Humans tend to seek out and prefer the familiar reassuring foods of their native countries.  Famous historian, Brillat-Savarin once quoted, "Tell me what you eat and I will tell you who you are.  The foods that grow in a particular region, the cooking methods typically used, the seasonings, and the style of eating are all part of a communities shared behavior.  How often have you heard someone say, "ewe, yuck", in regard to  a dish they are not familiar with?  That same description is then reversed to, "oh yum", when the person is, many times unconsciously, familiar with the cultural significance and his or hers community acceptance of this dish as good.

Fortunately over time some people have traveled and explored new regions while also experimenting with this new regions foods and preparation techniques.  Travel has a broadening influence, not only on the kinds of foods and preparation technique, but also on the foods are significant to each region and heritage.  Customs, traditions and religions from the beginning of time have developed and solidified the cultural significance of food and cooking.

The quest to conquer other lands and control other peoples has been another potent spur to the growth and evolution of cooking.  The Greeks and Romans were, perhaps, the most monumental groups to bring about changes that altered completely the eating habits of most Western hemisphere inhabitants.  The delicacies and choicest goods of each conquered country became their, "property."  Leavened breads, sweets wines, forcemeats, sauces, and "composed dishes" all became part of the Greek repertoire after they gained control of Egypt, Persia, Babylon, and India.

To Be Continued.................