
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 11, 1995                   TAG: 9510110031
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES FOOD EDITOR
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ETHNIC DELIGHTS

Although the official date is Oct. 12, much of America celebrated Columbus Day on Monday. Since 1492, America has evolved into an impressive melting pot and opened numerous new worlds of ethnic pots and pans to culinary explorers.

The National Pork Producers Council says that in addition to exciting new tastes, investigating other cultures' foods offers opportunities for fun-filled family activities. Plus, studies have found that people - especially children - are more receptive to trying new foods when they have some understanding about the culture from which the food came.

The council suggests doing little research projects about new foods that you plan to try and incorporating ethnic touches to give meals foreign flair. For example, during a Mexican-inspired meal, play Mariachi music in the background and use a colorful serape as a table runner. Or accompany Caribbean cuisine with steel-drums Calypso or reggae music and use sea shells and straw place mats to help set an islands mood.

To celebrate the Greeks' renowned love of entertaining and delectable baked goods, invite another family or some friends over to share a Greek feast featuring the following Greek cookies from Ken Haedrich's ``Simple Desserts" ($15. 95, Bantam Books).

Haedrich, also the author of ``Country Baking," ``Home for the Holidays" and ``Country Breakfasts," delivers on his promise to eliminate the intimidation of making dessert. Recipes range from light, low-calorie fruit and frozen offerings to rationing-required custards and cakes. Reassuring cook-friendly tips help even the most intimidated and inexperienced cooks get good results.

The council says that American Indians used corn as everything from a dietary staple to a component in doll-making. The following posole is a hearty interpretation of an American Indian dish using hominy, which is corn kernels that have been dried and then soaked in lye. To commemorate the Indians' use of clay cooking pots, serve the rich stew in clay bowls and decorate the table with colorful dried ears of corn.

To receive the council's free brochure of ethnic recipes and learning-project suggestions, send a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope to: Teaching and Tasting at the Table, NPPC, P.O. Box 10383, Des Moines, Iowa 50306.

Calzone is said to have originated in Columbus' native Italy. Like its cousin, the traditional pizza, calzone is quick and easy to prepare and readily adapts to your preferred ingredients. Sonoma, makers of the dried tomatoes used in the following turnover-like treat, offers a free brochure of other winning ethnic recipes. To receive it, send your request to: McCall's Winning Recipes, 4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, Calif. 95448.

And while you're writing, make a note to yourself that April 21, 1996, is the date for Roanoke's next Local Color celebration. Thirty-two countries, so far, are scheduled to share information about and examples of their cultures, as well as samples of their cuisines during this annual ethnic fair.

\ AFGHAN CHICKEN KEBAB

MOO SHU BEEF

SPICY INDIAN SPLIT PEA, POTATO AND SPINACH SOUP

POSOLE

SPEEDY SONOMA CALZONE

GREEK HONEY AND ORANGE NUT COOKIES*

(see microfilm for recipes).

by CNB