Europe+Research

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neatherlands http://www.worldsalaries.org/netherlands.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_life_expectancy 2. Geography: The Netherlands is located between Belgium and Germany. The Netherlands is a low-lying country. About 20% of the country, where 21% of the population lives, is below sea level. 50% of the land is less than one meter above sea level. A system of dikes and landfill have increased the usable land area. The Netherlands is divided into 2 main parts by the Rhine, the Waal and the Mause. The southwestern part of the Netherlands is a river delta. Climate: the predominant wind is from the southeast. This results in cool summers and mild winters http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neatherlands 3. How religion affects food choices: Pork is not eaten by Jews and Muslims. Catholics typically eat fish instead of meat on Fridays, especially during Lent (40 days before Good Friday and Easter.) Protestants and atheists may eat anything at anytime. Source: parents. 4. Staple foods: vegetables, meat, potatoes, cheese, and borenkoolstamppot, which is a type of European stew. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_Netherlands 5. Typical Ingredients: bread, cheeze, fish, sausage, vegetables, chocolate in deserts. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_Netherlands 6. Four common dishes: Hutspot, Borenkoolstamppot (cabbage served with smoked sausage), various sandwiches, uitsmijter spek en kaas (a couple of eggs fried with bacon and cheese). Hutspot is made with potatoes, carrots, onions and a meat like rookworst (smoked sausage) or a slow-cooked meat like bacon. Borenkoostamppot is served with curly kale, mashed potatoes, cabbage, gravy, mustard and rookworst. A traditional Dutch dinner can consist of boiled potatoes, panfried meat, aand a boiled vegetable. The Dutch are famous for their dairy products, especially milk and cheeses.. Their fast food often consists of french fries with a sauce and a meat product. A typical delicacy is raw herring, which is ofthen eaten with raw onions. The Dutch are known for their chocolate. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_Netherlands 7. Common cooking methods: grilling, roasting, frying, boiling. Source: from the kinds of foods mentioned above and below: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_Netherlands 8. Festival: Christmas. Associated Food Traditions: One typical Dutch tradition is "gourmet," an evening where small groups sit together around a gourmet-set and use their own small frying pans to cook and season their own food in very small portions. The host prepares finely chopped vegetables and different types of meats, fish and prawns/shrimps. Everything is accompanied by different salads, fruits and sauces. the Dutch also enjoy more traditional Christmas-dinners, especially meats and game like roast beef, duck, rabbit and pheasant. This is generally served with differnt types of vegetables, potatoes and salads. || 2. Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north 3. i dont think religion affects the diet that much. 4. meat fish diary and grain 5. Jarlsberg Filled Peppers 6. Deer Antlers -Gorro -Vafier -Lefse 7. Same as most countries in Europe 8.fjord Fiesta - variety of foods from all parts of Norway source: www.GoOgLe.com || 2. The climate of this country is neither very hot nor very cold. There are about 787 islands around Scotland; therefore, seafood is one of the often cooked food in Scotland. 3. Religion in Scotland does not affect on what they eat but they care about the integrity and the quality of food. 4. Oat meal is Scotland’s staple food. It is the only one to be guaranteed as Scottish from seed to it’s finished product. 5. Beacon, cereal, milk, cheese, yogurt, lamb, pork, meat, cabbage, leak, fish, and seaweed are typically used ingredients in Scotland. 6. //cullen skink// - a creamy soup made with smoked haddock //cock-a-leekie// - soup made with leek, chicken and prunes, and // haggis .// //Haggis// - Scotland´s most famous dish, made with liver, offal, oatmeal, onion and spices, traditionally served with // chappit tatties //. //bashed neeps// - mashed turnips, washed down with a whisky dram. 7. oven baking, roasting, 8. The Hebridean Celtic Festival – It is the largest Celtic festival in the north of Scotland and it is a showcase of top Celtic talents. Every year, the festival grows a little more. It now offers more than just music concerts. There is also the opportunity to learn some useful Gaelic and to listen to local storytelling. You can also listen to some interesting tales while walking the Castle Grounds at the festivals on a guided tour.
 * Lisa || 1. Country: Neatherlands: 41,526 sq. km. (16,033 sq. mi.). Capital city: Amsterdam. Population: 16,604,025. Religion: 26% Roman Catholic; 27% atheist (no God); 11.4% Protestants; 5% Muslim; 250,000 Buddhists; 45,000 Jews. Politics: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary elected government that has a Prime Minister and a parliament of 3 political parties (CDA, ChristianUnion, and SGP). Average income: $34,746. Average lifespan 66.57 years.
 * Lisa || 1. Country: Neatherlands: 41,526 sq. km. (16,033 sq. mi.). Capital city: Amsterdam. Population: 16,604,025. Religion: 26% Roman Catholic; 27% atheist (no God); 11.4% Protestants; 5% Muslim; 250,000 Buddhists; 45,000 Jews. Politics: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary elected government that has a Prime Minister and a parliament of 3 political parties (CDA, ChristianUnion, and SGP). Average income: $34,746. Average lifespan 66.57 years.
 * Lisa || 1. Country: Neatherlands: 41,526 sq. km. (16,033 sq. mi.). Capital city: Amsterdam. Population: 16,604,025. Religion: 26% Roman Catholic; 27% atheist (no God); 11.4% Protestants; 5% Muslim; 250,000 Buddhists; 45,000 Jews. Politics: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary elected government that has a Prime Minister and a parliament of 3 political parties (CDA, ChristianUnion, and SGP). Average income: $34,746. Average lifespan 66.57 years.
 * Ben ||  ||
 * JiHo || 1. Norway, 148940000 km, Oslo, 4,660,539 people, Church of Norway(religion), constitutional monarchy, GDP per capita is $58,60, 79.95 life span.
 * Daniel ||  ||
 * Rachel ||  ||
 * Gina || 1. , <78, 789 sq. km.>, , <5,168,500>, ,, < 44,503.82 USD>, <2007: 80 women, 75 men>

[] [] [] [|http://home.swipnet.se/~w-58525/skottlan/mdeng.htm] [] [] [] [] || The Swedish Parliament is called //Riksdag// and is situated in Stockholm. The house of Parliament is called //Riksdagshuset//. There are 349 Members of Parliament (MP:s). The Prime Minister is called //Statsminister// in Sweden.Sweden is a monarchy. About 88 % of the population in Sweden belong to the Swedish church, which is a **Lutheran Church**. The Church of Sweden can also be described as a national church, since it has long played the dominant role in Swedish religious life. Average life span is 75.35. Average income is about 22000 dollars a year. [|http://www.algonet.se/~hogman/sl_swefact_eng.htm] 2. **Climate:** temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north **Geography:** mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west. Sweden is a long, narrow country occupying the eastern two-thirds of the Scandinavian Peninsula and lying at about the same latitude as Alaska. On the west, Sweden shares a long boundary with Norway; on the northeast is a much shorter border with Finland. Sweden's eastern shores face the Baltic Sea and its northern arm, the Gulf of Bothnia. On the southwest are the Skagerrak, Kattegat, and Öresund straits, beyond which lies Denmark. Do to the cool weather Sweden's chief products in agriculture are barley, beef cattle, dairy products, hogs, oats, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat. //http://geography.howstuffworks.com/europe/geography-of-sweden.htm/printable// 3. Most of the Swedish people believe in Lutheranism which is the state's religion. For this reason, there is no certain food that they avoid. Although the feast on traditional foods that are unique to the Easter season. Halibut or salmon are the typical entrées of choice of Good Friday, with the main meal on Easter Sunday being lamb and hard-boiled eggs, often decorated with food coloring and designs. Shrove Tuesday, the last day before Lent, is traditionally observed by eating //semlor//, a cream- and almond-filled bun floating in a bowl of warm milk. http://www.foodbycountry.com/Spain-to-Zimbabwe-Cumulative-Index/Sweden.html 4. Because Sweden has many lakes and coasts, fish is an important staple in the Swedish diet. Other common foods of Sweden include cheese, sausage, potatoes and other root vegetable. The climate allows these products to be produced. http://www.earthyfamily.com/S-Culture.htm 5. The typical ingredients used are fish, potatoes, cheese, sausage, vegetables, eggs. 6. Sweden is famous for the popular Smörgåsbord, a large buffet filled with fish, meats, cheeses, salads, omelets, stuffed cabbage and sweets Gravlax or gravad lax (Swedish) is a dish consisting of raw salmon cured in salt, sugar and dill. Usually it’s served as an appetizer, thinly sliced and served with a dill and mustard sauce, either on bread or with boiled potatoes. Janssons frestelse ("Jansson’s temptation") a traditional Swedish casserole made of potatoes, onions, pickled sprats, bread crumbs and cream. Potatoes and sprats are layered alternating the sprats with onions. Salt and pepper over each layer and cream is added so that it almost fills the tin and then it is baked. Pyttipanna also pytt i panna which is Swedish for "leftovers in the pan". Traditionally is consists of potatoes, onions and sausage or ham diced and pan fired. It is often served with a fried egg, pickled diced beets, sour pickles and capers. The dish was originally made from leftovers of past meals but now it is more commonly made with prime ingredients. Raggmunk literally translated means "hairy doughnuts" because the grated potatoes make them look hairy. Prepared with a batter of wheat flour, milk, egg and shredded potatoes and fried thin like pancakes. Enjoyed with fried bacon and lingonberry jam. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/swedish-cuisine.html 7. long cooking, grounding, boiling, frying, baking, grilling 8. The largest feast of the year takes place on Christmas Eve, when either a juicy ham, or //lutfisk// (sometimes spelled //lutefisk,// dried fish cured with a lye mixture) with creamy dipping sauce, is served as the main dish. //Julgröt//, porridge similar to rice pudding, is also traditionally served. A lucky almond, often hidden in one of the porridges, is believed to grant good fortune to the person who finds it. http://www.foodbycountry.com/Spain-to-Zimbabwe-Cumulative-Index/Sweden.html ||
 * Esther || 1. Sweden: Sweden is in northern Europe and the capital is Stockholm. The Population is 9,000,000 and in Stockholm 711,000 (Greater Stockholm: 1,700,000). The total area of Sweden is 449,964 sq. km (173,732 sq. mi).
 * Julie ||  ||
 * Kenny ||  ||

RUSSIA! Russia. Western Russia. Moscow(it's capital), the largest city in Europe, has a population of 11 million people, and St. Petersburg (former Leningrad) has 5 million inhabitants. Around two-thirds of the population now live in cities. The population size is currently on the decline. Pensioners constitute 23% of the population and the average family size is three people. The average life expectancy rate is much lower than that of other developed countries.  Moscow or St Petersburg it is not uncommon to find Russians who speak European languages, especially English.   Russia over the last few years as the Russian Orthodox Church has received official encouragement through the return of property confiscated during the Soviet period. The rebuilding of Christ the Saviour Cathedral (in Moscow) is symbolic of the restoration of the right to practice a religion in Russia, and this development has evoked much emotion amongst Russian (and foreign) people alike. Russia is the largest country in the world, covering 17.1 million square kilometre. Extending nearly halfway around the northern hemisphere and covering much of eastern and north-eastern Europe as well as the whole of northern Asia, Russia has a maximum east-west extent, along the Arctic Circle, of some 7,700 kilometers and a north-south width of 2,011 to 2,976 kilometers. Russia has an enormous variety of landforms and landscapes. Arctic deserts lie in the extreme north, giving way southward to the tundra and then to the forest zones, which cover about half of the country and give it much of its character. South of the forest zone lies the wooded steppe and steppe, beyond which are small sections of semidesert along the northern shore of the Caspian Sea. Much of the federation lies in latitudes where the winter cold is intense and there are many rivers, lakes, and swamps, which are freeze in winter. Russia's climate increases as one travels east, with average temperature differences between the warmest (July) and coldest (January) periods in Eastern Siberia, for example, varying as much as 65 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit). There is, however, much variation in climate based on latitude and physical geography. Temperatures for Moscow and St. Petersburg range from highs of 32 C in the summer to low - 25 C in winter. Since it is so cold and windy in Russia potatoes carrots are grown in an abundance. Also a ot of grains and wheat are grown such as winter barley and oats because of its frigid climate. Russia, some Kosher foods are found there. Kosher foods can be found in Jewish communities in Russia. Also Russian Orthodox's were only allowed to eat fish during fasting days.  Russia because of its many sea ports and fishing boat companies. Fish is big in this country because it was the only meat allowed on fasting days under the Russian Orthodox Church. Russia, and have become one of the most loved staples of the region. They're eaten boiled, fried, stewed and pickled, in soups, salads, meat pies, appetizers, sauces, main dishes and sometimes as a substitute for meat.  Russia and have long been a staple food in the region's cuisine. The most famous use for beets is borscht, a beet soup, but they're also popular boiled, pickled, in salads and as side dishes.  Russia. 
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 * Russia’s most famous dishes. Full of vegetables and meat, the layered flavors in this soup are especially nice with a dollop of fresh sour cream.


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 * Russia and abroad!

Russia. 

Russia is known for their hard drinking a lot of alcohol is consumed during any festival. Even if it is a fating festival or a religious one. **Spain ****: ** Madrid **Spain ****: ** Madrid 5.9 million Barcelona 5.3 million inhabitants, Valencia 1.6 million inhabitants.   Spain is the second largest country in Europe France).  Spain the second highest country in Europe after Switzerland). Spain has to an its there are many Spain there are Spain is made up of 17 autonomous regions. There are many religions and food isnt controlled country wide by one most. These or Spain.  Spain. Because of the geography there are so many different things used when cooking that only olive oil and garlic remain most common throughout. Examples include most importantly are also with or are Spain, although each region has its own version. Spanish do not only stew, they roast,fry and saute many foods. It is not as common to bake or broil, although they do grill meats on a metal plate or on a charcoal grill. Seville and Malaga are for Valladolid and Leon are also important. || http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/article/France/Religion-in-France/565, http://www.efmoody.com/longterm/lifespan.html, http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_median_household_income_in_France, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France 2. France is a relatively large country, so there are many different climates. It is usually cold, and does have snow in the winter. There are many mountains and rivers. They mostly grow cereal grains, potatoes, and grapes for wine. http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/France-AGRICULTURE.html 3. France is a secular country, so religion does not affect their food choices all that much. There are many different religions, so whatever is specified in that religion is practiced for those people, but not the nation as a whole. 4. Most of France eats cous-cous, and pastas. Otherwise, it depends on the region and whatever is most easily available to them there. http://www.francethisway.com/foodinfrance.php 5. The french like pastas, and are well known for their special sauces. They make a lot of fruit, and otherwise eat the same meats and vegetables other countries do. they are also well known for their wine, which is sometimes an ingredient in their meals. Overall, they usually are known for having fine cuisine, and all the foods that go with it. 6. cous cous: a pasta that instead of being rolled into noodles or such is more granular. Ratatouille is a typical vegetable dish. Baguette is a french bread with a crusty exterior. Soupe a L'Oignon Gratinee is an onion soup. 7. The french make a lot of soups and breads, so they bake and boil many dishes. Most of their dishes can be baked or boiled. 8. Bastille day is a french festival where they celebrate the storming of the bastille in 1789. This lead to the new french Republic, and took away the monarchy. It is a national holiday. || http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy The population size of Italy is 60,157,214 in January 2010. http://www.trueknowledge.com/q/population_of_italy_in_2010. Here is a list of all the diffrent religions practiced in Italy. This is a scheme of the religious composition of Italian population (58,751,711 - 2006, estimated):
 * Josh || The Kingdom of Spain
 * Campbell || 1. France: total land are is 260,558 sq miles, and the capital city is Paris. They have a parliamentary government, and a total population of 65,447,374. The men have a life expectancy of 74, the women 82, and the average annual income per household is $27,334. Most French would claim to be catholic, but it is really a deeply secular country.
 * Lauren || 1.Italy,**Area:** **total:** 301,340 sq km **land:** 294,140 sq km **water:** 7,200 sq km. The Capital city is ===Rome 41°54′N 12°29′E / 41.9, 12.483.===
 * [|Christians]: 53,800,000 (91.6%)
 * Catholics: 51,600,000 (87.8%)
 * [|Roman Catholics]: 51,500,000 (87.6%)
 * [|Eastern Rite Catholics]: 100,000 (0.2%)
 * [|Italo-Albanians]: 60,000 (0.1%)[|[3]]
 * Others ([|Romanian-Catholics], [|Ukrainian Greek Catholics], [|Armenian Catholics], etc.): 40,000 (0.07%)
 * Other Christians: 2,200,000 (3.8%)
 * [|Eastern Orthodox]: 950,000 (1.6%)[|[4]]
 * [|Romanian Orthodox]: 500,000 (0.85%)
 * [|Ukrainian Orthodox]: 180,000 (0,31%)
 * [|Moldovan Orthodox]: 100,000 (0,15%)
 * Others ([|Bulgarian Orthodox], [|Serbian Orthodox], [|Greek Orthodox], [|Russian Orthodox], etc.): 180,000 (0.31%)
 * [|Protestants]: 725,000 (1.3%)
 * [|Evangelicals] and [|Pentecostals]: 550,000 (0.94%)
 * [|Assemblies of God]: 400,000 (0.68%)
 * Others: 150,000 (0.25%)
 * [|Mainline Protestants]: 175,000 (0.20%)[|[5]][|[6]]
 * [|Waldensians] and [|Methodists]: 57,000 (0.09%)
 * Waldensians: 50,000 (0.08%)
 * Methodists: 7,000 (0.01%)
 * [|Seventh-day Adventists]: 25,000 (0.04%)
 * [|Baptists]: 20,000 (0.03%)
 * [|Plymouth Brethren]: 20,000 (0.03%)
 * [|Lutherans]: 8,000 (0.01%)
 * [|Anglicans]: 15,000 (0.03%)
 * Others ([|Disciples of Christ], [|Reformed], [|Presbyterians], [|Mennonites], etc.): 30,000 (0.05%)
 * [|Jehovah's Witnesses]: 500,000 (0.85%)
 * [|Latter-day Saints]: 25,000 (0.04%)
 * [|Muslims]: 1,210,000 (2.1%)[|[4]]
 * [|Buddhists]: 160,000 (0.3%)[|[4]]
 * [|Hindus]: 115,000 (0.2%)[|[4]]
 * [|Sikhs]: 70,000 (0.1%)[|[7]]
 * [|Jews]: 45,000 (0.1%)
 * [|Bahá'ís]: 4,900[|[8]]
 * [|No Religion]: 3,400,000 (5.8%)

The **politics of Italy's** [|parliamentary], [|democratic] [|republic], and of a [|multi-party system]. [|Executive power] is exercised collectively by the Council of Ministers, which is led by the [|President of the Council], in jargon referred to as "premier", "primo ministro" or "prime minister" in English. [|Legislative power] is vested in the two houses of [|parliament] primarily, and secondarily on the Council of Ministers. The [|judiciary] is independent of the executive and the legislative branches. [|Italy] has been a democratic republic since 2 June 1946, when the [|monarchy] was abolished by popular [|referendum] (see [|birth of the Italian Republic]). The [|constitution] was promulgated on 1 January 1948. The current [|President of the Italian Republic] is [|Giorgio Napolitano], while the current Italian [|Prime Minister] is [|Silvio Berlusconi]. With a net worth of US$ 9.4 billion[|[1]], Berlusconi is the Western world's and Europe's richest head of government. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Italy

The average income for a teacher in a month is $ 1,555 then a doctor gets $ 3,294 and a baker gets $ 1,291. So there are vast amounts of differences in the salaries but that is just like any other country.

The average lifespan in Italy is //81.3// years ||

> **French Guiana:** low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains > **Guadeloupe:** Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin > **Martinique:** mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano > **Reunion:** mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast / **Natural hazards:** **Metropolitan France:** flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires in south near the Mediterranean > **Overseas departments:** hurricanes (cyclones); flooding; volcanic activity (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion)/ The various different climates and terrain of France encourages a variety of different agriculture, such as cow and pig farm, sheep and lamb farm, corn and wheat, vineyards, fruits and vegetables, and a small number of African-type fruits and vegetable farms.
 * Peace || # **Country:** France / **Area:** 547,026 sq km / **Population:** 60,656,000 / **Capital:** Paris / **Religion:** Roman Catholicism is about 85% of the population, although only an estimated 5% are churchgoers. With growing immigration France also has a large Muslim population, estimated at 3 to 5 million. There are smaller numbers of Protestants and Jews. Separation of church and state was made final by law in 1905. / Republic / **GDP per capita:** $28,700
 * 1) **Climate:** Three types of climate may be found within France: oceanic, continental, and Mediterranean./ **Terrain:** **Metropolitan France:** mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east
 * 1) **Religious Eating Habits:** Muslims don't eat pork. Religious eating habits are different in every regions of France
 * 2) **Staple Foods:** Wine, because drinking alcohol while eating food is part of the French food culture. Nearly 1/3 of the French land is used as vineyards. Cheese is also a common ingredient in almost every French cuisine. As deserts or starters before eating the main dish.
 * 3) **Common Ingredients:** Wine, Cheese, Eggs, Flour(used a lot for making all sorts of white sauce and toppings), spices(ground raw pepper), tomatoes, beef (steaks)
 * 4) Ratatouille, Omelet, French apple pie and chocolate mousse**.**

Ratatouille
Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes Difficulty: Easy Region ||  Prep time / Cooking time || 1 lb apples (such as Golden apples) 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup flour 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup whipping cream 3 tb cognac or calvados brandy __Buy ingredients at the grocery and gourmet store__ || French Apple Pie Recipe (serve 6) Step 1: Preheat oven to 375° F / 190 °C. Step 2: Peel, quarter, cut the apples into 1/8 inch slices. Toss them in a bowl with 1/2 cup of sugar and cinnamon. Arrange them in the pastry shell. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. Then let cool. Step 3: Beat the egg and 1/2 cup of sugar until mixture is pale yellow. Beat in the flour, then the whipping cream, and finally the brandy. Pour in the mixture over the apples. Step 4: Return to oven for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar and return again to oven for 20 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve Wine suggestion: Cider ([|__French Wine Guide__]). Bon appetit!
 * 1/4 cup olive oil
 * 2 onions, slivered
 * 3 bell peppers, cut into one inch squares(try different colors)
 * 2 eggplants, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
 * 2 zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
 * 4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
 * 2 pounds tomatoes, chopped
 * 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
 * salt and pepper
 * 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
 * 1) Heat olive oil in a heavy soup pot on medium heat. Sliver onions and add to oil.
 * 2) While the onions cook, chop the bell peppers and add them to the pot, stirring well.
 * 3) Chop the eggplants and add to the pot, stirring well to coat the eggplant with oil. At this point all the olive oil will have soaked into the eggplant, so you need to stir often to keep things from burning until they soften some.
 * 4) Chop the zucchini and stir it in once the eggplant has softened a bit.
 * 5) Chop the garlic and add to the vegetables, stirring well.
 * 6) Chop the tomatoes and add them.
 * 7) Mince the thyme and add it along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook two minutes.
 * 8) Turn down heat and cover the pot. Simmer until everything is soft and well blended - about 40 minutes.
 * 9) Stir in basil and remove from heat.
 * 4 to 6 servings** || ==Apple Pie ==
 * Normandy || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">20 min / 50 min ||
 * <span style="color: #e90d0d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ingredients ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">8-inch sweet short paste

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">French Mousse
3/4 cup sugar 6 oz dark chocolate, semi sweet or bitter sweet 4 tb coffee 6 oz butter, unsalted 4 egg whites Salt __Buy ingredients at the grocery and gourmet store__ || <span style="color: #e90d0d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Chocolate Mousse Recipe** (serve 6) Bon appétit!
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Region || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Prep time / Cooking time ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**France** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**20 min / none** ||
 * <span style="color: #e90d0d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Ingredients** ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4 egg yolks
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 1: **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Beat the egg yolks and sugar until it turns into a a thick yellow mixture.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 2: **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Melt chocolate and coffee in a mixing bowl. Put the mixing bowl over hot water so that mixing is easier. Add butter gradually and beat until cream is smooth.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 3: ** Beat the chocolate with the egg yolks and sugar mixture.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 4: ** Beat the egg whites and a pinch of salt until stiff. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar above and beat again for a couple of minutes.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 5: ** Stir about one third of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Stir well, then add the remaining whites.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Serving: **Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Can be served with whipped cream or custard sauce.
 * Wine suggestion:** Champagne, Sauternes, Muscat, sweet white wine ([|__French Wine Guide__]).


 * 1) **Common Cooking Methods:** Half(half well-done steaks)/Deep/Regular Frying, Boiling, Straining, Cooling, Preserving
 * 2) On July 14 of each year, a French National Holiday called, the "Bastille Day," is celebrated in France. This celebration is done in remembrance of the Fete de la Federation of 1790, which was held on July 14 1789, the first anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille. During this "fete," meaning festival or party in French, a massive party, drinking tons of wine, decorations in the streets, and fireworks are displayed by the people to express their freedom and happiness.

Sources:http://www.indexmundi.com/france/terrain.html http://www.indexmundi.com/france/natural_hazards.html http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/France-CLIMATE.html http://www.traditionalfrenchfood.com/french-food-recipes.html [] [] [] -- ||
 * Lauren C || # Greece (<span class="category_data" style="font-weight: normal;">Hellenic Republic) --<span class="category_data" style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: top;">130,647 sq km--Athens-- 10,737,428 (July 2009 est.)--<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Eastern Orthodox: 98 % of the population, Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- unicameral Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)--$ 1,078 per month--<span class="category_data" style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: top;">79.66 years
 * 1) temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers--<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The rocky and uneven soil on the peninsula of Greece allowed for less than 20 percent of the land to be farmed, so the Greeks relied heavily on imports of grains and other foods from other regions around the Mediterranean
 * 2) Religion plays a large role in the lives of the people of Greece, with most of them being christian orthodox and most celebrations, festivals, foods and traditions originate from religious holidays
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">olive, olive oil, grapes, and bread
 * 4) Certain foods, such as olives, garlic, lemons and herbs have become the main ingredients or seasonings to a lot of foods which give Greek food its unique flavour
 * 5) <span class="fn" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Hummus with Tahini**-- This dip is quick and easy to make, delicious, and healthy. No cooking involved. Just grab the blender and go. Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) and tahini (a paste made from roasted sesame seeds) combine to make a tasty appetizer to serve with wedges of pita bread. A favorite in Greek restaurants outside Greece
 * Moussaka me Melitzanes: Moussaka with Eggplant-- **Moussaka can be any dish of layered vegetables and ground meat, and dishes with the same or similar names are prepared in several areas of the world. Other Greek versions call for artichokes, potatoes, and zucchini, or a combination, but this is the classic known worldwide. Moussaka is generally served in large portions.
 * Tzatziki: Traditional Yogurt, Cucumber, and Garlic Dip-- **Tzatziki is traditionally served as an appetizer and can be left on the table as an accompaniment to foods throughout the meal. The key to great tzatziki is the thick creamy texture that allows it to be eaten alone, as a dip, as a spread, and as a condiment.
 * Baklavas: Basic Baklava-- **Baklava is the most famous of the Greek pastries, and every area of Greece - and sometimes every family within a region - has a favorite recipe. Enjoy this favorite of mine, made with walnuts and almonds, olive oil, cinnamon, and cloves. The recipe is a modified version of a Cretan specialty from Roman times, Gastrin
 * 1) Greek olive oil enriches and flavours and the traditional cooking methods of grilling, long slow baking all enhance and mellow the food
 * 2) The holiday table, whenever planned, involves a pretty standard format that incorporates the traditional dishes of the day: soup, several salads, appetizers, and dips, 2 - 3 main dishes featuring different meats cooked in different ways, 2 - 3 hot side dishes, cheeses (feta and others), olives, sweets, coffee, spirits

Sources: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gr.html http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/greecefacts.htm http://www.worldsalaries.org/manufacturing.shtml http://www.ultimate-guide-to-greek-food.com/about-greek-food.html http://www.greecefoods.com/basics/index.htm http://greekfood.about.com/od/toprecipesoftheweek/tp/topten67.htm http://www.in2greece.com/english/food/food.htm || 2. Temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind. Able to grow strawberry, blueberries,raspberries, potato, etc. 3. Roman Catholic and Protestant do not eat meat on Fridays and some other days. 4. Potato, Steak, Vegetables, breads, beer, sausages, pork, chicken, juice, 5. salt, pepper, Patrica, potato, salad, pork 6. __**Schnitzel mit Pommes frites (w/ fries)**__ **-** thin slice of pork often covered in egg and bread crumbs that is fried for a short period of time and it is often served with fries (that's the //Pommes frites// part). __**Wurst “sausage”**__ **-** “Bratwurst“ is fried, other varieties such as the Bavarian “Weißwurst“ are boiled. Often served with mashed potato, fries or potato salad. __**Rinderroulade mit Rotkraut und Knödeln**__ - Very thin sliced beef rolled around a piece of bacon and pickled cucumber until it looks like a mini barrel flavored with tiny pieces of onion, German mustard, ground black pepper and salt. __**Boulette**__ - is a very large fried meatball made from ground beef meat and usually served with mustard, pickled eggs and gherkins. 7. Roasted, grilling, cooking, pan-fried 8. Christmas in Germany - Christmas begins December 24th and ends on the 26th for Germans. On the **24th** (Christmas Eve), most Germans work a half day and shops are open till the early afternoon. Bescherung = the opening of gifts takes place after dinner on Christmas Eve (the 24th). In most families, the big feast will be held on the **25th**, while the **26th** is bound to be more quiet day to recover from all the feasting and celebrating. Here are some food/drinks that they have at the feast : consists of (stuffed) goose, potato dumplings, red cabbage, baked apples, chestnuts, and a wine flavored sauce.
 * Johanna || 1. **Country:** Germany / **Language:** German / **Land Area:** 357,022 sq km / **Capital City:** Berlin / **Population:** 82,329,758 (July 2009 est.) / **Main Religion:** Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3% / **Political System:** federal republic / **Average Income:** $34,100 **/ Average Lifespan:** total population: 79.26 years, Male: 76.26 years, Female: 82.42 years **/**
 * Gluehwein** (Mulled Wine) its popular alcoholic drink
 * Lebkuchen** (Gingerbread) & Marzipan
 * Weihnachtsgans** (Christmas Goose) - Very traditional Christmas food. This dish traditionally
 * Karamelapfel** (Candy Apple) - Tasty red, caramel-covered apples available at Weihnachtsmarkt.
 * Weihnachtsgebäck** (Christmas Cookies) - Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars), Kokosmakronen (coconut macaroons) and Spekulatius (ginger cookies) are some popular varieties.

[|https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gm.htm] ||

2. Geography: Eastern Europe. Marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south. Mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore lie more than 1,500 islands. 3,794 km of coastline. Climate: Maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers. Sometimes flooding occurs in the Spring. The climate and geography allow for the production of potatoes, vegetables, livestock, dairy products, and fish.3. Most of the country is not religious, so religion does not impact food choices. 4. Staple foods are pork, potatoes, and rye "black bread." These are all native products of the country.5. Other typical ingredients in Estonian food are beetroot, herring, cabbage, carrots, sour cream, and berries.6. Rosolje is one of Estonia's signature dishes based on beetroot, meat and herring. Pirukas are small pies filled with meat, cabbage or carrots. Sauerkraut is finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented. Kissel is a fruit desert soup that can be made from different fruits and vegetables.7. Common cooking methods: Smoking, roasting, and making sausages.8. Estonians are boring and their holidays don't seem to have any specific associated foods. At St. John's Day (Midsummer) they do a lot of drinking. || 5. The ingredients typically used are: potatoes, salt and pepper for seasoning, different flavors of gravies cooked with the meats, onions, suet. Flour must always be on hand for making pies and thickening gravy. Onions are also need for most gravies or to be cooked with the meat. Custard powder that is cooked with milk to make custard for desert is also ALWAYS on hand. 6. Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding: This dish is a joint of beef, roasted in the oven served with roasted potatoes, 2 different vegetables (usually boiled), yorshire puddings, and gravy. Fish and Chips: This dish is typically purchased from a Fish and Chip take away. It consists of battered deep fried fish fillet, usually cod, served with a generous portion of chips (deep fried cut potatoes), often served with mushy peas (mashed marrowfat peas). Most people have salt and vinegar on it, but some also enjoy gravy. Steak and Kidney pie: This pie is made from sheep kidney and beef cubes. It has a pastry base and lid with the precooked meat mixture inside. Typically, it is served with peas, gravy, and boiled potatoes or chips. Sponge pudding and custard: This desert is a simple cake batter, steamed. Often it has jam on top. This is then served with warm custard poured over the top in each persons bowl. 7. The cooking methods that are commonly used are roasting (baking in the oven), deep fat frying, boiling, and grilling (not outside but in the stove in the kitchen). Meats are most commonly roasted. Vegetables are boiled. Pies and cakes are baked. Puddings are steamed. Chips are deep fried.
 * Jay || <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Republic of Estonia. Land area: <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: top;">45,228 sq km. Capital city: Tallinn. Population: <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">1,299,371. Main religions: Lutheran and Orthodox Christian. Majority are unspecified, or not affiliated with religion. Political system: Parliamentary republic. Average income: $18,700. Average lifespan: 72.82 years.
 * Lisa ||  ||
 * Ben || 4. Staple foods in England consist of potatoes, breads, vegetables such as carrots, peas, turnips, parsnips, brussel sprouts, beans of all kinds, meats such as beef, lamb, chicken, pork, and fish. A meal is hardly complete without potatoes. These would often be cooked in pies, or cooked separately. A common meal would be a joint of meat baked in the oven covered in a gravy, with boiled potatoes and 2 different boiled vegetables, flavored with salt and pepper. Tea is the most common drink, with milk. Deserts consist of cakes, pies, trifle, and lost of chocolates. Custard is used in trifle and to be poured over cakes and pies.

All the above information came from an interview with Jeff and Pam Gregory. || 2. Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north 3. i dont think religion affects the diet that much. 4. meat fish diary and grain 5. Jarlsberg Filled Peppers 6. Deer Antlers -Gorro -Vafier -Lefse 7. Same as most countries in Europe 8.fjord Fiesta - variety of foods from all parts of Norway www.google.com www.cia.gov || 2. 51% of the land is arable, quite flat. 4 seasons a year. Food mostly influenced by the nomadic lifestyle of Maygar people. 3. roman catholics dont eat meat on friday 4. Although paprika is a spice, it is prevalent(and staple?) in hungarian dish. Hungary's important crops are corn, wheat, sugar beets, barley, potatoes, and sunflower seeds. Hungary is a beer-drinking country. 5. Many hungarian dishes include red meat. Paprika, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and sour cream are the seasonings of the kitchen. Milk is used in many recipes, but not as beverage. Lard and butter is frequently used. 6. Typical dishes are: Goulash - Authentic goulash is a beef dish cooked with onions, Hungarian red paprika powder, tomatoes and some green pepper <span style="font-family: 맑은 고딕;">**Tokany** - Braised **Hungarian** Steak with Peppers and Sour Cream <span style="font-family: 맑은 고딕;">Porkolt is a hearty, flavorful meat dish which can be made with pork, veal, or beef. Each has a unique quality and flavor <span style="font-family: 맑은 고딕;">** Dobos torta ** is another unbelievably rich sponge cake topped with caramel <span style="font-family: 맑은 고딕;">7. Hungary has its own unique way of cooking. Meat is made manly grilled or fried, and is seasoned with many spices. Sausages are made as a kind of food preservation. Fruits are often consumed fresh but also baked in various sweet dishes. 8. Budapest Cooking Fest - people are invited to take part at cooking tournaments Budapest wine festival - Wine lovers have the chance to sample some of the best that the country offers Spring Festivals in Hungary feature art, music, and film. March is the main month for spring festivals throughout Hungary. [|http://goeasteurope.about.com/od/hungary/p/hungarianfood.htm] http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/276730/Hungary/261273/Religion [] http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Hungarian_Cuisine#Preparation_Methods_for_Hungarian_Cooking
 * JiHo || 1. Norway, 148940000 km, Oslo, 4,660,539 people, Church of Norway(religion), constitutional monarchy, GDP per capita is $58,60, 79.95 life span.
 * Daniel || 1. hungary, 35,653 sq mi (92,341 sq km), Budapest, (2009 est.): 9,905,596,< Roman Catholic, Calvinist, other Christian Denominations, Jew> Communist, US $ 11,000 per year, 71.4yrs old

|| 2) temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms - central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps 3) For the most part, they don’t have any specific rules about what one can or can’t eat. 4) From infancy to adulthood the taking of special waters, teas, and herbal brews are as much a staple as their beloved // mamaliga // ("bread of gold" made from cornmeal ). 5) Dishes are spicier here, and ingredients such as [|paprika] are often used to improve the taste of the traditional Romanian meals. Meat is one of the main elements of most Rumanian but other popular ingredients include potatoes, beans and different other vegetables 6) Romanian traditional foods heavily feature meat. Cabbage rolls, sausages, and stews (like**tocanita**) are popular main dishes. **Muschi poiana**consists of mushroom- and bacon-stuffed beef in a puree of vegetables and tomato sauce. You can also sample traditional Romanian fish dishes, like the salty, grilled carp called **saramura**. 7) Each traditional dish has a special cooking method, which is more or less general in all of Romania’s regions. <span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">8) Easter is the second largest religious celebration in Romania. A six-week fast precedes the holiday, and the rituals of traditional food preparation resemble those of Christmas. Lamb, cheese cake, colored eggs and feta cheese make an appearance in every Easter dinner.    The egg as a symbol represents the miracle of creation. A ritual coloring of the eggs takes place to express this symbolism. The first egg colored for Easter belongs to the children and it must be colored red. It is placed in the children's room to protect them from evil. The second egg colored is blue, representing the "love of young women." It is meant to bring good luck in a marriage. On the first day of Easter, one egg is placed in a pot of water. A silver coin and some fresh basil are added to the water. All household members will wash their faces with this water
 * Rachel || 1) Romania; 238,391 sq km; Bucharest; 22,215,421 (July 2009 est.); Eastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 86.8%, Protestant (various denominations including Reformate and Pentecostal) 7.5%, Roman Catholic 4.7%, other (mostly Muslim) and unspecified 0.9%, none 0.1% (2002 census); republic; $11,500 (2009 est.); 72.45 years

Sources: [] [|http://my.execpc.com/~raa/romanian_holidays.htm] [] [] [] || Land area: 294,140 square kilometers Capital city: Rome Population: 60,157,214 Main religions: Christian,Catholic, Roman Catholic Political system: Italy is a parliamentary democratic republic meaning the people have some say in what goes on. It is also of a multi-party system and the Executive power is run by a Council of Ministers which is led by the prime minister of Italy. The legislative powers have two houses of parliament- the primary and the Council of Ministers, but the judiciary branch is separate from the two. There is a president of Italy which heads the Council of Ministers as well as a prime minister of Italy who is above the president. Currently, Giorgio Napolitano is the president of the Republic of Italy and the Italian Prime Minister is Silvio Berlusconi. Avg. Income: $ 29,109 per year Avg. Lifespan: 81.3 years
 * Gina ||  ||
 * Esther ||  ||
 * Julie || 1. Country: Italy

2. Italy is a mountainous country, with the Alps in the north and the Apennine Mountains at the back of the peninsula. In between is a large plain in the valley of the Po which is the largest river in Italy that flows 652 km eastward from the Cottian Alps to the Adriatic. Some mountains in Italy are Matterhom, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso (west Alps), Bernina, Stelvio, Dolomites (along eastern side of Alps). Italy in the northern inland areas is a humid sub tropical climate, but the coastal areas of Liguria and the peninsula south of Florence are more of a Meddeteranian climate. The east coast is generally colder in winter and the east coast north of Pestera is sometimes affected by the cold winds in winter and spring, but overall has less wind than an area called Trieste. Pascera and the whole eastern hillside of Appennines gets blizzards and a lot of snow. The climate impacts food production in that in winter they eat foods that can survive a winter, so not fruit and other foods that only survive in warmer climates, but at the coast it is likely that they can get these foods all the time. The mountanous regions are harder to come by many type of food, but often eat lamb, cow, etc. A common food that can be eaten year round is pasta which is a common dish in Italy. Since Italians are known for eating foods in seasons and basing their foods off of that, the geography doesn't affect how good their food is because they've figured a way around it and are known for having good food year round.

3. Since most of Italy is either Christian or Catholic/Roman Catholic, food choice in not so much an issue as it would be for a strict Muslim or Jew (who practices Judism) Since there is a small population of Muslims, they can't eat pork.

4. Staple foods: Tomatoes,Olives and Olive Oil,Artichokes,Basil,Garlic, Oregano,Bellpeppers, Bread, and pasta.

5. Ingredients typically used: Mozzarella, ricotta, basil, oregano, olive oil, different types of pasta (fettuccine, cannelloni, tortellini, etc.) - so one of the main ingredients is wheat flour, prosciutto,Tomatoes (dried, canned or pureed)

6. **Pizza**- pizza is a dish that has a sort of pie crust/breadlike dough that is placed on a circular pan (usually) on the dough is placed a flavored tomato sauce with basil, oregano, onions, garlic, pepper, salt, olive oil or whatever you like. Next, you can put any type of meat- peperroni, sausage, etc. Basically your free to choose whatever you want to put on pizza since there are many types of pizza. You can even put pineapple, goat cheese, bacon, chicken, etc. Also, vegetables are common on pizza. Lastly you put cheese on top of it all and cook it. This was a common dish in the depression-made by the Italians who had nothing in their kitchen so they concocted pizza which was just all the ingredients piled on a dough. It was started out by people who were very poor and didn't have much. A few more common dishes include <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">lasagne, pasta in general with all the kind of sauces that you can think of: made with vegetables, tomato sauce, white sauce, fish, etc. 7. common cooking methods: <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Italians use all the equipment and cooking methods that you can use. They steam, roast, fry, bake their food and prepare it in many (all possible) different ways.Italians like to use fresh ingredients and not canned/frozen food to make our dishes. Fresh food always tastes better. 8. The main traditional dishes for Christmas are: ravioli in brodo (ravioli with broth), lasagne and panettone (it's a fruit cake that you might know since they sell it worldwide). At Easter they have a cake called Colomba (it means: dove. It is shaped like a dove in fact and it symbolizes "peace"). At easter italians like to go out for lunch at a restaurant with their family and have short trips to the mountains, countryside or sea. || **<span style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: #aaffaa; color: #008800; font-family: Arial;">Spain ****<span style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: #aaffaa; color: #008800; font-family: Arial;">: ** Madrid **<span style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: #aaffaa; color: #008800; font-family: Arial;">Spain ****<span style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: #aaffaa; color: #008800; font-family: Arial;">: ** Madrid 5.9 million Barcelona 5.3 million inhabitants, Valencia 1.6 million inhabitants.   Spain is the second largest country in Europe France).  Spain the second highest country in Europe after Switzerland). Spain has to an its there are many Spain there are Spain is made up of 17 autonomous regions. There are many religions and food isnt controlled country wide by one most. These or Spain.  Spain. Because of the geography there are so many different things used when cooking that only olive oil and garlic remain most common throughout. Examples include most importantly are also with or are Spain, although each region has its own version. Spanish do not only stew, they roast,fry and saute many foods. It is not as common to bake or broil, although they do grill meats on a metal plate or on a charcoal grill. Seville and Malaga are for Valladolid and Leon are also important. || http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy The population size of Italy is 60,157,214 in January 2010. http://www.trueknowledge.com/q/population_of_italy_in_2010. Here is a list of all the diffrent religions practiced in Italy. This is a scheme of the religious composition of Italian population (58,751,711 - 2006, estimated):
 * Pasta**- there are many types of pasta, but pasta is a dish with noodles and usually some sort of sauce-tomato or white sauce of some kind. pasta sometimes comes with other ingredients such as eggs andvegetable extracts. Pastas include noodles in various lengths, widths and shapes, and varieties that are filled with other ingredients like ravioli and tortellini. The word pasta is also used to refer to dishes in which pasta products are a primary ingredient. It is usually served with sauce.There are hundreds of different shapes of pasta with at least locally recognized names.[2] Examples include spaghetti (thin rods),macaroni (tubes or cylinders), //fusilli// (swirls), and //lasagne// (sheets). Two other noodles, //gnocchi// and //spätzle//, are sometimes considered pasta. They are both traditional in parts of Italy.Pasta is categorized in two basic styles: //dried// and //fresh//. Dried pasta made without eggs can be stored for up to two years under ideal conditions, while fresh pasta will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator.[3] Pasta is generally cooked by boiling.
 * Antipasto-** Traditional antipasto includescured meats, olives, roasted garlic, pepperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichoke hearts, various cheeses (such as provolone or mozzarella) and //peperone// (marinated small green bell peppers, not to be confused with pepperoni). The antipasto is usually topped off with olive oil. Many compare antipasto to hors d'oeuvre, but antipasto is served at the table and signifies the official beginning of the Italian meal. It may be referred to as a starter, or an entrée outside the United States and English Canada. (wikipedia)
 * Minestrone** (Italian: //minestra// [soup] + //-one// augmentative suffix] hence "the big soup," the one with many ingredients) is the name for a variety of thick Italian soups made with vegetables, often with the addition of pasta or rice. Common ingredients include beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes.(wikipedia)
 * Tiramisu** (Italian: //Tiramisù//; Venetian: //Tiramesù// " [tirameˈsu] ) is one of the most popular Italian cakes. It is made of savoiardi (otherwise known as lady finger biscuits) dipped in espresso or strong coffee or rum, layered with a whipped mixture of egg yolks, mascarponecheese, and sugar, and topped with cocoa.
 * Kenny ||  ||
 * Josh || <span style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: #aaffaa; color: #008800; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The Kingdom of Spain
 * Campbell ||  ||
 * Lauren || 1.Italy,**Area:** **total:** 301,340 sq km **land:** 294,140 sq km **water:** 7,200 sq km. The Capital city is ===Rome 41°54′N 12°29′E / 41.9, 12.483.===
 * [|Christians]: 53,800,000 (91.6%)
 * Catholics: 51,600,000 (87.8%)
 * [|Roman Catholics]: 51,500,000 (87.6%)
 * [|Eastern Rite Catholics]: 100,000 (0.2%)
 * [|Italo-Albanians]: 60,000 (0.1%)[|[3]]
 * Others ([|Romanian-Catholics], [|Ukrainian Greek Catholics], [|Armenian Catholics], etc.): 40,000 (0.07%)
 * Other Christians: 2,200,000 (3.8%)
 * [|Eastern Orthodox]: 950,000 (1.6%)[|[4]]
 * [|Romanian Orthodox]: 500,000 (0.85%)
 * [|Ukrainian Orthodox]: 180,000 (0,31%)
 * [|Moldovan Orthodox]: 100,000 (0,15%)
 * Others ([|Bulgarian Orthodox], [|Serbian Orthodox], [|Greek Orthodox], [|Russian Orthodox], etc.): 180,000 (0.31%)
 * [|Protestants]: 725,000 (1.3%)
 * [|Evangelicals] and [|Pentecostals]: 550,000 (0.94%)
 * [|Assemblies of God]: 400,000 (0.68%)
 * Others: 150,000 (0.25%)
 * [|Mainline Protestants]: 175,000 (0.20%)[|[5]][|[6]]
 * [|Waldensians] and [|Methodists]: 57,000 (0.09%)
 * Waldensians: 50,000 (0.08%)
 * Methodists: 7,000 (0.01%)
 * [|Seventh-day Adventists]: 25,000 (0.04%)
 * [|Baptists]: 20,000 (0.03%)
 * [|Plymouth Brethren]: 20,000 (0.03%)
 * [|Lutherans]: 8,000 (0.01%)
 * [|Anglicans]: 15,000 (0.03%)
 * Others ([|Disciples of Christ], [|Reformed], [|Presbyterians], [|Mennonites], etc.): 30,000 (0.05%)
 * [|Jehovah's Witnesses]: 500,000 (0.85%)
 * [|Latter-day Saints]: 25,000 (0.04%)
 * [|Muslims]: 1,210,000 (2.1%)[|[4]]
 * [|Buddhists]: 160,000 (0.3%)[|[4]]
 * [|Hindus]: 115,000 (0.2%)[|[4]]
 * [|Sikhs]: 70,000 (0.1%)[|[7]]
 * [|Jews]: 45,000 (0.1%)
 * [|Bahá'ís]: 4,900[|[8]]
 * [|No Religion]: 3,400,000 (5.8%)

The **politics of Italy's** [|parliamentary], [|democratic] [|republic], and of a [|multi-party system]. [|Executive power] is exercised collectively by the Council of Ministers, which is led by the [|President of the Council], in jargon referred to as "premier", "primo ministro" or "prime minister" in English. [|Legislative power] is vested in the two houses of [|parliament] primarily, and secondarily on the Council of Ministers. The [|judiciary] is independent of the executive and the legislative branches. [|Italy] has been a democratic republic since 2 June 1946, when the [|monarchy] was abolished by popular [|referendum] (see [|birth of the Italian Republic]). The [|constitution] was promulgated on 1 January 1948. The current [|President of the Italian Republic] is [|Giorgio Napolitano], while the current Italian [|Prime Minister] is [|Silvio Berlusconi]. With a net worth of US$ 9.4 billion[|[1]], Berlusconi is the Western world's and Europe's richest head of government. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Italy

The average income for a teacher in a month is $ 1,555 then a doctor gets $ 3,294 and a baker gets $ 1,291. So there are vast amounts of differences in the salaries but that is just like any other country.

The average lifespan in Italy is //81.3// years IThe geography of Italy is a mountainous country, with the [|Alps] as the northern boundary and the [|Apennine Mountains] forming the backbone of the peninsula, but in between the two lies a [|large plain] in the valley of the [|Po], the largest river in Italy, which flows 652 km (405 mi) eastward from the [|Cottian Alps] to the Adriatic. Worldwide-known mountains in Italy are [|Matterhorn] (Cervino), [|Monte Rosa], [|Gran Paradiso] in the West Alps, and [|Bernina], [|Stelvio] and [|Dolomites] along the eastern side of the [|Alps].

2. The climate of the inland northern areas of Italy (for example Turin, Milan, and Bologna) have a continental climate typically classified as Humid subtropical climate, while the coastal areas of Liguria and the peninsula south of Florence generally fit the Mediterranean climate stereotype.The east coast of the peninsula is not as wet as the west coast, but is usually colder in the winter. The east coast north of Pescara is occasionally affected by the cold bora winds in winter and spring, but the wind is less strong here than around Trieste. During these frosty spells from E–NE cities like Rimini, Ancona, Pescara and the entire eastern hillside of the Apennines can be affected by true "blizzards". The town of Fabriano, located just around 300 m (984 ft) in elevation, can often see 0.5–0.6 m (1 ft 7.7 in–1 ft 11.6 in) or 50–60 cm (19.7–23.6 in) of fresh snow fall in 24 hours during these episodes. So as you can see, the food is affected greatly in Italy depending on the place and the time of year. When it is really cold and blizardly then generally more fillinng and soupy tipe of food will be used. And when it is hot then more lighter meals would tend to be what people want to eat.

3.Religious view in Italy are Most Italians believe in God. According to the most recent Eurobarometer Poll 2005:[67] Roman Catholicism is the major religion of Italy. There are mature Protestant and Jewish communities and a growing Muslim community. So the only people that hae an issure with food is the muslims who can not eat Pork and during Ramidan they cant eat during the day.
 * **74%** of Italian citizens responded that //they believe there is a God//;
 * **16%** answered that //they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force//;
 * **6%** answered that //they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, God, or life force//.

[] 4.The staple foods of Italy are **Tomatoes,Olives and Olive Oil,Artichokes,Basil,Garlic, Oregano,Bellpeppers and Bread. Also, everything has to be fresh. They love cooking with fresh foods.**
 * []**

5.Commone igredients of Italy are: Mozzarella, ricotta, basil, oregano, olive oil, different types of pasta (fettuccine, cannelloni, tortellini, etc.) - so one of the main ingredients is wheat flour, prosciutto,Tomatoes (dried, canned or pureed). []

Tocchetti with Asiago - Primo


If you want to eat **Italian gnocchi** but not the classical one, just made with potatoes, but something a little bit different with the taste of chestnut this is the perfect recipe. These types of gnocchi called tocchetti are made with chestnut’s flour, potatoes and pumpkin and the seasoning is made with the **Italian cheese Asiago**. The Italian cheese Asiago is produced in the town of Asiago and there are two types according to its aging: the fresh one that is smooth and the crumbly one for the aged cheese of which the flavour is reminiscent of Parmesan. In this recipe I used the fresh one for its sweet taste and its smooth consistency.

1 kg of Potatoes 300 g of Flour 200 g of Chestnut’s Flour 200 of Pumpkin in pieces 1 Egg Breadcrumbs 150 g of Asiago Cheese cut in pieces 40g of Butter Leaf of Sage
 * INGREDIENTS**:


 * PREPARATION TIME**: 20 minutes


 * COOKING TIME**: 15-18 minutes

Ravioli with Salmon - Primo
This is a very **easy recipe** to prepare. You don’t need many ingredients, just the dough for ravioli and the filling that is made of potatoes and smoked salmon, a very good combination of taste. The preparation of the dressing is also **very simple and fast**, you just need to melt some butter and add some black pepper. The only thing that is a bit long to do is the preparation of the dough for ravioli but it is also very easy and funny. You can safe some time using the machine for roll the dough instead of using the rolling pin. In both case you will obtain very delicious **Italian ravioli** with smoked salmon and potatoes.

300g of Flour 3 Eggs Salt 2 Potatoes 200g of Smoked Salmon 40 g of butter Black pepper
 * INGREDIENTS** (for 4 people):


 * PREPARATION TIME**: 1 hour


 * COOKING TIME**: 10 minutes


 * WINE**: Cortona Sauvignon Doc (White Wine)

Risotto with Bluberry and Speck
To prepare this risotto you just need the two main ingredients: **speck and blueberry**, and then you can prepare very easly and fast a **delicious italian recipes**. If you don't have a lot of time you can just prepare the broth with water and stock cube vegetables but if you want to prepare the **real italian recipes** you should prepare broth with water, salt, and fresh vegetables like onion, carrot, potatoes and celery. The blueberries give to risotto a sweet taste that in this **Itlain recipes** is joined with the salted and savoury taste of speck.

350 g of Rice 150 g of Blueberry 150 g of Speck in thin slices 30 g of Butter 1 / 2 Onion 3 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil Water for broth 1 Stock cube-vegetables
 * INGREDIENTS** (for 4 peolpe):


 * PREPARATION TIME**: 15 minutes
 * COOKING TIME**: 18-20 minutes

Chicken Breast with Carrots, Celery and Onion
This is the **Italian recipe** of a delicious hot salad. To prepare it you need only carrots, celery and onion and the main ingredient that is the chicken breast. The preparation is so easy that you’ll need only few minutes: first you prepare all the ingredients, you clean them and cut them, then you put all the ingredient in a pan with some extra virgin olive oil and let them cook. When they are ready you add some almond to let the recipe crunchier and you serve hot. 2 Carrots 2 Celeries 1 Small Onion 40 g of Almond without peel 4 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 300 g of Chicken breast
 * INGREDIENTS** (for 4 people):


 * PREPARATION TIME**: 10 minutes


 * COOKIN TIME**: 15 minutes

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7.Ways of cooking Itian food:steam, roast, fry, bake our food and prepare it in many (all possible) different ways. []

8. The main festavals celebrated in the country are;January starts with New Year's and Epiphany celebrations. [|February] Carnevale, Italian carnival, tops the list of February festivals all over Italy. In Catania, Sicily, a big festival held on Saint Agatha's Feast Day is the second largest religious procession in the world.[|March]songs and chocolate highlight March festivals in Italy. Two interesting March festivals are the Marriage of Venice to the Sea and the Palio dei Somari, a donkey race held on Saint Joseph's Feast Day, also known as Father's Day in Italy. Spring festivals start in March and Easter sometimes falls in March, too.[|April]In April you'll find a frog race, Rome's birthday, the festival of San Marco, and Saint George's Day. There's an Italian national holiday on April 25 and Easter often falls in April. Food festivals are starting to be more plentiful, too.[|May]in Italy is a good time to find spring festivals. You'll find flower festivals, food and wine festivals, medieval reenactments, and events celebrating rituals of spring. Unusual festivals include the Wedding of the Trees and the Snake Handlers' Procession. May Day is a national Italian holiday.[|June] Summer brings many festivals to Italy. Look for posters announcing a festa or sagra as you travel around Italy.[|July] is one of the best months for festivals in Italy. Sienna has its famous Palio and one of my favorites is the Festa de la Madonna Bruna. You'll find food festivals, medieval festivals, and lots of fireworks including the World Fireworks Championships. [|August]Ferragosto (Assumption Day) is an Italian national holiday on August 15. In August you'll find local festivals throughout Italy, where you can often sample inexpensive regional food.[|September]Many festivals take place the first Sunday in September as summer comes to an end. You'll still find local food festivals throughout Italy during the month of September, a great place to mingle and sample regional food. Major September festivals include Venice's historic regatta, the Feast of San Gennaro in Naples, and the Feast Day of San Michele held in many places in Italy.[|October] is a great month for Italian food festivals, especially mushrooms, chestnuts, chocolate, and truffles. On October weekends, you'll find fall food festivals and wine harvest celebrations all over Italy. is the heart of the white truffle season and you'll find truffle fairs and chestnut festivals. All Saints Day is in November and Rome has a big festival of music, theater, and dance.[|December] celebrations and events in December revolve around Christmas. In December Italians celebrate the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, Santa Lucia Day, Christmas Eve and Day, Saint Stephen's Day, and several other saints' days. As shown above there are many Festivals in Italy and majority of them have a certain food or lots of food with them. SO yes, food does make a difference in Italy and different foods have to do with different days. http://goitaly.about.com/od/festivalsandevents/tp/italian_festivals_bymonth.htm ||