Cooking with Culture

Jollof rice, suya, fufu, and other iconic dishes featured in this volume take readers on a vibrant journey through the diverse flavors and captivating stories that define West Africa. Through engaging fact boxes and vivid full-color photographs, students uncover the cultural significance and regional variations that have propelled West African food into the global spotlight. An easy-to-follow recipe allows readers to bring West African food off the page and into their kitchens, while a list of age-appropriate books and websites provides a starting point for further independent research.

Tacos, enchiladas, mole, tres leches cake: each dish tells a tale of tradition, heritage, and the irresistible zest of Mexico. By exploring iconic Mexican dishes, readers learn about the diverse flavors and deep cultural connections that make this cuisine truly remarkable. Vibrant full-color photographs allow readers to visualize various dishes, while engaging fact boxes take a closer look at various aspects of Mexican cuisine and culture. A simple recipe is included to give budding chefs a chance to taste what Mexican food has to offer.

Baklava, falafel, kebabs, and many other dishes characterize the tantalizing world of Middle Eastern cuisine. This volume takes young readers on a food tour through the enchanting flavors and captivating stories that define this culturally rich region. The engaging main text, augmented with vibrant full-color photographs and informative fact boxes, explores the cultural significance and regional variations that have made Middle Eastern food a global sensation. Readers learn about the profound role food plays in Middle Eastern culture and gain a deeper respect for this unique region.

Pasta, pizza, and gelato are just the beginning of the extraordinary world of Italian cuisine. This volume explores the diverse flavors and fascinating stories that define this celebrated country. Through informative fact boxes and vibrant full-color photographs, readers learn about the cultural significance and regional variations that make Italian food a global sensation. This food tour also impresses upon readers the significance food plays in Italian culture, including the communal joy of Italian feasts and the link between iconic dishes and religious celebrations.

China has given the world dim sum, spring rolls, Peking duck, and many more delicious dishes. The variety of food is a testament to the multifaceted culture of this ancient nation. The age-appropriate main text, augmented with vivid full-color photographs and engaging fact boxes, makes Chinese cuisine accessible to children and instills a deep appreciation for the culinary heritage that has captivated taste buds for generations. An easy-to-follow recipe allows readers to bring a bit of Chinese culture off the page and into their hands.

Curries, naan, and samosas are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Indian food. Through these and other classic Indian dishes, students learn about the cultural differences between various regions of the country. The accessible main text, enhanced with full-color photographs and intriguing fact boxes, invites young readers to savor the diverse flavors and understand the deep cultural connections that make this cuisine truly extraordinary. A list of relevant books and websites provides a jumping-off point for deeper research, and a clear, uncomplicated recipe brings the taste of India into the reader's kitchen.