Exploring your Heritage and Beyond

What countries do you want to visit?

First and foremost the country I most want to visit is Italy. As said before , my Mom was born in the Abruzzo Region of Southern Italy. It would be something to be able to connect with my distant relatives, even though I’m half Italian. I believe it would bring closure to the unknown, as my Mom, Elda died in her thirties, leaving me with unanswered questions of her Italian heritage. Surprisingly , I can’t find a chronological link to her last name, Varze in Italy.

LOOKING FOR COOL BAKING AND PIZZA SUPPLIES

Second country I would love to visit is Japan. The Japanese culture has intrigued my interest since I can remember. Of course, I would love to experience their authentic food, as any foodie would love to do. A few years back, I had the opportunity to host Japanese exchange students ; due to their limited English, it was hard to ask them about their families history. Each student was extremely polite, as I introduced them to our North American eating practices. They enjoyed my homemade pizza, but I could tell they were missing their food. So one day I prepared my version of a Tsukemen Ramen ( ‘tsukemen’ means dipping noodles) with cooked shrimp, thinly sliced pork belly, broccolini and cooked egg, sliced in half. I had mine in a rich hot broth, realizing afterwards, the traditional is to have a sweet and sour dipping sauce separate ; hence the name “Tsukemen”. The students smiled politely, expressing their gratitude for me attempting to make them a traditional dish. To learn more about their cuisine and culture would indeed be something to experience.

In Conclusion:

As you know from my travelling chef blogs, I have had a lifetime of visiting United States, such as, Vegas, Arizona , Hawaii and California. Mexico visits during the winter months are indeed welcoming from our long Canadian winter season ; hence the name “ The Great White North “. Of course, my themed cookbook “ Canadian Recipes of the Great White North” reflects our Canadian Outdoors and recipes, traditional to our own Canadian culture. Travelling to other countries broadens your knowledge and awareness, outside your comfort zone, far away from your home nest, sort-of-speak. Trying different international cooking practices is always a learning curve in my profession. The best way to experience it, is by visiting aboard.

SHOP BAKING SUPPLIES