Around the World in 80 Recipes
[Source: with permission from Kevin Van Aelst Photography]
Did you know that Torontonians come from over 200 countries? With such a great representation of cultures, we have the unique opportunity to learn different languages, experience cultural celebrations, and best of all … eat great food from all over the world. My favorite part!
I always make it a point to try new restaurants whenever I can, or better yet, get some home cooked food from the different cuisines of my friends. Websites like Zagat or Urbanspoon can be a great way to read restaurant reviews. Our last post shared some of the great summer festivals in Toronto, now why not take out a book or two to learn how to create some of the tasty foods you tried?
The Toronto Public Library has a great collection of cookbooks with cuisines from all over the world. One of my favorite ways to try new recipes is by downloading an eBook or eMagazine onto my tablet and browsing it before I go to sleep.
When my tablet doesn't become my pillow, I usually find some great recipes to try! I'm not Vegetarian, but I've found some great receipes in this Vegetarian Collection by Canadian Living. My favorites are the Afghan eggplant ["burani bonjon"] and black bean quesadillas pictured on the cover below. Mmm!
[Source: The Vegetarian Collection: Creative meat-free dishes that nourish and inspire]
I find that magazines are also a great way to collect recipes. Zinio eMagazines gives you access to current issues of popular magazines to read on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. I use Zinio to access these great cooking magazines:
If you've never used Zinio before, have no fear! Here is some information on Getting Started with Zinio eMagazines and a quick Video Tutorial on how to use it. In addition to the magazines I posted, there are a number of others that can be accessed in Zinio's Food and Cooking section.
Here are some cookbooks to get you started on your cooking journey around the world!
Toronto & Canada:
The Americas:
Africa & The Middle East:
Europe:
Asia:
For Kids and Teens:
I leave you with some quotes about the joys of food:
Laughter is brightest where food is best –Irish Proverb
People who love to eat are always the best people. –Julia Child
If you have any cookbook favorites, please post in the comments below. Happy cooking, everyone!
2 thoughts on “Around the World in 80 Recipes”
Actually, one of my favourite things to do is look at recipe books. I’m not the greatest when it comes to cooking, so when I see these books I get ideas in my head and really want to try to make something on my own, from scratch. There’s definitely a lot of variety when it comes to food from different cultural backgrounds, and that’s something that’s been ingrained in me growing up in Toronto.
Since the summer isn’t over yet, maybe it’s time to experiment with cooking something out of my comfort zone for friends and family!
Hi Haziq,
Thanks for the comment! Luckily there are a lot of great options (eBooks, eMagazines & books) for you to try at the library. It can be daunting to make something from scratch, but it’s so rewarding when it turns out well. You’ve still got a week of summer to eke out a good recipe or two … keep us posted!