2016 Rio Olympics International Cuisine Project

By: Caylin Jimenez

The Meaning Behind The Olympics

The Summer Olympics are a quadrennial event, taking place only on leap years (one of the many reasons I hold a strong bond for the summer Olympics). They unify the world for two weeks in honor of our athletes. It is not about winning gold medals (though, they may be nice), but- about coming together for a common goal. I used to think it was about winning but as I grew older I saw the true meaning- unification.

We are living in hard times filled with corruption, racism, sexism, and violence. But- for these two weeks everyone came together for a celebratory event. Yes, we must not forget all the bad things happening but- we should also not disregard the good. The sports are fun to watch but for me, the best part is the stories; the stories of the athletes- those who overcame odds, those who gave up everything, those who love what they do, and those who don’t know where to call home. These athletes inspire people all around the world to do what they love, to put themselves out there, and to represent their country. I’ve heard people say they feel bad for those who don’t get a medal. I see it differently; you shouldn’t feel bad for those who don’t win a material object. Going to the Olympics, representing your country, and doing what you love should be enough. It is nice to get recognition but what about those who give up on their dream or those who don’t have the means to support their passion? Those are the people I feel bad for. We are so obsessed with winning and material objects that we forget what the Olympics and life in general is all about.

The Opening Ceremonies is a visual representation of all the countries coming together. It is surreal to imagine countries that are at odds being in the same place. I love the spirit and the idea but-it is unrealistic to think that it is all cupcakes and rainbows. It is not. There is still corruption and animosity. Sexism still surrounds female athletes, and there is still hatred for people based on religion, skin color, and where they call home. But I have seen more positivity in my everyday life and my social media life these past two weeks than I have seen in a long time. The simple sharing of athletes’ stories on FB and the sharing of pride for ones country makes all the difference. I’d rather see that any day than hateful comments and statuses.

Along with bringing people together, the Olympics also gives us a sense of pride for our country- a sense of pride that many forget or disregard. No matter what, I am proud to be an American.

 

My Olympics International Cuisine Project

I decided to take on a project to learn about different countries and cultures. The Olympics has many purposes but one I felt that others and I could benefit from was opening our minds and palates to the food of different countries. Along with making my family more open minded, it also brought us together. It was a great way to bond and honor our beautiful world and its people. I could not do all the countries in two weeks that would be impossible, and really impressive. I decided to make each night, for 14 nights, a different meal from a different country or in some cases countries (due to the limited amount of time, I had to combine some). It was exhausting but it was worth it. I learned a lot about other countries and in the process, about myself.

We are capable of more than we think if we open our mind and our hearts.

 

• 1^st night- Australian

Aussie Meat Pie (http://www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipe/aussie-meat-pie1-L6245.html), Tomato and Avocado Salsa (http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/24370/tomato+and+avocado+salsa), Prawns on the Barbie (http://www.food.com/recipe/australian-shrimp-on-the-barbie-142234), Mashed Potatoes (http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/12564/creamy+mashed+potato), and Anzac Biscuits (http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/21104/anzac+biscuits).

 

• 2^nd night- Hungarian (In honor of my Hungarian Great-Grandmother)

Chicken Paprikash (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/140555/chicken-paprikash/), Butternut Squash Polenta with Spinach (http://www.yummly.com/recipe/external/Creamy-Butternut-Squash-Polenta-With-Spicy-Wilted-Spinach-1020248), and Hungarian Chocolate Cake (https://food52.com/recipes/32424-hungarian-chocolate-cake-rigo-jancsi).

 

• 3^rd night- Greek

Almond Baklava (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/almond-baklava-recipe.html), Greek Salad (http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/dads_greek_salad/), Tzatziki sauce (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/20242/tzatziki-sauce/), Lamb on the Barbecue (http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2220672/barbecued-greek-lamb-with-tzatziki), Hot Feta Artichoke Dip (http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/hot-feta-artichoke-dip-52353.aspx), and Homemade Pita Breads (http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016071-homemade-pita-bread).

 

• 4^th night- Cuban (for my Grandpa’s 79^th birthday)

Cuban Black Beans (http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013062-cuban-black-beans), Avocado, Boliche/Cuban Pot Roast (http://www.cubanfoodmarket.com/blog/recipe/boliche-asado-en-cazuela-beef-pot-roast/), White Rice (http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/rice-side/cuban-fluffy-white-rice.html), and Boiled Yuca (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/boiled-yuca-em-yuca-hervida-em-51203220).

 

• 5^th night- Italian

Pizza on the grill (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/14522/pizza-on-the-grill-i/), and Prosecco. The toppings on the pizza are basil leaves, mozzarella (shredded and chunks), tomato sauce, and prosciutto (pizza we had in Italy, 1 week prior, inspired our topping choice).

 

• 6^th night- Spanish

Croquetas de Bacalao (http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/salt-cod-croquettes-croquetas-de-bacalao), Sliced Jamon Serrano/Cantimpalo/Manchego Cheese, French Bread, Ailioli Sauce and Tomato Sauce, Ensalada Rusa (http://spanishsabores.com/2013/04/04/ensaladilla-rusa-recipe-russian-potato-salad/), Patatas Bravas (http://www.spain-recipes.com/patatas-bravas.html), and Chorizo.

 

• 7^th night- Jamaican

Jamaican Peas and Rice Recipe (http://cooklikeajamaican.com/rice-and-peas/), Fried Plantains (http://cooklikeajamaican.com/fried-pressed-green-plantains/), Jerk Shrimp (http://www.food.com/recipe/caribbean-jerk-shrimp-365700), Jamaican Jerked Chicken (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/jamaican-jerked-chicken-recipe.html), Jamaican Beef Patties (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamaican-beef-patties-recipe.html), and Jamaican Rock Cakes/Buns (http://jamaicandinners.com/jamaican-food/pastries/rock-cake-rock-bun.html).

 

• 8^th night- Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish

Swedish Pickled Cucumbers (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/230234/swedish-pickled-cucumbers/), Potato Klubb (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/142760/potato-klubb-norwegian-potato-dumplings/), and Mansaka (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/91577/mansaka/).

 

• 9^th night- French and Canadian

Chomeur’s Pudding (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/179784/chomeurs-pudding/), Potatoes Au Gratin (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/15925/creamy-au-gratin-potatoes/), Quiche Lorraine (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/17515/quiche-lorraine-i/), and Coq Au Vin with Rosemary and Thyme (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/244173/coq-au-vin-with-rosemary-and-thyme/).

 

• 10^th night- Mexican

Tacos al Pastor (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/tacos-al-pastor-242132), Guacamole (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/guacamole-recipe.html), Carne Asada/Flank Steak (http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/carne_asada/), Chicken/Chorizo Enchilada Bake (http://www.food.com/recipe/smoky-chicken-and-chorizo-mexican-enchilada-baked-casserole-407666), and don’t forget corn tortillas, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, chopped onions, and lime.

 

• 11^th night- English

Mushy Peas (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/50281/mushy-peas-i/), Toffee Pudding (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/sticky-toffee-pudding-380598), Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/22597/roast-beef-and-yorkshire-pudding/), and Gravy (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/homemade-gravy-recipe.html).

 

• 12^th night- Russian

White Russians (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/222900/white-russian-cocktail/), Chicken Kiev (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/chicken-kiev-russian-52876971), Russian Stuffed Peppers (http://russianfoods.com/en/russian-stuffed-peppers-video-recipe/), and Zucchini Fritters (http://russianfoods.com/en/zucchini-fritters-video-recipe/).

 

• 13^th night- Chinese, Japanese, S. Korean

Sushi Boat from http://www.jasminesushi.com, Mongolian Beef (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/241165/mongolian-beef-from-the-slow-cooker/), Pork Gyoza (http://steamykitchen.com/5874-gyoza-recipe-japanese-pan-fried-dumplings.html), Fried Rice (http://www.food.com/recipe/chinese-fried-rice-346314), Korean Pork Belly (http://www.spicetheplate.com/pork/korean-style-pan-fried-pork-belly/), Spicy Kimchee, and Lo Mein (http://damndelicious.net/2014/10/03/easy-lo-mein/).

 

• 14^th night- Brazilian

Brazilian Whole Banana Pie (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/104452/brazilian-whole-banana-pie/), Brazilian Collards (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/81384/brazilian-collards/), Picanha (http://honestcooking.com/picanha-101-brazilian-barbecue-meat/), and Sausage.

 

* We added avocados for almost every night due to the abundance of ripe avocados from our yard. They are not necessarily native to all these countries. *

Thank you for reading!

-Caylin