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DELIBERATE LIFE PROJECT By: Amanda Johnson
DELIBERATE LIFE PROJECT
By: Amanda Johnson
The Task at Hand
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had
to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear…I
wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life…The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave With
the song still in them.”—Henry David Thoreau
The Undertaking
In order to live my life more deliberately I decided to expand my horizons to cultural foods. My taste buds would no longer live a life of “quiet desperation”. I have always wanted to try foods from around the world and this was my chance! Not only did I try enriching foods, I also researched the cultures they came from. Here we go… lets “spice” things up a bit.
The Luck o’ the Irish
Ireland was formed over 2000 years ago.
Celtic immigrants can be thanked for the majority of Irish culture such as the language and much of the music.
The everyday Irish diet is comparable to some Northern European diets.
Living the Life: Day 1
The Luck O’ the Irish (continued)
The main foods in the Irish diets include meat, cereals, breads, potatoes, and cabbage.
The Irish typically eat four meals a day including breakfast, dinner, tea, and supper. (in that order)
The dish I ate for my main course was called Shepherd’s pie, formally known as cottage pie.
Shepherd’s pie is made up of grounded or minced meat with peas and mashed potatoes on top.
The origins of shepherd’s pie date back to the 18th century where potatoes made their strongest and largest debut around the world.
The Luck O’ the Irish (continued)
McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant Shepherd’s Pie
The Luck O’ the Irish (continued)
Corned beef and cabbage Dining room
Olympian Style
Greece is also known as the Hellenic Republic.
The main language in Greece is Greek.
The majority of the inhabitants of Greece fall into the religious category of Orthodox Christians.
Living the Life: Day 2
Olympian Style (continued)
Grains, grapes, olives, eggs, cheese, yogurt, and lamb are common food items found in a Greek diet.
Foods that are representative of the nations identity include baklava, thick coffee, and resinated wine.
A common practice in Greek homes is that guests must be offered a refreshment.
All major Greek functions include food.
In 146 B.C., Greece fell into Roman rule and Roman influence blended into Greek cuisine.
Fun Fact: Modern Chefs owe the tradition of the tall white cooking hat to the Greeks.
Olympian Style (continued)
Greek Cuisine and Grill Greek Sampler: Greek Salad, Pita bread, and a mix of gyro meat and Chicken
Olympian Style(continued)
Baba Ghanoush
Baklava
Testing Thai
Thailand has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932.
Thailand’s name officially changed from Siam to Thailand in 1939.
The main religion in Thailand is Buddhism (95%) followed by Muslim (3.8%).
Living the Life: Day 3
Testing Thai (continued)
Rice is a staple food in Thailand and is part of just about every meal for most people.
In Thailand, a meal is not served in courses. It is served all at once.
Fish and shellfish are very popular in Thai dishes as well as curry and gravy.
Chinese food has heavily influenced Thai cuisine, particularly the noodle dishes.
One of the most popular snacks in Thailand is a green papaya salad.
Proper eating etiquette in a Thai home includes eating with the spoon in the right hand and the fork with the left.
Testing Thai (continued)
Lemongrass Sushi & Thai Egg drop soup with Tofu
Testing Thai (continued)
Pan Woon Sen Volcano Chicken
Testing Thai (continued)
Spicy Tuna Sushi Rolls Dining Room in Lemongrass
Jamaican Mann’
Jamaica gained its independence in 1962 from British rule.
The official language of Jamaica is English.
In 1494, the island of Jamaica was named Santiago by Christopher Columbus.
Living the Life: Day 4
Jamaica Mann’ (continued)
The Jamaican breakfast is called “drinking tea”.
Jamaicans usually eat up to three meals a day made up of fruits, meats, and rice.
A number of different cultures influenced many Jamaican dishes.
Rice is considered a ceremonial food.
The majority of the meat served at special events is ritually slaughtered.
In many Jamaican rituals goat blood and rum are mixed into a drink for religious purposes. .
Jamaica Mann’ (continued)
JAMAICAWAY Restaurant The Line for Jamaican food
Jamaica Mann’ (continued)
Mango chutney chicken, greens, cheesy mashed potatoes, and a Johnny cake. Black Cake
Sources
http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Ireland.html
http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Greece.html
http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Thailand.html
http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Jamaica.html
