A little International foods history...

The Pancake:

The johnnycake dates back to the 1700's and was thought to be the first

'pancake' like food. It was made from cornmeal, salt and boiling water.

Many British folk know it as the oat bicsuit. The most popular stuffing in

England is lemon juice and sugar. Some are stuffed with ground beef.

The American pancake is much thicker and contains bakinf powder to make it

rise. Because it is more difficult to roll, it is usually served flat,

stacked with a topping.

The Egyptian pancake also contains a rising ingredient and is fried on one

side only. After it has cooled a small amount of stuffing is placed in the

middle. The pancake is folded over and the edges are sealed with water.

Then it is deep fried and dipped in syrup.

Other cultures traditionally serve other types of pancakes such as potato,

and cabbage/carrot. Pancakes are often associated with religious

traditions. For example, in England, the Tuesday before Lent, many eat

pancakes as the last 'rich' treat before a stricter diet. In Egypt,

pancakes are eaten especially during Ramadan.

The Belgian Waffle:

The 'Liege' waffle is a soft, sweet pastry that led to an Americanized

version called the Belgian waffle. It, of course, is said to have

originated in Belgium. The waffle iron supposedly gives it a

'carmelisation' which creates the texture and sweetness of the waffle.

French Toast:

Nope, it's not French. As a matter of fact, some think it originated in

1724 at a roadside tavern near Albany. Another early source thinks it

derived from a 1660 recipe called French Toasts. However, this recipe

consisted of bread, toasted, then soaked in wine, sugar, and orange juice.

French speaking Cajun cooks in Louisiana take claim of 'lost bread' which

eventually lead to French toast. Realistically, though, home cooks (even

today) have looked for ways to use leftover food. Bread, eggs, and milk

were usually the last items remaining in a pantry as fruits, veggies, and

meat were not often readily available.

Crepes:

Crepes date back to the V Century and were offered to the French pilgrims

who reached Rome and were hungry. Enthusiastic about them, on their return,

they pilgrims prsented them in their country where they soon became a

popular dish.

Blintzes:

Blintzes of Hungarian origin; they are filled with various fillings called

'palacsinta'. Russian-Jews fill theirs with cheese. However, the word

'blintz' comes from the Ukranian word meaning 'pancake'.

Pigs In A Blanket:

There are many different variations of PIAB, most stemming from Eastern

European roots. The Polish call them 'golabki' (pronounced Glumki - just a

note..my mom makes a killer golabki!). In Poland, though, it is not unusual

to have the pork wrapped in cabbage instead of a pancake.

The Ukranes and Chzecks call them 'holubs' and 'holep' is Yiddish. Really,

a pig in a blanket is something pork wrapped up in something else edible.

(Very scientific definition!). However, nowadays you find vienna sausages,

hot dogs, and kielbasa wrapped in crescent dough, biscuits, pie dough, etc.