By Ada Aiken
China - Fishcake soup
Fish cake soup may sound somewhat odd, but in China, fishcake soup is a tasty traditional meal. This soup typically consists of fishcake, chicken bone broth, rice noodles, and various vegetables and spices. The base of fishcake is ground fish and various white fish, such as cod, pollock, hake, etc. This soup can be served at a variety of occasions and celebrations, though, one of the primary occasions where this soup can be served is the Chinese New Year, and Zhōngqiújié. In English Zhōngqiújié translates to “Moon Festival”, or “Mid autumn festival”. This is a 3-day holiday which celebrates crop harvest and family reunification. Historically, Chinese people would gather at this time and give thanks to the moon, for their harvest that year and pray for a bountiful crop in the approaching year. Fish cake soup can be compared to our mashed potatoes, it’s not the star of the show, but still a very delicious dish. Fishcake soup can not only be served at Zhōngqiújié, but at any time during the year, this is a great family meal!
Russia - Goose Feet Cookies
Unlike fishcake soup, goose feet cookies, or “gusinie lapki” are not a meal but a dessert, these cookies are a sweet customary dessert in Russia. There aren't actually any goose feet in these cookies, Goose feet cookies are a flakey, surgery, almost pastry-like cookie. The name "Goose feet cookies" originated in northern Asia, where people who created the recipe thought that the cookies resembled the shape of goose feet, thus the name.
In order to create the unique shape of these cookies, they are folded four times into little triangles. When they bake, rise, and form into cookies that resemble goose feet.
Goose feet cookies are often finished with toppings like cinnamon, powdered sugar, or other sweet additions. Unlike Canada, in early November, Russians celebrate National Unity Day. This holiday is one of the most important days in Russia. Typically Unity Day is celebrated with parades, festivals, music, etc.. Historically, this day represents the liberty of Moscow from the Polish, now, it symbolizes the unity between all of Russia's republics, territories, regions, and districts. Traditionally, goose feet cookies are enjoyed at family gatherings, and holidays, such as Christmas and Unity Day, or simply as a treat anytime!
Comments