Around the world in 80 bites [antikvár]

NTRODUCTIOThe world on a plateThe world is a fascinating place, not least because of the diversity of its countries and their respective cultures. And if there is one element of a country that typifies its cultural, historical and social uniqueness more tellingly than any other, it has to be its food. At its most basic, food is essential for survival; however, it can also be a great pleasure. The cuisines of countries around the globe have developed as much in response to this secondary factor, as they have to the first. The social element of eating and drinking has brought families and friends together to celebrate, enemies together to negotiate and leaders together to contemplate, since humans first roamed the planet. Sharing food is a bonding ritual that can overcome language barriers and cultural disparities; by sampling the typical food of a country or region you are at the same moment stepping back in time and immersing yourself in the history of that place. Knowledge of a country's cuisine is an essential part of the knowledge of the country itself, and the stories behind the recipes can be as interesting as the dishes themselves, with many steeped in ancient tradition.Variations on a theme The abundance of indigenous ingredients in certain countries resulted in the development of dishes to use them, but from meat through to breads and sauces, similar dishes are interpreted very differently, depending on the other ingredients available. Bread of some description is a staple food in many countries, yet there are significant variations in appearance, texture and cooking techniques, depending on where you travel. Irish soda bread [Smoked Salmon and Gubbeen Bites, page 21) uses bicarbonate of soda as a leavening agent because the bread was first baked before yeast was widely used; German rye bread [Beefsteak Tartare on Endive Scoops variation, page 26] is made with rye flour rather than wheat; while the Mexican tortilla [Spinach and Pepper Quesadilla Wedges, page 120] was traditionally made^^ from corn, a predominant crop in that part of the world.Trading tastesAlthough individual ingredients in typical recipes are often native to the country, this is not always the case. Many well-