Around the World in the Hetzel Kitchen

Photo courtesy of user Bernard Blanc on flickr. Location : Main part is in Western Europe.  However, five former overseas territories were made part of France proper, and they are in South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Southern Africa. Area : Over 550,000 sq km (main part); 43rd largest in the world          Slightly less than the size of Texas Population : Over 65.5 million; 21st highest in the world Capital : Paris Nuclear Electricity : 53% of total install capacity; 1st in the world Kevin's favorite link about France:  The Complete Military History of France (not for the easily offended) Sources: CIA Factbook This was still while we were in Virginia, so it has been a while.  I apologize for any lack of detail...my memory may have gotten a little fried during all of this travel. I knew that France would be big and important in my cooking travels.  It, unfortunately, also corresponded with the craziness of get...

It's been forever, I know.  MAJOR LIFE CHANGES, guys.  In April, both Kevin and I left our jobs.  Then we moved out of our apartment and traveled the country visiting family for a month.  Now we are settled in our new home, Michigan, and Kevin has started a new job.  And by settled, I mean we lived in a hotel for a while, then a house without our stuff. So forgive me for my lack of cooking/posting.  I have a few countries that I cooked before the life-chaos, so I will hopefully get those posted soon.  Then, once I find an international store, I hope to get started anew.  And now, since I will be staying home with Brendan, I'm hoping I'll been able to make up for some lost time. Enjoy! Finland Photo courtesy of user Sirkku :) on Flickr Etymology : The name "Finland" appears on three rune-stones, one of which dates from the 13th century Location : Northern Europe, between Sweden and Russia Area : Almost 340,000 sq km; 65th largest...

Photo courtesy of user Patty3m on Flickr Location : Oceania, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Area : Over 18,000 sq km; 157th largest in the world           Slightly smaller than New Jersey Geography : 332 islands, about 110 are inhabited Population : Almost 900,000; 161st largest in the world Background : Fiji has had several coups and leadership changes since 1970 when British rule ended.  Their current prime minister refuses to hold elections. Capital : Suva Military : Large armed forces for a country of their size.  Major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions Sources: CIA World Factbook , Wikipedia The problem with me doing an island nation is just that - they are an island nation.  What are they surrounded by?  Water.  What is in the water?  Seafood.  What don't I like?  Seafood.  With that in mind, I was able to find some non-fishy Fijian recipes.  I can't guarantee th...

Photo courtesy of user Dietmas Temps on Flickr Location : Eastern Africa Background : Uniquely maintained freedom from colonial rule except between 1936-1941. Area : Over 1 million sq km; 27th largest in the world          Slightly less than twice the size of Texas Coasts : Landlocked since 1993; most populated landlocked country Agriculture : Coffee is believed to have originated there Population : Over 91 million; 14th largest in the world Capital : Addis Ababa History : Oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world - at least 2000 years. Economy : 41% agriculture Sources: CIA World Factbook , Wikipedia A lot of the countries that I cook from don't have well-known cuisine in the US.  Yes, there may be pockets of people that eat the food, and some influences from there, but most people don't go out to an Equatorial Guinean restaurant.  This is not true for Ethiopia.  I have eaten at multiple Ethiopian res...