French Food and Its Regional Influences

In some regions people contained there regional specialties but most of them became famous and enjoyed all over the world. In their own region of origin you can mainly find their specialty with more quality of preparation and ingredients, even if you can find them throughout France. In each region they have also their typical way of choosing the ingredients and cooking their meals. For example Tomatoes, different kinds of herbs and Olive oil are a must in the Cuisine in Provence.

Here are a couple main influences of regional cooking:

Economic conditions and history: The economic conditions, lifestyle and the culture of course have formed the local food traditions in different areas. Firm cheeses are found in the mountain regions since that over difficult and long winters they can be preserved. In the history when we speak about economy, we find that in some limited areas this firm cheeses are also the main means of support for a lot of homes since they can be produced in the mountains for the livestock. Over several centuries the economic prosperity of the region of Burgundy was great due to their excellence in raising cattle and that also helped them to provide their rich cream sauces and meat dishes.

Local availability: Fresh local ingredients that are not transported for long distances are of better quality and are the basics of the best food and of course the French nation of gourmets knows that. For example, the community of areas where herbs and fruit grow easily will use them in their local cuisine. Likewise, inland areas don`t really use a lot of sea fish but on the contrary Northwest coastal places of France like Normandy and Brittany offer a typical way of eating sea fish meals.

Immigration and neighbouring countries: The neighbors cuisine is formally incorporated in areas of France which border onto other countries. Near to the Italian border for example it will not be surprising to find Italian dishes. Because of immigration, the North African people residing in the South of France are letting enjoy the French people of their original African dishes. And also after various wars the border of Germany has been moved back in the area of Alsace but until now you find the German « Sauerkraut » and wine that became very popular in that kind of areas.

You will find in all parts of France, both in homes and in restaurants, a great range of dishes far extending beyond the regional specialities. However you will always remark the local influences in terms of cooking and ingredients. Local recipes and ingredients seem to be the best cooking and the most available in its own region. Therefore, the types of food one desires to enjoy is a great consequence of the choice where to visit or live in France.

These are a couple of examples:

• Fresh water fish is consumed in the inland areas, like in the Loire Valley, while sea food is preferred in the Mediterranean and near the Atlantic coast.
• The hot climate throughout the south, favorites the use of fruit and vegetables.
• The « Sauerkraut » and beer have been influenced in the northeast of France, like in Lorraine and Alsace, by the German.
• Apples, creme fraiche (soured cream) and butter are used in the cuisine of northwest France.
• Tomatoes, herbs and olive oil are mainly used by the French Mediterranean.

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Gourmet Gift Basket - A Truly Special Present

The gourmet gift basket is a really special and wonderful present that you can give to someone you care about at any time of year and not just during the holidays. Certainly the most popular of all gourmet gift baskets that are available today are those which either contain food or wine (or even both). There are literally thousands of gift basket companies online, some of which are better than others and below we look at just a few of the more reliable and reputable ones that can offer you good quality gourmet gift baskets at a price to suit your budget.

1. Delightful Deliveries

This site offers a wide variety of gourmet gift baskets from ones made up of Bakery items to ones that either contain fruit, gourmet foods or gourmet wines. Really with this site you are spoilt for choice and the service they provide to their customers is very good also.

2. Fill-r-Up

This is a company which can offer you a customized gourmet gift basket and they have a retail store which is located in Manhattan (New York). The team at this company can offer you a brilliant collection of both creative and unique gift baskets and all of which are very reasonably priced.

3. Prime Wine

This is the site where you look for a gourmet gift basket that is ideal for the true wine aficionado. They can provide you with a selection of the most beautiful quality wines as well as gourmet foods such as cheese, smoked salmon and chocolates to complement the particular wines in the basket. Each basket that this company produces is made to order and so you can either choose the wines yourself or let one of their experts make the choices for you.

4. Zingerman's

This is one of the best places you will find to purchase a good quality gourmet gift basket from. They can produce a gift basket made up with some of the most fantastic foods that you are ever likely to find from Artisan cheeses, through to rare oils and vinegars and much much more.

The only problem you will have when looking to choose a gourmet gift basket to present to someone is which one you should choose. The best thing you can do is write down a list of the gourmet gift baskets that are available and then select the one which is best suited to the recipient of the gourmet gift basket that you will be sending.

Working Up An Appetite

One of the greatest experiences of being human is to be out in nature. There is just something about being in the fresh open air of the wilderness that makes a person feel more alive, more grounded. The stresses and responsibilities of life lessen in the great outdoors and it is less complicated. After a long day hiking or on the river even if exhaustion is felt, it is refreshing and invigorating. Along with the hard work comes a hearty appetite and a good meal is welcomed by everyone. Even food tastes better when enjoyed in nature and it is received with enthusiastic appreciation. The supper that is tasty is all the more satisfying. A cook can really get rave reviews at a camp. If some thought and a little preparation are made a great meal can be enjoyed and increase the quality of the outdoor experience. Here are some suggestions.

The first thing to note is that all three meals are not created equal. Breakfast and dinner are the meals that more time is put in. The first meal should be filling, one that will stay with you all day. Whole grains probably fit this requirement the best.

Even if you are not normally a cook, camping is a good place to be willing to put in some effort and time. With all the energy burned you will truly appreciate a meal that will fill you up and keep you going. Oatmeal is the first option. For those who want something hot, with little effort, oatmeal fits the bill. It will "stick to your ribs" and keep you full longer, but this breakfast seems to be a popular one on trips and because of that it gets a little old. If that is all the further you want to go in your culinary efforts you can still spruce it up a little. Add dried fruit into the mix. Raisins seem to be the old stand by, but there is a plethora of other choices. Any fruit is an option. Try mangos, apples, strawberries etc. and a little dry milk mixed in. Your regular old oatmeal just turned into fruit and cream, much more satisfying. If you are a little more adventurous pull out the pan for your camp stove. Whole wheat pancakes with freeze dried fruit are amazing. Even syrup is not necessary for these delicious creations. They will be the hit of the camp so be sure to bring plenty. When planning pancakes bring oil in a spill proof container and pour a little into the pan before each cake (about 1 tsp).

A non-stick pan is also recommended for pancakes. These cakes are filling and delicious. Freeze dried fruit is recommended over dried for pancakes because they hydrate as they cook and return to a fresh-like berries rather then staying chewy in your pancakes like dried ones would. Prepackaged meals are fine camping, but you can make your own. Not only will it be cheaper, but it will last for many trips (and even at home). Large cans (#10 size) can be purchased of the berry you prefer. Mix up the pancake's dry ingredients at home (including dry milk and dry eggs) then all you have to add is water when you cook them at camp. During the day when you are on the river you probably do not want to pull off and unpack all the gear for lunch. This is a good time to have trial mix, granola bars and jerky.

Dinner is another time that it is worth putting in the effort. Meals in the can are not recommended frequently while camping because of the trash it creates. What gets brought in, gets brought out. Instead try a box of pasta with dry packs of sauce and then add a can of tuna or chicken. Dried vegetables added to this meal would be delicious. Just rehydrate them in a little water for 10 minutes or so before cooking and you have an entire dinner in one dish.

A few last notes to make. Do not pack you fuel in the dry bags with your food. If the fuel leaks, the food will not be good. If you are going to make something new on your trip, try it at home first. Better to learn when you have more food to try again. Instead of bringing trash bags bring plastic grocery bags with you. They are smaller and even if you use a couple, because of their size, they can be stuff in corners easily. Another suggestions about these plastic bags is that it is easy to double up on them for your trash to prevents leaks and such. Do not sacrifice food on your trip, make it delicious and you will enjoy the outdoors even more.

Emma Snow is a gourmet and freelance writer. Writing for Gourmet Living http://www.gourmet-living.com and BBQ Shop http://www.bbq-shop.net

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