International Cookbook of Life-Cycle Celebrations

Book excerpt: Much more than a cookbook offering a breadth of delicious recipes that honor ethnic traditions and religious customs, this text provides readers with an understanding and appreciation of customs and rites of passage from around the world. International Cookbook of Life-Cycle Celebrations takes readers on a journey around the world and back with an overview of religious customs, specific cultural traditions, and delicious recipes. Readers will learn about unique customs and traditions from more than 150 countries relevant to birth celebrations to weddings to funeral rituals. Although the text is rich with detail, the presentation of information is accessible to general readers and the recipes are kept simple so students of all ages and cooking abilities can execute the dishes and enjoy the results. Organized by continent, region, and then country, the book begins with an overview of religious customs as well as safety and cleanliness tips for cooks. After the introduction, the chapters present information on each country with the specific customs and recipes that correspond to that ethnicity's traditions. The recipes are easy to follow and provide alternatives to complex or hard-to-find ingredients that can be used without jeopardizing the flavor and taste of the end result.