The Mediterranean Countries

THE MEDITERRAN EAN COUNTRIES C U LT U R E S & C U I S I N E S | C H A P T E R 3 0 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 AGRICULTURE OF SPAIN Farmingmost 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. CULTURE/RELIGION & HOLIDAYS OF SPAIN Religion & Holidays:

Culture: Invasion of various enemy groups until 1975 when a democratic government was established. Christianity New Years Evea grape popped in their mouth

which represents 12 months of good luck. Fiesta of San Fermin in July Running of the Bulls CUISINE OF SPAIN Made contributions to Mexican cuisine. Not as spicy as Mexican food. Traditionally slowly simmer foods.

Empanadillas Paella Sangria CUISINE OF SPAIN Tapas

Gazpacho Spanish Tortilla Flan MEAL PATTERNS OF SPAIN 4-5 Meals/Day Desayunobreakfast of coffee or a chocolate drink Amuerzo 2nd breakfast (11AM) more substantial;

omelet, grilled sausage, fried squid, open faced sandwiches Comidathe 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 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 AGRICULTURE OF ITALY Half of the nations 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 ITALIAN CULTURE, RELIGION & HOLIDAYS Culture: Decline in civil rule the Catholic Church met the peoples 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) 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. 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 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. CULTURE/RELIGION & HOLIDAYS Culture: OF GREECE Religion & Holidays:

Ancient Greece rich in art, Greek Orthodox literature, science, and philosophy (Socrates, Aristotle Much time and energy go & Plato) into their celebrations and Influenced art, literature and they include special food mythology. traditions.

Modern Greece is a poor St. Basils Day (New Years country with a common Day) language. Easter- most important Small communities have religious holiday tavernas or cafs that serve CUISINE OF

GREECE First to cook foods while others were still eating foods rawcreated the first cookbooks Variety of influences; Italian, Turkey Foods basic to Greek CUISINE OF GREECE Moussaka

Baklava Mezedhes Appetizers Avgolemono Sauce Phyllo Dough MEAL PATTERNS OF GREECE

3 Meals/Day Breakfast Lunch Dinner The Largest Meal Mezedhes early evening appetizers 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) THE END COOKING EQUIPMENT Mortar & Pestle Name that tool:

COOKING EQUIPMENT Name that tool: Double Boiler COOKING EQUIPMENT Clay Pots Name that tool:

COOKING EQUIPMENT Name that tool: Gyro Broiler