Thursday, April 06, 2006
Awareness and Creativity with Food
- What do you do when you have a group of people with religious, health, personal and allergy specific requirements, over for dinner???
Well, you can have tons of fun, or panic.... :)
I choose to have fun! So what I have decided, is to put together a few ideas and juicy pieces of information, that will help you become more aware of what people mean and want, when they ask for food to be prepared in a specific way.
So here goes.....
Halaal
It is a custom adhered to strictly by followers of the Islamic community.
- In order for meat to be considered Halaal, the animal must be sacrificed in the correct way, with a specific prayer being recited by a qualified follower of Islam.
- There are also specific methods of preparation.
- No food can be consumed unless it has the Halaal sign on the packaging, and if it is prepared correctly.
- Halaal food cannot be prepared by a non-Muslim, or with alcohol or served with alcohol.
- Utensils, pots and preparation environment have to be strictly cleaned at all times and no Non-Halaal items can be cooked there, especially pork.
- Halaal food must not contain traces of or have any gelatine, alcohol or pork derivatives.
Your catering choices:
If you are unsure, order food from your local Halaal restaurant and serve without alcohol, or call a Muslim catering company.
Another choice, is to serve fresh fish (preferably not shellfish) or vegetarian food only.
Make sure at all times, that the cutlery, pots and dishes are new, and have never been used to serve pork or non-Halaal food.
Kosher
- A custom adhered to by followers of Judaism.
- An animal has to be slaughtered in a specific manner, which is overseen by a qualified Beth Din.
- Preparation of the food is very strict.
- Milk cannot be mixed in the preparation of the foods, and food is served at different intervals.
- Only food with the Kosher sign may be consumed.
- Generally, followers of Judaism will not eat out at non-Jewish restaurants.
- Only certain pure fruit juices may be drunk and some wines may be consumed.
- Strictly no pork or non-Kosher food may be served or mixed in the preparation of the food.
What to do?
Order food from a local Synagogue and give it to the person with the original packaging as is. Normally it will arrive with its own utensils and wrapped properly. Do not break open the wrapper.
Prepare vegetarian meals without mixing any milk in the meal.
Hindhu Generally
- Followers of Hinduism, generally do not eat pork or beef, and many are vegetarian.
- As there are different sects of Hinduism, it is safer to ask the person, if they are strictly vegetarian, or if they do eat meat.
- If they are vegetarian, it means that they will not eat eggs or anything baked with eggs either.
- You will notice many variations of eggless cakes and biscuits.
- Some followers of Hinduism who eat meat, choose to eat Lamb, mutton, chicken,fish and eggs.
- Always double check if the person is "Fasting" (meaning: abstaining from anything that stimulates the senses such as meat, alcohol and food in excess)
- Fasting occurs on certain days of the week. Rather ask the person which day they choose to fast.
- Preferably, do not cook pork or beef and serve at the same table with the rest of the food. It is safer to not offend anyone that way.
How to prepare?
Cook vegetarian meals, or if the person does eat meat, ask them what their prefences are, and prepare accordingly.
Lamb, fish, shellfish, chicken and mutton are acceptable for those who do eat meat.
Hare Krishna Devotee
- Devotees who follow a way of life of Krishna Consciousness.
- They are absolutely strict vegetarians.
- They do not eat any meat in any form even eggs.
- Food must not be prepared with garlic or onions.
- All vegetables are acceptable.
- The cheese that they eat is homemade Paneer.
- Food is referred to as Sadhvic food, as it must be prepared and consumed within 4 hours of preparation.
To Prepare?
Prepare only vegetarian food, with no meat or egg extracts or derivatives.
Do not mix in garlic and onion.
Order food from a local pure vegetarian restaurant run by Hare Krishna devotees.
Vegan
- Followed by people through personal choice, Rastafarians, and people who are lactose intolerant (allergic to anything with milk, milk extracts and animal products)
- Anyone choosing Veganism eat strictly vegetarian food. Preferably organic or fresh.
- Eggs are a definite no-no.
- No mayonnaise, no creamy sauces, no meaty gravies etc...
- All soya products are acceptable.
- Soya milk, milkshakes etc can be used in teas, coffees, etc...
- Only Tofu cheese may be served.
How to prepare?
Offer freshly prepared vegetables and fruits.
Make sure that the food bought is specifically soy products and contain no animal or milk extracts.
Remember in life, that learning more about other people adds to your knowlege and opens up a whole new world of experiences for you.
Approach cooking for different people with a fun attitude. After all, we are all human and we can only learn by being aware and asking questions.
Be as non-judgemental as possible. Just because you do not do things a certain way, does not mean that the next person is wrong.
"At the level of Respect, All people are Equal!"
If you would like to learn more about the eating habits of many more cultures, contact us via www.africa-dreams.com
Until we meet,
take care and have fun!
Arthie
