Wonder of the Day #1017
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— Food
Have You Ever Wondered...
- What are hors d'oeuvres?
- How did appetizers get their start?
- Do you have a favorite hors d'oeuvre?
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Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Ariana. Ariana Wonders, “How do I make the best snack for a party?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Ariana!
Do you like to go out to eat or enjoy a big family meal at home? If you’re like most kids, you probably look forward to what comes after the main course. That’s right! Dessert can often be the sweetest part of any meal.
Of course, many people also look forward to what comes before the main course. What are we talking about? Hors d’oeuvres, of course!
Isn’t that a funny looking word? It doesn’t really sound anything like it looks. Although it might look strange, we bet you’ve heard it before. It’s usually pronounced “or-derves.” And no matter how you say it, they taste great!
Some people call hors d’oeuvres either starters or appetizers. They’re the smaller, snack-sized foods that are served before the main course of a meal. They can come in any shape, size or flavor.
Some hors d’oeuvres are sweet, while others are savory. They can be fruits, vegetables, meats or any combination of those items. Sometimes they’re really fancy. Other times they’re as simple as can be.
The name hors d’oeuvre, in case you hadn’t already guessed, is French. The word hors means “beside” or “outside of,” while oeuvre means “work” and refers to the main dishes of a meal. Therefore, hors d’oeuvres are those snacks served before (outside of) the main courses.
The French didn’t invent hors d’oeuvres, though. Historians believe the French borrowed the idea of hors d’oeuvres from the ancient Greeks and Romans, who served a variety of small dishes prior to the main courses of their feasts.
Of course, hors d’oeuvres can also be served by themselves as a light meal at a reception or party at which no main course will be served. Most often, though, they’re served when there’s a period of time between when guests arrive and the main meal is served. Hors d’oeuvres give hungry guests something to snack on while they’re waiting.
Some common hors d’oeuvres include buffalo wings, caviar, deviled eggs, nachos, sausages, bruschetta, and pigs in a blanket. Of course, these are just a few examples. Chefs around the world have created thousands of different hors d’oeuvres over the years.
Do you have any favorite hors d’oeuvres? Everyone’s tastes are different! Whether you’re eating out or staying home with family, hors d’oeuvres are a great way to begin a meal.
Standards: CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.SL.2
Wonder What's Next?
Tomorrow's Wonder of the Day takes a closer look at what makes those closest to you so special!
Try It Out
If today's Wonder of the Day made you hungry, you're not alone! Check out one or more of the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Do you like hors d'oeuvres? Maybe you call them appetizers or starters or simply pre-meal snacks. Whatever they're called, they're delicious! Some people look forward to hors d'oeuvres as much as, if not more than, the main course. What are some of your favorite hors d'oeuvres? Do you have a particular hors d'oeuvre recipe that has been in your family for years? Talk about your favorite hors d’oeuvres with a friend or family member.
- Take an online field trip to the menus of your favorite restaurants. Most restaurants today have their own websites where you can find their menus. Make a list of your favorite restaurants and then look them up online to view their menus. Pay particular attention to the appetizers they offer. Which of them sound good to you? How much are they? Pick out one or two appetizers that sound particularly-appealing and ask an adult if you can go give them a try some day. Alternatively, you could look up recipes online and try to make your own versions at home!
- Add some variety to your meal with one of thesehors d’oeuvres from around the world! Which of these look most tasty to you? Ask a friend or family member to help you find a recipe. Then, ask for their help to make it before your next family meal.
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Wonder Contributors
We’d like to thank:
AJ
for contributing questions about today’s Wonder topic!
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Wonder Words
- snack
- savory
- reception
- course
- chefs
- caviar
- bruschetta
- appetizers
- variety
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