Teaching Students About Peking Duck
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Peking duck is a popular dish in China that has been around for centuries. It is a delicacy that is usually served during special occasions like weddings or important banquets. The dish is made by roasting a duck until it has a crispy skin, which is then served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce. Teaching students about Peking duck is a great way to introduce them to Chinese cuisine and culture.
To start, teachers can discuss the history of Peking duck. The dish has been around since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), and it has since become a symbol of Chinese culinary tradition. It is said that the first Peking duck was served to Emperor Qianlong in the 18th century, and it was so delicious that it became a staple dish in the imperial court.
After discussing the history of Peking duck, teachers can then move on to the preparation and cooking process. They can show students a video of how the dish is traditionally made, which involves inflating the duck with air to separate the skin from the meat, boiling it in water with various spices, and finally roasting it until it has a crispy skin. This will give students a better understanding of the laborious process that goes into making Peking duck.
Next, teachers can talk about the traditional way of serving Peking duck. It is usually served on a platter with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce. Students can learn how to assemble the pancakes by placing a piece of duck skin, a few scallion pieces, and a dollop of bean sauce onto the pancake before rolling it up and eating it.
Finally, teachers can talk about the cultural significance of Peking duck. The dish represents the history and culinary traditions of China, and it is often used to celebrate special occasions and important events. By learning about Peking duck, students can gain a better understanding of Chinese culture and the importance of food in their society.
Overall, teaching students about Peking duck is a great way to introduce them to Chinese cuisine and culture. It can expand their knowledge of different food traditions around the world and help them appreciate the cultural significance of food in various societies.