Switzerland Sonia Malhotra

Geography *It is surrounded by 5 countries: Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, France to the west, Italy to the south and Germany to the north. One of the Smallest countries in Europe. *Three Main Regions of Switzerland Consist of The Plateau - The Swiss Plateau extends from Lake Geneva on the French border across central Switzerland to Lake Constance on the Austrian border. The Alps- The Swiss Alps form part of a chain of mountains that stretch across southern Europe and isolate Northern Europe from the Mediterranean Sea. The Jura A limestone layer running from Lake Geneva to the Rhine river in Switzerland.

600000 - 30000 B.C. Ice Age Human Evolution in Africa. Central Europe more or less covered by glaciers, some

warmer intermediate periods allow human activities, however.

30000 - 1800 B.C. Stone Age Hunters using weapons and tools made from stones in Europe.

1800 - 800 B.C. Bronze Age Weapons and tools made from bronze.

800 - 58 B.C. Iron Age

Helvetians

Weapons and tools made from iron. Celtic tribes all over Western Europe. The

Helvetians, a celtic tribe, give their name to the Swiss territory: hence HELVETIA

on Swiss coins and stamps, ch = Confoederatio Helvetica on cars and internet domains.

58 B.C. - 400

A.D. Roman Period

Helvetians stopped by roman commander C. Julius Cesar when trying to move

towards Southern France. Switzerland occupied by roman troops, beginning of

written history in this region.

400 - 1500 Middle Ages

Germanic tribes set an end to the Roman Empire and build new states and empires

in Europe. Feudal system. Monasteries keep up roman and greek heritage (reading

and writing) and develop new agricultural methods.

1291 - 1515 Old Swiss

Confederacy

Three valleys in Central Switzerland unite against the counts of Habsburg and fight

for autonomy. Cities join the confederacy. They conquer territories in northern and

southern Switzerland.

1523 - 1536 Reformation Swiss Reformers Zwingli and Calvin even more radical than Luther in Germany.

Calvin's doctrine has influenced denominations in many other countries.

History

History….

1536 - 1798 Ancien Regime

Switzerland is a loose confederacy of 13 cities and small valley communities

dominating the rest of the country. A few families control state affairs. Several

rebellions put down by military force: repressed aspects of history in a country

so proud of it's tradition of democracy.

1798 - 1802 Helvetic Republic

Revolution in Switzerland. Farmers in occupied territories become free citizens.

Centralistic parliamentary republic according to French model. Occupation by

French troops and some battles of Napoleon vs. Austria and Russia in

Switzerland.

1803 - 1815 Mediation Civil war brings Helvetic Republic to an end. French emperor Napoleon

enforces a constitution negociated under his "mediation"

1815 - 1830 Restauration Confederacy reestablished, however with 22 cantons [member states]. Liberals

in minority position.

1830 - 1848 Regeneration

Second French Revolution (1830) also boosts liberals in Switzerland. Some

federal states with liberal governments and new constitutions. The conservative

catholic governments of some cantons [federal states] set up a secret Special

Alliance ["Sonderbund"] against the liberal governments of other cantons. This

leads to a short civil war ["Sonderbundskrieg"] (1847).

1848 Federal State

New Federal Constitution combining elements of the U.S. constitution (Federal

State with central and cantonal [state] governments and parliaments) and of

French revolutionary tradition. The Principles of this constitution are still valid

today.

1800 - 1900 Industrialization Switzerland is one of the first industrialized countries in Europe.

History………. 1914 - 1918 World War I. Armed neutrality works when surrounded by warfaring nations.

1918 - 1933 Economic Crisis Twenties are not so "roaring" in Europe. Inner conflicts, general strike in

1918, 1929 world economic crisis hit this industrialized country severely.

1933 - 1939 Spiritual Defense

Hitler in Germany is soon seen as a danger to Switzerland's independence.

Thousands of German refugees (jews, intellectuals) accepted. Socialists and

trade unions seek cooperation with liberal employers against fascist threat.

1939 - 1945 World War II.

Neutral Switzerland surrounded by fascist troops (Germany, Austria, Italy)

or collaborating regimes (Vichy-France). Some trade with Hitler was

inevitable for sheer survival (and the survival of more than 150,000

refugees). Other, not inevitable aspects were: (Too) rigid refugee politics

(25,000 sent back), uncritical collaboration in case of looted assets and

accepting stolen gold.

Since 1945 Prosperity Recent history is characterized by political stability, economic progress,

increased social security and a new openness and tolerance.

Staple Foods Dairy Products such as milk and cheese Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits are served fresh in season, stewed, or made into puddings or tarts. A bowl of stewed fruit accompanied with cafe an lait is a popular finish to a meal. Bread: It is almost an impossibility to think of a Swiss table set for a meal without bread. Breads and rolls are often the main part of breakfast Sweets: The Swiss have a sweet tooth, that is usually subdued by either having preserves such as jam on toast. Chocolate to the Swiss is a necessary part of their meal and not just a treat. Seasonings: Dill, caraway, garlic, tarragon,, garlic, basil, oregano

Swiss food overall is cooked well, and not overly seasoned.

Impacts of Immigrants on Swiss Food

Switzerland’s Neighbor's

Swiss Recipes influenced by France Fondue – Probably the most famous “Swiss” food, derived from the French ver

fondre (to melt), in the past participle fondu (melted).

Fontina and butterkase cheese, spinach. Garlic, and artichoke hearts

Swiss Recipes influenced by France Raclette – a type of cheese and a dish featuring this cheese. Traditionally served with

potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, dried meat (prosciutto), tomato, onion, mushrooms, pears,

and dusted with paprika and fresh-ground black pepper.

Swiss Recipes influenced by Germany Rosti – similar to hash browns, made with grated potatoes fried in butter, fat, or oil.

Swiss Recipes influenced by Germany Zopf – means "braid". Swiss bread made from white flour, milk, egg, butter and yeast.

Swiss Recipes influenced by Italy Polenta – made from boiled yellow or white cornmeal, once regarded as a meal for the poor.

Swiss Recipes influenced by Italy Risotto –(specifically saffron risotto) originating from North Italy (Swiss border). This

traditional Italian rice dish is one of the most common ways of cooking rice in Ticino.

Swiss Recipes influenced by Austria Graubünden Barley Soup - The most famous soup from Graubünden

Swiss Recipes influenced by Austria Bündner Nusstorte - (Graubünden nut pastry) is a traditional sweet, caramelized nut

(generally walnut) filled pastry from canton Graubünden in Switzerland.

Swiss Beverages Absinthe - distilled officially again in its Val-de-Travers birthplace, in the Jura region of

Switzerland, where it originated. Long banned by a specific anti-Absinthe article in the Swiss constitution, it was legalized again in 2005

Ovomaltine – a chocolate drink (aka Ovaltine) originated in Switzerland

A Typical Swiss Meal

Breakfast: Muesli and milchkaffee are a popular Swiss way to begin the day, but cafe complet or chocolate complet are still traditional. With either cafe au lait or hot chocolate as the mainstay, this simple breakfast revolves around an assortment of breads and rolls served with fresh butter and a variety of preserves.

Spatzli Delight – mini dumplings with home made cheesespatzli, bacon, roasted onions, and

pear slices.

Lunch: The main meal of the day takes place at noon. Beginning with a hearty soup, may go on to a main Swiss dish based on potatoes, cheese, fish or meat accompanied by a small salad and ending with fruit and cheese. The adults will usually have wine, cider or water.

A late afternoon snack at about four o'clock called zvieri will consist of sausages or ham with pickles and bread together with a quenching drink of hard cider or perhaps beer. Children will snack on bread and butter, women sometimes on milchkaffee or one of many teas with simple cakes or buns. Dinner: The evening meal may be one of the lightest and of bread, cheese, and cafe au lait, or a simple casserole of potatoes and a side salad and bread. simplest of the day.

Side dishes include: French fries, rice, potatoes and different types of pasta. Fruits are available from all over the world, locally grown fruits include apples, pears, grapes and different types of berries, such as black berries, blueberries, raspberries, red currants and strawberries. Finally, there are a lot of sweets, including the second type of food that Switzerland is world famous for: Swiss chocolate.

Dinning Etiquette DON'T drink until after the first toast. The first toast is always given by the host. DON'T rest your hands in your lap during a meal. Keep your hands on the table, but keep your elbows off the table! DON'T ask for salt and pepper if it's not already on the table. DON'T smoke while eating. DO use your fork to cut food such as salad and potatoes instead of a knife. DO break bread with your hand, but most other food should be eaten with utensils. DO eat everything off your plate and sample a little bit of everything, especially when dining at someone's home. DO put your knife and fork side by side at the 5:25 position when you're done eating to indicate that you are finished.

San Mateo, California 2 N. B Street San Mateo, CA 94401 (650) 342-6358

Locations

Sacramento, California 814 15th St. Sacramento, CA 95814-2009 (916) 443-2347

San Diego, Califronia 8980 University Center Lane San Diego, CA 92122 (858) 638-1700

History of Cheese Fondue During the 18th century the frigid Swiss winters caused fresh food to became scarce. Towns people had to rely upon locally made foods. These were produced by area cheese makers in the summer months. During winter months these cheeses became dry and hard so Out of necessity came a wonderful dish, the fondue. It's named derived from the French word fondue - meaning to melt or to blend. This was exactly what the stale cheese needed to make it more digestible. The cheese was melted in a earthenware pot called the caquelon. Local wines and seasonings were added and even the stale bread tasted delicious after it was swirled in the creamy cheese sauce.

Seating

Food Time!

video

Chocolate Fondue