Tour The World From Your Table

Enjoy world cuisine by adding international flavors to your meals each night. And use exotic ingredients to take everyday dishes up a notch.

Travel via your taste buds

What I love about cooking is that you don’t have to travel to enjoy world cuisine. You can easily bring the flavors of the world right into your own home, making your table the tour guide to a different cuisine each night.

Here’s a weekly plan that takes you through some of my favorite cuisines in six meals you can make for family or friends. And most of the ingredients are readily available at your local shops.

China

• Hoisin: This sweet sauce makes a great marinade for fish and meat.
• Rice: Rice is a healthy side dish that can be topped with a variety of sauces, made into stir-fries or mixed with meats for a satisfying dinner.
• Tofu: The healthy, soy-based protein can be used almost anywhere meat would be – and for less money.

India

• Ghee: Clarified butter can be used where you would normally butter or oil.
• Curry: This spice blend is a staple of many Indian classics.

Italy

• Farro: A wheatberry that is often included as an ingredient in soups and salads.

Japan

• Mirin: Sweetened sake makes a delicious marinade when mixed with soy sauce.

Mexico

• Salsa: Try it on fish or other meats, over eggs and in omelets.
• Tortillas: This familiar staple makes great chilaquiles when stale – just top them with shredded chicken and cheese; melt cheese, and serve with salsa.

Thailand

• Coconut milk: The sweet extract from coconuts is a delicious addition to soups and curries.

What’s your favorite world cuisine? Have you tried a new spice recently?