World Cuisine – French Appetizers: Eat Like the French

Eat like zee French!! Better yet. Just eat the appetizers.

Have you been tasked with meal planning and preparation for the holidays?

My advice to you? Eat like they do in France.

Michey LM is a fellow freelance writer, and the information contained in an article she published inspired this “two cents”. She has chosen to unpublish her content; however, learning about this delicious cuisine has me yearning (or craving) for everything French!!  

A typical meal in France has 5 (or 7) components or courses. The first course consists of appetizers (or aperitifs). For me, it's perfectly alright to make them my entire meal!! Examples of French cuisine appetizers include herbed cheese spread, Amiens pates (duck pate), fish soup, and a dish called pissaladiere. There are plenty more. The first two on the list are the most satisfying to my taste buds. But more than happy to taste and sample all the other entrées too! Learn more about this wonderful food that you would probably enjoy so much, you would be perfectly fine with skipping the rest of the meal. :)

Here is a variation of the courses: 

• Apéritif, 
• Hors d’Oeuvres, 
• Soup, 
• Main Dish, 
• Salad, 
• Cheese, 
• Dessert. 

But no matter the number of courses, the meal usually begins with the apéritifs / hors d’oeuvres. Americans would call this part of the meal the appetizers. I would be perfectly satisfied just eating the appetizers. Some people skip the meal and go straight to dessert. I wouldn’t skip. I would just start at the beginning of the meal and never graze any further!

I’ll make a confession. I have always envied the French. For me, any time a group of people can enjoy eating cheese (one of my favorite foods), cook their food with butter and/or cream, and not have a problem with their weight, I call that an “art”. Besides that, I say there must be a reason why many world-class chefs (such as popular Asian TV chef, Ming Tsai) go to cooking school in France. There are many interesting links to be found around the web that discuss the art of eating like the French. Here are a few.

♦ The French eating habits the world should learn from

♦ Learn the Different Courses in a Formal French Meal

♦ Serious Entertaining: A 5-Course French Meal for Your Bastille Day Fête (You’ll want to celebrate this holiday every day, even if you aren’t from France.)  

The Everything Easy French Cookbook: Includes Boeuf Bourguignon, Crepes Suzette, Croque-Monsieur Maison, Quiche Lorraine, Mousse au Chocolat...and Hundreds More! (Everything Series)

 

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Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon

I can smell nutmeg, apples, and cinnamon.

I can sprinkle a little powdered pumpkin spice or a dash of plain old cinnamon in my morning cup of coffee.

For an evening meal, I can enjoy a hearty bowl of butternut squash soup or cook up a stew chock-full of root vegetables and meat, made with that special secret ingredient:  cinnamon.


In the United States, people associate cinnamon with the autumn season and/or the Christmas holidays.  But for me, any time is a good time to enjoy cinnamon.

😍  

Shining the spotlight on one of my favorite warming, feel-good spices.  Cinnamon!

DID YOU KNOW?

Cinnamon used to be more valuable than gold. "The woody, warming spice we sprinkle with abandon on top of baked goods and specialty coffees is native to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and India. But very few people knew where cinnamon came from when merchants first began selling spices throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa as far back as 3,000 years ago — and spice traders capitalized on that lack of knowledge to charge high prices. The stories they told sound wild now, but they once made cinnamon more precious than gold. ..."

READ FULL ARTICLE:  Meeker, Nicole Garner. “Cinnamon Used to Be More Valuable than Gold.” Interesting Facts, 23 Apr. 2026, https://interestingfacts.com/fact/cinnamon-used-to-be-more-valuable-than-gold/.

DID YOU KNOW?

- There is a mythological creature called the Cinnamon Bird?
- In Ancient Egypt, cinnamon was used in the embalming process?

There's probably lots of other things you didn't know about cinnamon as well.

If you're curious, read more:  20 Facts about Cinnamon.

• Community Post: 35 Crazy-Good Ways To Indulge On Cinnamon This Fall: Because it is the best of all the fall spices!

Links to a sampling of recipes using cinnamon that reflect world cuisine and global tastes: Snickerdoodles Soft, chewy sugar cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar, snickerdoodles are a cozy American classic with a signature tang from cream of tartar. Their warm spice and crackly tops make them a nostalgic favorite across generations. Pumpkin Soup Silky pumpkin soup often features cinnamon to enhance its natural sweetness, creating a comforting bowl enjoyed from North America to the Middle East. The spice adds depth and warmth, especially in autumn-inspired versions. Apple Pie A hallmark of American baking, apple pie relies on cinnamon to bring out the fruit’s brightness and aroma. The spice blends with apples to create a filling that’s both sweet and warmly spiced. Coffee Cake Cinnamon is the star of many coffee cakes, swirled through the batter or layered as a crumbly streusel. This beloved treat appears in variations around the world, often served with tea or coffee. Baklava In Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, baklava layers crisp phyllo with nuts scented with cinnamon, then soaks everything in fragrant syrup. The spice adds warmth that balances the dessert’s sweetness. Biriyani A celebrated South Asian rice dish, biriyani uses cinnamon sticks as part of its aromatic spice blend, infusing the rice and meat with deep, layered flavor. The result is a fragrant, festive centerpiece. Chicken Mole In Mexican mole sauces, cinnamon contributes subtle warmth that complements chiles, chocolate, and nuts. Its presence helps create Mole’s famously complex, bittersweet depth. Roast Duck Cinnamon often appears in Chinese and Southeast Asian roast duck marinades or spice rubs, adding gentle sweetness that enhances the rich, fatty meat. The spice helps create a beautifully aromatic, lacquered finish.

Kunafeh, the Middle East's Favorite Cheese Delight!

https://www.tumblr.com/myfoodieluv/792542919952302080/dolce-rita-kunafeh-the-middle-easts-favorite

Chinese Cinnamon Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Chinese.Food.com

Chinese Cinnamon Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Chinese.Food.com

This was published in a Fine Cooking magazine a couple of years ago. I was so excited to have found a relatively easy yet very flavorful noodle soup for my family. My husband (the ultimate food critic) loves this and doesnt mind eating it for days.

Tomato Bredie - Traditional South African Stew (Video) | PantsDownApronsOn (One stick of cinnamon required.)

https://www.tumblr.com/myfoodieluv/792543963461697536/tomato-bredie-traditional-south-african-stew

Featured Products from SpiceCubed.

Quick Intro to Global Cuisine: Dinner Ideas: Chicken and Rice - Persian Style (And More Recipe Variations)

Got rice? Got chicken? Let's do this!

Many cultures have a chicken and rice recipe.  It's a universal comfort food combination found all over the world.  A recipe that I really like is "Chicken and Rice - Persian Style".  It's the saffron spice and the dried cherries that make this rice super good!!

Persian Sour Cherry Saffron Rice (Polow)

This Steamy Kitchen recipe celebrates the classic Persian dish Albaloo Polow, combining basmati rice with luscious sour cherries and fragrant saffron for a sweet‑tart, aromatic experience. The author shares a personal love for the dish, recalling generous servings from a favorite Hollywood Persian restaurant. It’s presented as an irresistible, almost indulgent rice centerpiece designed to enchant any cherry‑and‑saffron lover. Steamy Kitchen

Want more?

• Persian Roasted Chicken with Cherry-Saffron Rice

This Food & Wine recipe pairs Persian-style roasted chicken with a fragrant dried cherry saffron rice, creating a sweet, savory balance rooted in classic Iranian flavors. Saffron-infused basmati rice with tart cherries and warm spices. Doesn't it sound positively scrumptious? F&W presented the dish as an elegant yet approachable way to bring Persian culinary tradition to your home kitchen.

• Tah-Chin - Persian Upside Down Layered Saffron Rice & Chicken

An Iranian food blogger shared this recipe. "We Iranians love our rice and enjoy layering it with various types of vegetables and meats, but the most sought-after part of this dish is its golden crispy bottom layer of rice (tahdig).  ته چین Tah-chin is the tahdig lovers galore!"

This post introduces tahchin, a beloved Persian layered saffron‑rice dish filled with tender chicken and bound with yogurt and egg yolks, celebrated especially for its golden, cake‑like tahdig crust. The author goes through each step—from par‑boiling rice to layering and flipping—emphasizing technique and tradition. Comforting yet elegant.

• World Cuisine: Potatoes or Rice? Rice! It Has Jewels!! (Instead of cherries, this recipe uses pomegranate.)

Potatoes OR Rice? And the winner is? Persian jeweled rice is the irresistible winner thanks to its vibrant, gem-like mix of fruits and nuts. This festive dish shines in global cuisine and would make a stunning and exotic side dish to a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner. This post shares links to rice recipes to help blog visitors explore more international variations of this rice dish.

White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4

Here are some well-known versions from different regions:

🌍 Asia

• Hainanese Chicken Rice (Singapore/Malaysia) – Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat and broth, accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste.

• Arroz Caldo (Philippines) – A rich, gingery rice porridge with chicken, often topped with scallions, garlic, and calamansi.

• Chicken Biryani (India/Pakistan) – Fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced chicken, saffron, and fried onions.

• Congee (China) – A comforting rice porridge sometimes made with chicken and flavored with soy, ginger, and scallions.

🌍 Middle East & North Africa

• Kabsa (Saudi Arabia) – Spiced rice and chicken dish with cardamom, cinnamon, and raisins.

• Maqluba (Levant) – A layered rice, chicken, and vegetable dish that’s flipped upside down before serving.

• Chicken with Yellow Rice (Morocco) – Often cooked with turmeric, saffron, and preserved lemon.

🌍 Europe

• Arroz con Pollo (Spain/Latin America) – Literally “rice with chicken,” featuring saffron or annatto and bell peppers.

• Risotto con Pollo (Italy) – Creamy Arborio rice with chicken and Parmesan.

• Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice (Avgolemono-inspired) – Roasted or simmered chicken with lemony rice and herbs.

🌍 Americas

• Southern Chicken and Rice (U.S.) – A creamy casserole or stovetop dish with chicken, broth, and vegetables.

• Arroz con Pollo (Latin America) – Varies by region — Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Colombian versions differ in spices and vegetables.

Do you have a favorite chicken and rice recipe?

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RELATED OR SIMILAR LINKS:

World Cuisine : The India-Africa Cooking Connection

For me, a hearty stew has always been the ultimate family-style comfort food. Prepare a big pot, fill the bowls for family, friends, and honored guests, break bread, and chow down!! (Keep reading and you'll get the "bread" and "chow" references.)  Such a meal can unite family and friends, make strangers feel welcome, and dare I say ... connect countries?  Hey!  Nothing wrong with wishful thinking and dreams of world peace.

Indians love curry; in fact that's where it originated. Africans like peanuts; it was a food used to feed the slaves because it was an excellent source of protein. These tidbits of info gleaned from researching world cuisine, global flavors, and food history.  When the Indians and the Africans combined their food loves ... the "mix" was WOW!  Let the links shared below explain the impact.  They lead to recipes that introduce your palette to the blending of the cultures of  India and Africa in every delicious mouthful.  Not just dishes that use curry and peanuts but meals with other flavorful cultural ingredients.  It's family food, it's comfort food, it's "all kinds of deliciousness" food!! ☺

Let's Go to South Africa for Some Indian Food

Experience the flavors of Indian food in South Africa.

Indian cuisine South Africa style blends Indian and African foods

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African cuisine reflects the amalgamation of hundreds of different cultures and groups that inhabit the continent. The local culinary traditions are a fusion and it can be seen in the choice of ingredients, method of preparation and cooking techniques.

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Recipe Sharing : CHICKEN RECIPES – The Best of

Award-winning TV chef, Lidia Bastianich, says that “chicken” is the most searched for food term. There is no reason to think that fact needs to be checked out. Lots of people love chicken! Fried, stewed, baked, barbecued, grilled! There has got to be a million plus ways to prepare this delightful bird and make it taste like it's the first time you've ever eaten it! Agree?

 



What's your favorite part of the chicken? (Breasts or dark meat?)

• I like chicken thighs.

Do you also like chicken livers, gizzards, and hearts?

• If you tenderize them you can cook them in a stew with carrots, potatoes and green cabbage. It's a poor man's meal but very filling.

Do you have favorite way you like to eat chicken?

 
When people say “best of”, it's almost always purely subjective. However, for several years I have been collecting what, in my opinion is the “best” chicken recipes from wherever they can be found and as of today my Pinterest board boasts close to 600 recipes.

Here is a quick list of just a few of the best chicken dishes ever.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Yeah mon!! :)

16-Spice Fried Chicken with Mango–Red Chile Honey

Mango makes everything taste good!

 

Easy Greek Marinated Chicken

Greek Chicken with Garlic and Feta

Grilled Thai Spice Chicken Sliders

Who doesn't like Greek or Thai food? (O.o) (???)

 

Honey Jalapeno Chicken Tenders

Finger food in its finest hour!

 

Best Ever Roast Chicken

* soy sauce, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, olive oil.

Just listing the seasonings makes my mouth water.

 

Chicken Rice Casserole Sunday Supper

The mighty one-pot dish!

 

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

* use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

 Chicken Rice Casserole Sunday Supper 137 ​ 138
The mighty one pot dish!

Easy Chicken Enchiladas 

 * use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. 

 Said the magic word. Easy!!

Lemon Chicken Rice Soup 

Best Chicken Detox Soup 

Don't resist chicken soup! It's good for the soul! :) 

 

Lemon Chicken Rice Soup

Best Chicken Detox Soup

Don't resist chicken soup! It's good for the soul! :)

Inexpensive Meals: Lentils are Hearty, Healthy and a Small Bag Can Feed a Crowd

LEBANESE RECIPE: Mujaddara

I did not start eating lentils until I got married back in the 70s. It was never served in my mom's house. I learned how to cook them because my husband liked them. I usually seasoned them with smoked turkey and added diced carrots, onions, and celery. Learned that lentils are a common dish in the Middle East. They are legumes and they come in different colors: black, brown, red, and yellow. They can not be eaten RAW. Also, you don't have to soak them before cooking.

FUN FOOD FACTS:

• Lentils are one of the oldest cultivated crops in human history. (You know it! They're mentioned in the Bible.)

• Lentils likely came to the USA via European Settlers, especially from Mediterranean countries.

• In the early 1900s, the USDA and land-grant universities began promoting lentils as a rotational crop due to their nitrogen-fixing properties.

• As of today, the USA is now one of the world’s top producers of lentils. The United States grows several types: green, red, black (also known as Beluga lentils), and French green (Puy-style) lentils.

Mujaddara is a dish of cooked lentils together with groats, generally rice, and garnished with sautéed onions.

• Here is a recipe: Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions) -Cookie and Kate  

“Mujadara is served across the Middle East in various forms and goes by differing names, depending on where you are. It has many spelling variations: mujadarra, mujadarah, majadra, mejadra, moujadara, mudardara, and megadarra.”

• More Info: What Are Lentils and How Do You Cook Them? | Cooking Light ~ 

The good thing about lentils is that they are very inexpensive, and one small bag (16 oz.) can make a big pot to feed a lot of people.

Foodie Nuggets: Basil, the Sacred Herb

Basil has a revered status in various cultures, and some refer to it as “the sacred herb”. It serves as a symbol of spirituality, protection, and even divinity. References to Basil's sacred nature are found in religious texts, historical manuscripts, and cultural literature.

Image credit: Basil Kitchen Herb Watercolor Wall Art

For example:

• In Hinduism, basil is considered sacred to the god Vishnu.

• In Greek Orthodox Christianity, basil is used to prepare holy water during the Feast of the Epiphany, symbolizing the blessing of the waters.

• In medieval European folklore and superstitions, basil was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

In traditional medicine, basil is praised for its potential health benefits. It is rich in essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. People who prefer holistic herbal remedies use basil to treat address ailments such as, digestive issues and respiratory conditions,

Last, but not least, basil is a culinary delight. Its leaves are very aromatic leaves and the herb has a distinctive flavor. Basil's popularity extends to many countries and culinary traditions:

• Italy and Greece: Basil is a fundamental herb in the Mediterranean diet. It is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, and complements the Mediterranean flavors commonly found in Greek food.

• India: Basil, known as tulsi in Hindi, is used in Indian cuisine, as well as, religious rituals and Ayurvedic medicine.

• Thailand and Vietnam: Thai cuisine incorporates basil in dishes such as Thai basil chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) and green curry. The herb is also common in Vietnamese cuisine, and featured in dishes like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup).

That short list includes just a few examples. But is it any wonder that basil is found in spice cabinets and herb gardens all over the world? 

Just a few quick notes about the mythology behind the wonderful herb basil.

~ Basil comes from the Greek word "basilikos", which means "herb worthy of a king". 

~ Hindus regard basil as a sacred plant. Historians say basil originated in India and was brought to the West. 

~ Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were aware of this plant's medicinal qualities and as a flavoring for food. 

~ Pliny, a famous Roman citizen, friend to the emperor, a writer, philosopher, and a naturalist, was convinced that basil was a powerful aphrodisiac. Consequently, basil became a symbol for love and lovers. 

~ In the Middles Ages, in Europe, basil was used for exorcism, to drive out devils. But the Italians eventually figured out it made a great pesto! 

~ Napoleon Bonaparte believed the scent of basil made him smarter, so he would sniff it before preparing plans for battle. Interesting huh? 

REF: Sacred Plant of Eternal Love and Healing: The Mythology and Magic of Basil | Ancient Origins ~ www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/sacred-plant-eternal-love-and-healing-mythology-and-magic-basil-009395

World Cuisine: Food History: Cuban Sandwich

Most people, most people in or from South Florida, have heard of Little Havana, a neighborhood in Miami, Florida, built up by Cuban immigrants who fled Cuba when Fidel Castro came to power. Everybody knows this is the place to go to partake of authentic Cuban cuisine. However, did you know that the oldest Cuban sandwich shop which opened its doors in 1947, is not located in Miami? The famous Silver Ring Cafe is in Tampa, Florida.

That was news to me. Also learned something else new. Very familiar with the Sandwich Cubano (Cuban sandwich) and Media Noche Sandwich (Midnight Sandwich); but did you know there are several variations of this sandwich? No doubt they’re all delicious! There is a third one called Elena Ruz (Cuban Turkey Sandwich). It has guava jelly as one of the ingredients. If you’ve never tried Cuban food, you must try the Cuban Sandwich. Even the world-famous chef, Bobby Flay has his own variation.

Eating food is one of life’s greatest joys. 
But learning food history is also great fun too!


References:

Internetwriter62. "The Art of the Cuban Sandwich." HUBPages.com. HUBPages Inc., 17 Sept. 2013. Web. 20 Jan. 2017. 

“Bobby Flay Goes Cuban.” CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 1 Feb. 2007. Web. 27 Mar. 2015.  (Video.) 

* * * Original Source

Cuban Sandwiches - Gourmet Frozen Pork Appetizers (45 Piece Tray)

The Beginner's Cuban Cookbook: An Easy Guide to Making Authentic Cuban Food for Novice Chefs

Iberia Guava Paste (14 oz Bricks) 3 Pack

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Foodie Nuggets: Gourmet Sleuth is an Excellent Cooking Resource (Bye Bye!) [UPDATE]

UPDATE March 2025: APOLOGIES. Bad news I'm afraid. I don't know what happened. But this foodie website no longer exists. The domain name is available and is being used by another owner and it is not food-related.  The best I could do is find sites like the "old" Gourmet Sleuth used to be.  Sorry.

  

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Have you ever had a recipe that required a certain ingredient but that particular ingredient is not readily available where you live OR if it is available, it's really expensive.  This website called Gourmet Sleuth will share ingredients that you can substitute.  For example:

• If you don't have radicchio, use endive or arugula.
• If you don't have jack fruit, use plantains, summer squash or papaya. 

If the recipe calls for something exotic like Bhutanese Red Rice, you can substitute Black rice or brown rice.  (Found a recipe at a site other than Gourmet Sleuth.)

"Bhutanese Red Rice is a partially-milled short grain rice grown in the Himalayan mountains." 

You can easily look up what you need as the ingredients are arranged in alphabetical order.

The site also has HAD a blog and shares recipes, conversions, and articles.  Because I am interested in world cuisine, I really like the article section titled "Ethnic, Unique Foods, Ingredients".  Could not find another site.  Can only refer you to Amazon.  (Not like that's a bad thing.  There's actually some pretty cool stuff there. 😀)

Substituting Ingredients: The A to Z Kitchen Reference (Must-Have Kitchen Essential with 1,000 Easy-to-Find, Healthy, and Cheap Substitutions)