Thailand

Thailand (#6) Thai Red Curry Chicken

 

 

I recently took a “Hot and Spicy Asian” cooking class and my favorite recipe was the curry chicken so I decided to make it this afternoon.  It turned out to be the perfect dish for a rainy day in Arizona.  It was made with shitake mushrooms, red peppers, ginger, garlic, red curry paste and fish sauce.  I also made jasmine rice to go along with it, and it was DELICIOUS! 
 

Hungary

Hungary (#5) Toltott Paprika (Stuffed Peppers)

 

This traditional Hungarian recipe is made with a combination of ground beef and pork mixed with rice and paprika, and stuffed inside colorful peppers.  I found an imported brand of sweet Hungarian paprika at my local specialty store and will have plenty of use for it when I make Hungarian Goulash and Chicken Paprikash.  This dish was wonderful, however; the sauce was a little skimpy.  I would have liked it better drenched in a lot of sauce with a great big dollop of sour cream. 

Next week something from somewhere in Asia!

Germany

Germany (#4) Kartoffelsuppe mit Speck (Bavarian Potato Soup with Bacon)

 

This was perfect for the cold weather we have been having, and so easy to make.  I used russet potatoes and lots of diced carrots, celery, onions and parsley sautéed with smoked bacon.  I seasoned with marjoram, salt and pepper and simmered in beef broth mixed with some flour.  This was so good; I’m making it again this weekend because the cold weather won’t last long.  I think I’ll add a big bunch of healthy kale next time.

 

 

Currywurst (Sausage and Potatoes)

 

Several years ago, I went on a Christmas market tour in Bavaria and fell in love with the German cuisine.  The markets were filled with wonderful food stalls, and currywurst was my favorite.  It's simply a white sausage (weiswurst), sauteed potatoes, and ketchup with curry for dipping.  I make it fairly frequently but look forward to traveling again to Germany for more incredible German food.

 

 

 

Philippines

Philippines (#3) Lumpiyang Shanghai (Lumpia)

I love lumpia! The first time I ate it was at a potluck at work. A Filipino woman brought a big platter of them and served them with a sweet chili sauce. They are so easy to make. I filled mine with ground pork, shredded cabbage, diced carrots, green onions, garlic and ginger. I bought all the vegetables at my local Farmer’s Market in Old Town Scottsdale this morning. I found a wonderful sweet chili ginger sauce (www.gingerpeople.com) at my local Asian market – House of Rice. 

 

France

France (#2) Quiche Lorraine
 
Quiche Lorraine is a classic French dish although it originated in Germany.  I bought an authentic “Made in France” quiche dish for this recipe.  I must say, it was one the best QL’s I have ever eaten!  I made it with lardons (bacon) and lots of gruyere, one of my favorite cheeses.  I plan on making variations such as the Alsacienne version that includes a layer of sautéed onions, or one with mushrooms or spinach.  A quiche will definitely be presented at my next dinner party.  

 

           

 
Galette aux abricots (Apricot Tart)

I love this rustic tart and it’s so easy to make.  Just roll out the pie crust and fill it with apricots and almonds, then bring the crust up over the filling, leaving the center exposed.  I added a few orange-flavored dried cranberries, and during fig season, I add fresh figs from my tree. 

Tarte Tatin a la Tomate (Tomato Tart)

This tart is a favorite of mine.  The crust is spread with Dijon mustard, then layered with shredded Gruyere, Roma tomatoes and a few slices of brie.  I sprinkle it with Herbes de Provence and bake for about 35 minutes.  So delicious!

Italy

Italy (#1) Salsiccia e Lenticchie (Sausage and Lentils)

Week one was a success! Italians begin the New Year with lentils and sausage. The coin-shaped lentils signify wealth in the coming year, and the sausage signifies richness in life. I garnished the dish with sauteed peppers from my sister's backyard garden. I found a wonderful Italian truffle cheese and served it with two of my favorites - garlic stuffed olives and cornichons. This recipe is a keeper, thanks to Mary Ann Esposito and her cooking show "Ciao Italia".
Next week France!