With the holiday season just around the corner, you might be preparing to host a gathering or attend a festive party hosted by a friend or family member. Whether you're the host or a guest, you're likely planning to share some delicious food. Why not expand your culinary horizons and explore new recipes from around the world? The online resource A to Z World Food is the perfect tool for discovering global food cultures and recipes.
Getting Started with A to Z World Food
- Visit addisonlibrary.org/research
- Browse for the A to Z World Food resource
- Log in or create an account using your Addison Public Library card
Once you're logged in, A to Z World Food offers many ways to explore recipes and food traditions from different countries. On the right side of the page, you'll find a list of countries to choose from. After selecting a country, a menu will appear on the left, offering a variety of options to dive deeper into that country’s food culture. Explore everything from classic dishes and daily meals to special occasion foods and popular street food. You can also find recipes categorized by type, including appetizers, salads, breads, main courses, and desserts.
Discover Holiday Foods and Special Occasions Around the World
With the holidays upon us, it’s fun to browse food traditions tied to festive celebrations. For example, in Algeria, couscous is a traditional dish enjoyed during holidays, symbolizing unity and abundance. It is often served with lamb, vegetables, and spiced broth—perfect for festive gatherings!
Learn About Essential Ingredients
Each country’s page also features a section on its "Pantry," where you can explore the essential ingredients that define its cuisine. Learn about the origin, flavor profile, and preparation methods for each ingredient. For instance, in the Cambodian pantry, you'll find palm sugar—a sweetener with a rich history and distinctive flavor.
Browse by Ingredient or Explore Reference Topics
If you’re looking for something specific, you can also search A to Z World Food by ingredients. The resource breaks them down into categories such as condiments, fruits, game, offal, and sweeteners.
Additionally, the Reference Topics section offers a wealth of knowledge on subjects like the history of coffee, food inventions, how food is made, and the use of spices. The "How Food is Made" section even includes brief instructional videos on techniques like clarifying butter, deseeding chile peppers, and opening a pomegranate.
Enjoy Your Culinary Journey!
Whether you're seeking new recipes to impress your guests or simply curious about food cultures around the world, A to Z World Food is the perfect place to start. Explore, discover, and enjoy the vibrant world of global cuisines this holiday season!