Hubby and Chubby go on a Foodie Vacation! Quiz

Answer: Shank

The shank is the lower leg of beef, veal or lamb. It has dense meat and is typically braised for a long time. Historically known as a "peasant meal," it has evolved into such famous dishes as "Osso Bucco." The vacationing couple enjoyed this lovely entree!

The other foils refer to edible internal animal organs. Foie gras - goose liver, Haggis - sheep stomach, and Menudo - beef stomach (tripe.) As an aside, in olden times, legend has it that mobs threw offal and other rubbish at condemned criminals. Thanks, neighbors!

Answer: Calf's head

Uncle Robert adored "Tete de Veau" as made by his mom. Her recipe is traditional - first locate a calf's head, cut it in two, roll it around the calf's tongue and secure it in a netting. Gently poach in a vegetable broth (well-seasoned with salt and pepper.) After five hours (or until a skewer can be inserted through the head,) it will be ready.

However, Chef Henry Harris of "Racine" in London cautions the home cook who makes this dish. First, the meat must be cooked thoroughly. Second, allow it to cool completely, otherwise it will explode. (Evidently, exploded calf head all over your kitchen will definitely end the dinner party.)

Answer: Purchasing a traditional Welsh dish.

In Wales, a faggot is made of meat "cut-offs" and offal (usually pork). An example would include pig heart, liver and belly-meat combined with herbs and cooked like a meatball. They are usually served with gravy, mashed potatoes and peas. (Chubby admitted that this meal was a bit rich for her.)

In traditional English vernacular a "fag" is used as slang for a cigarette.

In Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist", Fagin was an adult who trained children in the life of crime.

An embroidery stitch involving creation of a lovely hour-glass shape is known as "faggoting."

As an aside, a bundle of sticks used for firewood would not be unappreciated in their little cottage. It would also be called a faggot - not to be confused with the meatball.

Answer: Big kettles of stew

Booyah is a thick soup/stew that requires several days and many cooks to prepare in huge "booyah kettles" meant to serve hundreds (or even thousands) of people. Thought to be of Belgium (Walloon) origin, it is typically seen in the Upper Midwestern States of US - Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. Made from beef, chicken, pork and whatever vegetables are available, seasonings depend on the cook(s) in charge of the shift.

Chicken and Waffles is an interesting Southern dish - served together with maple syrup. (The couple admits that they don't understand the pairing - but many people adore this dish!)

All-you-can-eat Pancake Feeds are usually found at church and Boy Scout fundraisers throughout the USA.

Hot dog dinners followed with spraying kids with fire hoses is Chubby's invention - but what a better way to clean the ketchup off!

Aside - True Story. The C/Hubbys lived in a town near St. Paul, Minnesota. Once, they drove past a fire station that had a yard sign advertising the annual "Booyah Night." Not natives of the area, they stopped to ask what Booyah was. The Fire Chief took them to the backyard cooking area and explained that the stew involved many chefs who would watch the big pot, stir, drink a beer then add one to the stew if needed. One chef shared that the secret to their Booyah was cigarette ash and then proceeded to flick his "butt" into the pot. This is the absolute truth!

Answer: Bull Testicles

Rocky Mountain Oysters are bull, pig or sheep testicles that are peeled, coated in flour, salt and pepper and then deep fried. Yes, the EEEW factor is the first reaction, but they are surprisingly good. They are also known as "Montana Tendergroins," "Cowboy Caviar," and "Swinging Beef."

Zebra Mussels are an invasive species from Asia that hitchhiked in the ballast tanks of tankers. They now threaten the American Great Lakes.

Fresh Water Clams are typically found in aquariums where they serve as "living filters." Don't eat them - they do a fine job of cleaning!

A River Limpet is part of the family Gastropoda - most of which are salt water dwellers.

Answer: Oyster Mushrooms

No Oyster Mushrooms involved! A mixture of cabbage, onions, ground meat and various "chef's secrets" make this a wonderful treat.

This recipe was passed down through generations of Germans and Russians who emigrated from Europe to Argentina and several Canadian provinces. It was also spread through the Upper States of the USA and filtered down through the Plains States with the French trappers.

In America, this sandwich is typically found in Mom and Pop restaurants around the Great Plains (USA). The "Runza" drive-thru restaurant is very popular in my neck of the woods (Nebraska, USA.) (Please note that the spelling of the "drive-thru" is correct - I know, but what can you do?)

Answer: Kolache

A Kolache is a tasty treat, typically topped with a dollop of fruit or other sweet topping. The cities listed are indeed famous for their fairs involving this Czech delight.

A Runza is a meat and cabbage filled pastry served for dinner. A Sopapilla is a lovely "New World" deep fried pastry desert. Framboise is the French word for raspberry.

As Hubby and Chubby discovered, Wilber, Nebraska is "The Czech Capital of the USA." The annual Czech Days are brilliant! Non-stop polka bands, parades, crowning of Miss Czech, and street dances at night with plenty of brew.

Answer: Cheese Curd

Cheese Curd is the common ingredient. Known as the solid part of soured milk - it often known as "squeaky cheese" for the sound it makes when pressed against one's teeth. The New York Times describes this sound as "balloons trying to neck." (Oh-la-la!)

Whey and rennet are involved in the process of cheese production. Cottage cheese is a different product.

Time for fun food items! Poutine is a Canadian side dish consisting of French Fries, gravy and topped with cheese curds. (No calories here!)

Paneer is an alternative to meat and used is in appetizers, snacks and rice biryani among many other wonderful dishes.

Deep-fried cheese curds are a "must have" when visiting State Fairs in the Upper Midwest of the United States.

Answer: Pork Rinds

In a USA Today interview in 1988, Presidential candidate George Bush admitted his affinity for pork rinds. According to the New York Times, following this admission, the Rudolph Foods Company (Bush's favorite brand) was forced to work overtime shifts to meet the demand of people who wished to enjoy the "candidate's treat."

Answer: Surstromming

A surstromming is a sour and fermented herring, often sold in cans. Evidently, it has such a strong smell that it usually opened and eaten outside. "Oskars" is a brand, in case you were wondering.

The prinsesstart is exactly what it sounds like. In 1920, Jenny Akerstrom (teacher to the princesses Margaretha, Martha and Astrid) introduced this cake. The children loved the cake so much that it has now been integrated into the Swedish culture.

Pea Soup and Pancakes are a traditional Thursday night dish - started by the Armed Forces sinced WWII.

Raksmorgas are shrimp sandwiches - such an icon in Swedish culture that a phrase "glide in on a shrimp sandwich" (in Swedish) means to get a free ride.

Hubby and Chubby enjoyed their trip to this wonderful country.