1. Italy, France, Greece & Spain
The Mediterranean!!
Italy, France, Greece & Spain

3. ITALY

4. Italian Flag

6. A Little History… Dates back to the Trojan War--Mythology Capital—Rome
Population—60,418,711 (as of 2010 census)
Religion: Catholicism is taught in public schools—Roman Catholics
Lunch is the heaviest meal of the day
A Little History…

7. Important Italian Cuisines…
Pasta
Two main types are dried and fresh
Can be kept in storage for up to two years
Most popular in Southern Italy
Cooked until “Al Dente”—meaning “to the tooth”
Fresh pasta usually uses eggs where dried may not

8. Italian Cuisine… Olive Oil—used often in Mediterranean cooking—
Annual Olive Festival where feast on olives, wine and pasta
Pizza—originated in Naples
Antipasto— “Before the Meal”
Rice—Italy is Europe’s largest producer
Risotto—made from Arborio rice with cream
Cheese—over 400 different cheeses
Romano, Asiago, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Mascarpone, Provolone, Ricotta
Cheesecake—dessert made with Ricotta Cheese
Italian Cuisine…

9. Greece

10. The Greek Flag

12. A Little Info About Greece…
Population: 11,305,118 (as of 2010 census)
Capital: Athens
Surrounded by the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian Seas
Greece is also well known for its sculptures, paintings, pottery, poetry and playwriting
The Greek religion is Christianity Orthodox
80% of Greece is mountains

13. A Little More Info About Greece…
The education system is very similar to the United States
The most important day in the life of a Greek is Baptismal Day—happens one year after birth and the baby is not given a name until that time—they are called “baby” for the first year
Easter is the most celebrated holiday in Greece

14. Greek Cuisine
The most characteristic and ancient element of Greek cuisine is olive oil
Lamb is the main protein, but beef and chicken are widely available as well
Wheat is the main grain in Greece
Honey is used in several dishes—main sweetener

15. Greek Cuisine
Baklava—Greek dessert made with phyllo dough, honey and walnuts
Moussaka—Greek casserole made with ground beef, tomatoes and eggplant
Spanikopita—phyllo pastry filled with feta cheese and basil
Pastitsio—consists of layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy bechamel sauce baked to perfection

16. Spain

19. Spain Information… Population: 40,525,002 Capital: Madrid
Main Religion: Catholic
Borders Portugal and France
Bodies of Water: Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Baby of Biscay

20. Spain Culture… National Sport is Bull Fighting
Soccer also very important
Antono Gaudi—famous Architect—many buildings and monuments were designed by him
Siesta—15-30 minute nap taken after lunch—daily…shops close
Flamenco—traditional dance of Spain

21. La Familia—Gaudi’s most famous monument

22. Spanish Cuisine…
Many Spaniards will shop daily at the open air markets
Spaniards eat more cheap, but substantial meals as opposed to gourmet
Lunch is the main meal of the day and is eaten mid afternoon
Dinner is served around 9 or 10 at night
Lamb is the main protein
Bread is served with every meal

23. More Cuisine Info… Cheese is very important in Spanish cuisine
Olive oil is used often in Spanish cooking
Paella—rice dish cooked in various ways
Empanadas—small pastries filled with different meats, cheeses and vegetables
Tapas—appetizers—very popular for dinner!
Many restaurants are Tapas bars
Bocadillo—similar to a sub sandwich—fresh bread rubbed with tomatoes, basted with olive oil and various meats and cheeses
Innards—uncommon cuts of meat used in Spanish dishes
Examples would be tongue, knuckles, tripe (stomach)

24. PAELLA VIDEO CLIP…

25. Tapas Clip

26. France

28. French Flag

29. French Culture Population: 65,821,855
Religion: Roman Catholiscism (51%)…30% do not have any…religion not as important as is in other European countries
Capital: Paris
Education system very similar to United States
Art is very important to the French—Louve art museum has the original Mona Lisa painting
Monet, Matisse are famous impressionists
Sports—Football, tennis and Judo
Fashion capital of the world

30. French Cuisine… Roux—thickening agent of flour and butter
Crepes—thin pancakes filled with whipped cream and flavored fillings such as strawberries and chocolate
Hors d’oeuvres—French word for appetizers
E-Claire’s –a long cream-filled French pastry
Ratatouille—a traditional stewed vegetable dish, originating in Nice, France
Quiche—Pastry with eggs and variations of vegetables, meats and cheeses

31. French Cuisine… Hollandaise—sauce of egg yolks, lemon juice and butter
Vinaigrette—oil and vinegar
Bread is served at each meal
Baguette
long, crusty loaf of bread
Brioche
yeast roll that contains egg
Croissant
flaky, buttery crescent shaped roll