An "If...Then" Question

"Best of International Cooking - Over 365 Recipes from 64 Countries" by Annette Wolter and Christian Teubert

I doubt that this book is still available commercially. I bought it for $1 at the Palos Verdes Library book sale. It was first published in Germany in 1982; the 2nd printing comes to us out of Tucson, AZ, so the book itself doesn't even know where it is.

I assumed it would be a compilation of various countries' perennial favorites and turned with interest to the section on the United States. Imagine my shock and horror -- the first recipe listed was for a shrimp cocktail! One of the desserts listed was: a Cranberry and Cream Cheese BOMBE! Now which is it? If we are what we eat, then what are we? Are we shrimp or terrorists? Conversely, the only recipe listed for Iraq was (drum roll) a date and NUT cake.

Based on what I know of Italian and French cooking, it is most favored recipes and the ones that most tourists would expect to be served. Thus, if you are planning a trip to any of the below... you've been alerted.

Ecuador - Tomato Soup with Bananas plus 2 T grated coconut
China - Hot and Sour Soup
Bulgaria - Roast Duck with Sauerkraut
Bolivia - Avocados Stuffed with Shrimp and Cooked Chicken
Belgium - Apple Fritters which makes me think of Denmark and Abelskivers.

The book presents all kinds of possibilities and you may be sure you'll be hearing more from it. We need to solve this "If, then" question.

Blog #470.