida—the main meal (2-3PM) most businesses close. Fish, poultry, meat usually follows salad or soup with fruit or dessert Merienda—(6PM) light snack of cakes and cookies Cena—(9PM) light supper meal Insert a picture illustrating a season in your country.

Geography & Climate of Italy Small boot shaped Peninsula in the Mediterranean Seas Very Mountainous- Italian Alps in the north and the Apennines divide the peninsula in half. A rich agricultural area, the Po Valley lie between the mountain regions. Dry Summers Cool, Rainy Winters Insert a picture of one of the geographic features of your country.

Agriculture of Italy Half of the nation’s land is used for farming – many areas they do it by hand. Po River valley is the most productive. Wheat, corn, rice sugar beets and flax; dairy herds Olive trees thrive in the South Vineyards are scattered throughout the country Insert a picture illustrating a season in your country.

Italian Culture, Religion & Holidays Decline in civil rule the Catholic Church met the people’s need for leadership. Religion continues to have a large influence. As the church ruled, the Renaissance began (regrowth in art and learning). Contributed a lot to art and literature. Religion & Holidays: Roman Catholic with the Pope stationed in Rome Almost all holidays celebrate events in the church Pasqua (Easter) Festa Dei Morti (All Souls Day, Nov 2) Christmas Insert a picture illustrating a season in your country.

Cuisine of Italy Most Italian cooks shop daily for foods are as fresh as possible. Use many kinds of herbs, spices and other seasonings. Fresh fruits and vegetables as important as herbs and spices Most dishes are prepared on top of the range. Insert a picture of an animal and or plant found in your country.

Cuisine of Italy Pasta! Al dente Seafood Caffe Espresso Pizza originated in Naples

Meal patterns of Italy Light Breakfast Hearty Noon Meal Antipasto Soup Main course of meat, accompanied by vegetable or salad Fruit and cheese for dessert Light Evening Meal

Geography & climate of Greece One large landmass and many islands Mountains ridges on the coastline – stony and dry soil Olive trees, grapevines and sheep thrive Fertile valleys separate the mountains – Fertile soil Mild winters and warm sunny summers Insert a picture of one of the geographic features of your country.

Agriculture of Greece Many are farmers and produce wheat and corn on small acreage Vegetables are grown on terraced gardens. Grapes, olives and citrus fruits are grown in more fertile areas. Goats and sheep graze in the mountains and provide milk, cheese and meat. Fishing is an important industry. Insert a picture illustrating a season in your country.

Culture/Religion & Holidays of Greece Ancient Greece rich in art, literature, science, and philosophy (Socrates, Aristotle & Plato) Influenced art, literature and mythology. Modern Greece is a poor country with a common language. Small communities have tavernas or café’s that serve as a meeting place. Religion & Holidays: Greek Orthodox Much time and energy go into their celebrations and they include special food traditions. St. Basil’s Day (New Year’s Day) Easter- most important religious holiday Insert a picture illustrating a season in your country.

Cuisine of Greece First to cook foods while others were still eating foods raw— created the first cookbooks Variety of influences; Italian, Turkey Foods basic to Greek cooking: lemon juice, tomatoes and green peppers Insert a picture of an animal and or plant found in your country.

Cuisine of Greece Moussaka Phyllo Dough Avgolemono Sauce Mezedhes Appetizers Baklava

Meal Patterns of Greece 3 Meals/Day Breakfast Lunch Dinner – The Largest Meal Mezedhes – early evening appetizers Insert a picture illustrating a season in your country.

Cooking Methods Simmering – heating a liquid mixture to just below the boiling point (Spain & Italy) Frying – cooking in a small amount of fat (Italy & Greece) Baking – cooking by dry heat in an enclosed space, such as an oven (Greece) Add key points in the history of your country to the timeline.

The end

Cooking Equipment Mortar & Pestle Name that tool: Add key points in the history of your country to the timeline.

Cooking Equipment Double Boiler Name that tool: Add key points in the history of your country to the timeline.

Cooking Equipment Clay Pots Name that tool: Add key points in the history of your country to the timeline.

Cooking Equipment Gyro Broiler Name that tool: Add key points in the history of your country to the timeline. Gyro Broiler