Tag Archives: Around the World

Around the World in 80 Days – Romanian Apple Cake

Ingredients

  • 800 ml milk (3 ½ cups)
  • 4-5 tablespoon sugar burnt
  • 1 kg apple (2 ¼ pounds)
  • 5 eggs
  • 5 tablespoon sugar
  • Vanilla (about 2 teaspoons)
  • Cinnamon (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Raisins (1/2 Cup)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Put the 4-5 tbsp. sugar in a middle size pot and let the sugar burn.
  2. Mix 5 eggs with 800 ml milk and with 5 tbsp sugar
  3. When the sugar is caramelized add the combined milk and sugar in the pot and add cinnamon, raisins and vanilla to taste
  4. In that milk mixture add 1 kg apple without skin and cut in medium parts.
  5. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until the top is brown.
  6. Turn the pot with the cake inside an a large plate. You can decorate with whipped cream.

*To Make a cake by 4 eggs:

  1. If you make with 4 eggs, you have to separate the white part of the eggs from the yellow part.
  2. In a bowl beat the whites until stiff but not dry.
  3. In another bowl mix the yellows with 5 tbsp sugar.
  4. Mix all that together with 5 tbsp flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Be careful and mix slowly.
  5. Put this batter in the pot after the apples are brown.
  6. Bake in a 375 grade oven for 30 minutes or till a wooden toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Turn the pot with the cake inside an a large plate. You can decorate with whipped cream.

Submitted by Renata Moca 2003, au pair in Illinois

Photo by: Shari’s Berries

Around the World in 80 Days – Happy Canada Day

Happy Canada Day!

Canada Day, observed on July 1st, is a national holiday marking the anniversary of Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act came into effect. … This act united three colonies into a single country called Canada within the British Empire.

CANADA

North America
Capital: Ottowa
Language(s): English, French
Religion(s): Christianity

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Canadians are patriotic, but perhaps don’t express this as openly as US citizens.
  • Every province is known for its own individual traits.
  • It’s common for young people to be involved in sports and outdoor activities. Hockey tends to be the most popular sport across the country, but soccer, baseball, football and basketball are very popular as well.

FUN FACTS:

  • Most Canadians actually do not say ‘eh’… but it can happen occasionally!
  • Canada is the second largest country in the world, stretching from the Pacific in the west to the Atlantic in the east; and from the Arctic Ocean in the north, to the Great Lakes in the south.
  • Canadians always like to talk about the weather, and are quick to reassure you that it actually doesn’t snow all year round, except in the Far North.

Poutine:

Poutine is a dish that includes french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. It originated in the Canadian province of Quebec and emerged in the late 1950s in the Centre-du-Québec area. It has long been associated with Quebec cuisine.

What Canadian au pairs have to say about the APIA program:

“It is the most rewarding experience I have ever had. My host family really has become my extended family. It’s your opportunity to make the most of – it’s only going to be as good as you make it!” – Tessa, au pair from Canad

“Please do it, it will change your life for the better! A great experience!”– Megan, au pair from Canada

Photo by: Traci {flickr}

Around the World In 80 Days – Chile

CHILE

South America
Capital: Santiago de Chile
Language(s): Spanish
Religion(s): Christianity
(predominantly Roman Catholic)

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Chileans are extremely hospitable, relaxed and warm. They are always interested in learning from others and very proud of their country and its natural beauties.
  • Chileans have strong family ties. All over the nation there is a feeling of spontaneous solidarity to help those in need or affected by any natural disaster.
  • Personal care, honesty, and affection are also very important.

FUN FACTS:

  • Chile is the longest country in the world from north to south at 2,647 miles (4,620 km) long, and it extends across 38 degrees of latitude. The Andes Mountain Range extends the entire length of the country north to south.
  • Chilean Patagonia is one of the cleanest places on the planet
  • Chile has the world’s largest reserves of copper – around one quarter of the global supply, and is the number one exporter of copper in the world. Chile also has the second largest reserve of lithium and has substantial reserves of iron, silver, salt, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, gold, coal, and iodine.

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?        ¿Cómo está?
  • Fine, thanks.        Bien, gracias.
  • My name is…        Mi nombre es…
  • Nice to meet you!        Encantado de conocerlo/a
  • Thank you.       Gracias

Photo by: Melenama {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Cooking in the UK

 

The United Kingdom is known for it’s unique foods and tea time! Preparing meals from scratch for children is very common. The UK is a melting pot of ethnicities. This is due largely to the fact that it had colonies in different parts of the world. As a result, the varieties of foods are influenced by the various cultures!

Hasty Pudding

2 ounces butter
1 egg
2 tablespoons plain flour
1 pint milk
1 sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon
1 ounce light soft brown sugar

1. Add one ounce of butter, the flour, and milk in a saucepan.

2. Heat, whisking continuously until sauce thickens, boils, and is smooth.

3. Simmer for one-two minutes, stir in the egg, then pour into a flameproof serving dish.

4. Dot with the remaining butter and sprinkle generously with nutmeg or cinnamon and the sugar.

5. Brown under a hot grill.

6. Serve hot on its own or with fruit, such as apples or pears.

How about Sticky Toffee Pudding or a muffin topped winter beef stew? Try making a classic – scones with clotted cream & jam!

For more recipes from the UK, click here or here!

Photo by: Karen Booth {flickr}; HarshLight {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – French Foods

The French are famous for their amazing foods and cooking. Have you ever tried cooking French foods?

Is there anything more quintessentially French than French onion soup?

Gougeres are amazingly light, fluffy pastry dough cheese puffs!

The French have created the most amazing version of a grilled cheese sandwich, the croque monsieur. An amazing combo of gruyere cheese, ham, dijon mustard and beschamel!

Ratatouille is a fresh vegetable stew made famous around the world thanks to Disney!

For more amazing, easy French recipes, check out Monpetitfour!

Photo by: Merle ja Joonas {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Brazil

BRAZIL 

South America
Capital: Brasilia
Language(s): Portuguese
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity

 

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Brazilians are known to be very welcoming and hospitable.
  • Generally, Brazilians like to be close to other people. It is common for them to touch and hug other people when talking to them or being around them.
  • Brazilians are very caring. They are generally quite laid back, but they can be strict when needed.

FUN FACTS:

  • When Brazilians turn 15, they usually have a big party or a big trip – it’s an important age for Brazilians.
  • Brazilians have countless religions. They are very relaxed about mixing religions.
  • Brazil has the most successful national soccer team. So far, they have won five FIFA World Cups.

Learn more:

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?       Tudo bem?
  • Fine, thanks.       Bem, obrigada.
  • My name is…       Meu nome é…
  • Nice to meet you.       Prazer em conhecê-lo.
  • Thank you.       Obrigada.

Around the World in 80 Days – Russki Salat

Russki Salat

Russian salads contain cooked vegetables and often include cooked meat, poultry, or fish. The salad dressing is simply oil and vinegar.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced cooked meat (ham, beef, turkey, or your favorite)
  • 2 cups cooked, peeled and diced beets
  • 2 cups cooked, peeled and diced potatoes
  • 1 cup cooked beans (your favorite)
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
  • 3 hard boiled eggs, sliced
  • 6 small sweet pickles, chopped
  • Oil and Vinegar for dressing

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a large salad bowl.
  2. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let each guest prepare his or her own dressing.

Around the World in 80 Days – Bosnia & Herzegovina

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA 

Central/Southern Europe
Capital: Sarajevo
Languages: Bosnian, Croatian & Serbian
Predominant Religion(s): Islam / Roman Catholic

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Bosnian people describe themselves as sociable and hospitable, as well as curious and direct.
  • Family, work, sports, music, entertainment, children, local cultural events, good restaurants, and the weather are always good topics to talk about with Bosnians when meeting or speaking to them for the first time.
  • Bosnians are very proud of their heritage and culture and they love a sense of community. They are also very respectful of their elders.

FUN FACTS:

  • Bosnian coffee is one of the strongest coffees in the world and Bosnians love drinking coffee!
  • Bosnians love their unique wedding traditions, which includes the wedding party tooting their horns all the way to the venue and the bride serving coffee to her guests.
  • The name “Bosnia” comes from an Indo-European word Bosana, which means water, which is perfect as the country is covered with beautiful lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and a strip of the Adriatic Sea.
  • For more info on Bosnia & Herzogvina, click here!

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?       Kako si ti?
  • Fine, thanks.       Dobro, hvala.
  • My name is…       Moje ime je
  • Nice to meet you!       Drago mi je!
  • Thank you.       Hvala.

Photos by: Monika {flickr}; Dino Husejnovic {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Polish Kielbasa Penne Pasta

Kielbasa Penne Dish – Poland

Ingredients:

2 pounds of Polska kielbasa 

1 white onion

1 tbsp of white sugar

1 1/2 cups of sour cream

1 box of penne pasta

1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Little bit of oil of your liking (olive oil, canola oil)

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit

Make penne pasta (remember to salt water slightly) in the big pot, strain, put back in a the same, big pot.

Prepare big pan with olive oil or canola oil

Cut up Polska kielbasa and cut again to make half moons, put in a pan with cut up onion and cook until goldenish brownish color.

Lower the temperature and add sugar to caramelize a bit, stir and add sour cream, stir again until well blended.

Add salt and pepper as preferred.

Put everything in the big pot with pasta and stir well.

Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir well.

Put everything in oven dish, add the rest of shredded cheese on top.

Put in the oven for around 10 minutes for the cheddar to melt.

Done!

Around the World in 80 Days – Bolivia

BOLIVIA

Western Central South America 
Capital: Sucre
Languages: Spanish
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity
(Roman Catholic)

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

 

  • Bolivian people describe themselves as friendly and hard working.
  • Bolivia people have strong family ties.
  • Traditions and culture are very important values for young people.

FUN FACTS:

  • The amazing “Cristo de la Concordia” statue in Cochabamba city is the biggest in the world; it was built in memory of Papa Juan Pablo II.
  • The green lake located in Potosi city at the foot of Licancabur, one of the largest active volcanoes, is one of the most wonderful lakes in the world. The green color is due to high levels of magnesium in the water.
  • The slowest flowering plant in the world comes from Bolivia. The “Puya Raimundi” is a very strange and unusual plant. Discovered in 1870, the flower only appears when the plant is 80 to 150 years old. Check out this video to see the Puya Raimundi plants.

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?             Como estás?
  • Fine, thanks.               Bien, gracias.
  • My name is…             Mi nombre es…
  • Nice to meet you!        Mucho gusto!
  • Thank you.                  Gracias.

For more info on Bolivia, check out the APIA Culture Quest site.