The amount of diversity among humans on Earth ensures a rich variety of races, religions, languages, and cultures. Along with these obvious types of differences, there is also an incredible assortment of foods people enjoy. Mankind has developed a tremendous number of __1__ dishes. Many places have even become renowned for their specialtyfoods and the special __2__ often associated with them, such as the New Year holiday.
Take the tamalefor example. Its origin is Mexico, but it has __3__ across the world with Mexican immigrants. Tamales can now be found in nearly every large city throughout the world, especially wherever Mexicans gather to __4__ New Year's Eve. Corn doughis prepared and then stuffed with meat and other favorite foods. Tamales are then __5__ in a banana leaf or corn huskand steamed, making them very portable.
People in East Asia and further afieldenjoy a steaming soup bowl of soba noodles. Made from buckwheatflour, they are long, thick, and very chewy noodles. They are said to have __6__ in Japan, and are especially eaten there on New Year's Eve. The long noodles represent a long and __7__ life.
You might not know how to __8__ kransekage, but you'll likely be driven to learn should you come across this irresistible dessert in a bakery in Denmark or Norway. Kransekage literally means “wreathcake,” and is a ring-shaped tower made up of increasingly smaller __9__ cookies stacked one atop another. This beautiful-looking and delicious-tasting dessert can be found on New Year's Eve and other important holidays.
Last but not least is King cake. It can be found in most Christian __10__ in European countries on New Year's Eve. In some countries, a coin is baked into the cake. Whoever gets the piece with the coin, it is said they will enjoy a lucky new year!
