Growing up I always believed that there were two types of bread – white and brown. However, with variety being the spice of life, there has never been more choice when it comes to the type of bread you are offered.
Even if you just go to a sandwich shop, you are faced with a choice that you never previously considered. Before you even pick the type of sandwich or additional fillings, you are asked what type of bread you would like out of the following Italian, Hearty Italian, Cheese and Herb, Wheat, Whole and, of course, white.
It seems as if the filling in sandwiches is no longer the most interesting part…
With bread being a cornerstone of the global diet, it makes sense to have a bit of variety, be it the different types of ingredients. This can range from wheat to whole grain to rye. And that’s not even mentioning how the bread is presented such as a baguette, a bagel or a pretzel.
Different countries have long favoured different types of bread. Ireland for example is famed for its soda bread, while Germany has over 200 types of bread from the Graubrot to the Schwarzbrot. In fact, one would argue that Germany’s love of bread has influenced the entire world.
In fact, Europe has played a massive influence on world bread with everything from Tiger baguettes to cheese baked bread coming from the Continent. Baguettes, granary baps, croissants, hot dog rolls, wraps and bagels have all changed how we eat the most common of food types.
And let’s not forget the rest of the world. In the Middle East, pitta bread is a staple of daily diet. Made from flour, water, yeast and salt, the bread is shaped to be an oval pocket that can be stuffed with assorted fillings. In India, naan bread is cooked as a crisp, flat bread in a Tandoor oven in order to produce a distinctive taste. Likewise chapattis are made from whole-wheat dough and baked on an iron pan. They can be eaten with vegetables, meat, fish or salads.
Bread doesn’t even have to be savoury! In China, steamed bread balls or dumplings are used as both a sweet and savoury way, either being stuffed with pork or bean paste or nuts and seeds. It is no different in Spain, where there is a variety of sweet breads available.
Ills in England, hot cross buns are used as a breakfast item, often with the addition of apples and other fruit. And then there are those in India that like their breads packed with curry. It’s a lucrative business!
The rise of international celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson has added new zest to the culinary world of food. Furthermore there is the backpacking and road-over part of the culinary lifestyle. This involves developing your knowledge of regional cooking and the uses of exotic spices, some of which do come from the Indian subcontinent.
Cooking is a life philosophy and it is important to be creative in the kitchen. Those who understand this are experimenting with fusion cuisines and unique recipes. Homemade pickles are easy to make and can be put together with ease. combinesters can be done with cans of chickpeas or simply get your pickles from the fridge. It’s a matter of taste and tradition.
There are all sorts of markets for spices in the world. You can find small boxes and jars of spices in Tesco or Asda, but you can also buy oils and all types of seasonings there. You can even buy a multi-pack of five or six jars. You provide plenty of options if you are buying for something like a man or woman in a family. They are easily stored in a pantry where they are kept cool and dry.
It is a good idea to see whether you like the flavours the retailer offers or you can identify some of the more common ingredients and whether you can get the recipes to make them yourself.
The most important thing about cooking with spices is to get the most out of what you buy. Some may not be as tasty as the commonly available ones, but you can always work around them to make a tasty recipe that your family and friends will love. You can then sit back and enjoy the company of family and friends as you prepare a lovely meal with world famous taste and quality.
