Easter Celebrations from Around the Globe
April 5, 2012
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Scottsdale
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Easter Celebrations from Around the Globe
When you look at most traditional holidays, no matter what variations you have in the way they are celebrated, food plays an integral role. Food is more than just a necessity for nourishing our bodies, it acts as a focal point for socialization, a conversation piece, a way to comfort ourselves, a tradition to be passed down generation after generation and generally it is a pleasurable activity. Living in the United States, fortunately we see the culinary influences of our diverse population in many of today’s holiday feasts. Many of these traditions can also be seen in culinary training across the country. Diversity makes culinary creativity shine. Many variations of traditional dishes are taught right here in Scottsdale culinary schools.
Here are three of the most food-loving Easter celebrations from around the globe.
Greek: In the Greek Orthodox faith, Easter is known as the most sacred time of year. On the day known as Holy Thursday, the tradition begins with special bread known as tsoureki. Another slight variation from what we are traditionally used to in America is that Easter eggs are dyed red instead of a variety of colors. This is symbolic of the blood of Christ and the color of life. Traditional Easter feasts include, Mayiritsa, a type of soup that uses the leftover parts of the goats and lambs which are also a part of the traditional Greek meal.
Polish: In the traditional spiritual beliefs of Easter there is a period of fasting that is typically observed by adults. In many aspects of the Polish culture, children take place in the fasting as well. So, as you can imagine, the Easter feast was highly anticipated by those of all ages. On Holy Thursday many traditional dishes are prepared including kielbasa, and lamb cake. The Easter basket is known in Poland as the swieconka basket and the contents of the basket are blessed.
Spanish: A special type of pastry has become a tradition and symbol of Easter in Spanish culture. It is made by combining honey, eggs, milk and bread mix and then frying it lightly in olive oil. Easter baskets are not normally part of the celebration as they are in many other cultures. Instead, parents normally give children chocolate statutes. More traditional Spanish Easter foods include fish soup and asparagus.
This year when preparing your annual Easter feast, try adding some of these items from celebrations around the world to your menu. If you are interested in learning more about unique culinary training and foundational techniques , Le Cordon Bleu could be the place for you. As the the industry leader in culinary education, Le Cordon Bleu is built on 100 years of tradition originating from the first school in Paris.
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale offers culinary arts and pâtisserie and baking training programs in Scottsdale, Arizona. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Scottsdale for more information.
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