Around the World in the Hetzel Kitchen

This is it, we have arrived.  (In my head this is being narrated by Ira Glass because I just watched  this.   It is only funny if you listen to This American Life regularly.)  I was both dreading and hoping for China.  Could I do it justice?  Would I fall into the trap of just doing Americanized Chinese food that doesn't resemble the real thing at all?  In an effort to get this right, I did not just one but three days of Chinese food.  My cookbook had four menus, highlighting separate foods for the North, South, East, and West.  I chose at least one from each and started my culinary journey. Our blog this time in three acts.  Act one continues after the break. (Sorry) China Area : Over 9.5 million sq km; 4th largest in the world          Slightly smaller than the US Borders : Borders 14 different countries, including three I have already cooked (Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Burma) Population : Over 1.3 bi...

Location : North of the US Area : Almost 10 million sq km; 2nd largest in the world          Slightly larger than the US Borders : Canada is the world's largest country that borders only one country Population : Over 34 million; 37th largest in the world                   About 90% of the population is within 160 km of the US border Net Migration Rate : 5.65/1000 population; 15th highest in the world Capital : Ottawa Life Expectance at Birth : 81.38 years; 12th highest in the world Trade : Have a substantial trade surplus with the US, who takes about 3/4 of Canadian exports each year Source: CIA Factbook There are a number of things that I like about Canada and that make this post exciting.  One: I have been there!  Numerous times, in fact.  I can think of at least four.  Two trips with the family, once to see some plays in Stratfor...

Location : Southeast Asia; between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos Area : Over 180,000 sq km; 90th largest in the world          Slightly smaller than Oklahoma Population : Over 14.7 million; 66th largest in the world Capital : Phnom Penh Ethnic Groups : 90% Khmer Exports : Hong Kong is their top partner Khmer Rouge : This regime, led by Pol Pot, is said to be responsible for killing around 2 million people, one-third of the contemporary population (mid 1970's).  According to Wikipedia: They immediately evacuated the cities and sent the entire population on forced marches to rural work projects. They attempted to rebuild the country's agriculture on the model of the 11th century, discarded Western medicine, and destroyed temples, libraries, and anything considered Western. Source: CIA Factbook , Wikipedia I have been more excited for Cambodia than any other country in a long time.  First of all THANK YOU GOD t...