Our world is becoming smaller and smaller in many ways. The economy is global. Our digital connections mean we can be connected to people all over the world in seconds. Helping my kids learn this isn’t always easy though. After all, I didn’t grow up with the same digital connections at my fingertips. But there were ways I learned about other cultures-mostly through food. ‘Breaking bread’ with people helped me learn about them in a very personal way. While I have grown to love having digital connections to people all over the world at my fingertips, there’s something about eating with others that really allows you to get to know them. Sharing their culture through their cooking is something special. I don’t have that kind of history to draw from in my family, so I always love to see recipes that have been handed down or experience new types of cuisine.
By sharing food and customs of other cultures whether at friends’ homes or around our dinner table it helps to solidify my kids’ connections and respect for other cultures. Food is something that brings us together and helps us appreciate one another. It doesn’t hurt that global foods are often delicious either! Since we don’t have a strong culinary background to pull from we love to try new things. Even the pickiest of eaters enjoys trying something new and unusual.
An easy shortcut to getting global cuisine on your table is at your local GIANT Food Stores. They have created delicious foods and ingredients inspired by world cultures for their World Menu line. You can choose from high quality prepared frozen foods (simply heat and serve) or look at their pantry items to help you create your own globally inspired meals. The current line features Asian-inspired foods and foods imported from Italy. Both cuisines are accessible to even the most picky of eaters and a great way to share new foods and cultures with your family.
“With today’s busy lifestyles, mealtime planning can be a challenge, and our new World Menu products provide an easy and convenient alternative to traditional take out for our customers.” -John MacDonald, director of marketing and external communications
Pair your meal with some geography, facts about the country and cuisine, and you’re set for a night of world fun. You might even find some cartoons or books that will make for great after dinner activities.
Where To Find World Menu Items
The World Menu line is available in several locations throughout your local GIANT food store. You can find Asian-inspired and Italian foods in the freezer section that include quick and easy meals and sides such as Italian favorites like Ricotta & Spinach Cannelloni or Thai soup like Tom Yum Kong soup. You can also find items on shelves including pasta made in Italy! There are over 50 items in store for your to try.
World Menu Italian Line
The line includes all the classic ingredients that start an Italian feast-pastas, cheeses, and herbs are all imported from Italy. The World Menu items also feature quality ingredients like broccoli rabe, spicy red peppers, and wild forest mushrooms frozen at peak time for a fresh meal. Items include eggplant parmiggiana, broccoli rabe risotto, and spicy arrabbiata and more.
World Menu Asian Line
There are a variety of Asian-inspired offerings including condiments, entrees, and more. They feature seafood, chicken and pork paired with fresh vegetables and Asian-inspired sauces. Items include potstickers, egg rolls, Mandarin orange chicken, shrimp lo main, General Tso chicken, and chicken tikka masala among others.
World Menu Pantry Items
You will also find a selection of spices and other pantry items from the World Menu line elsewhere in the store. There are some wonderful Italian spice blends among them.
Pick up a few World Menu items and stash them in your freezer for those nights your schedule is packed and you’ll have an amazing globally inspired dinner on the table in no time.
Kelly
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by GIANT Food Stores.
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