A music fusion genre is music that combines two or more styles. Rock and Roll was the melding of blues, country and gospel music. Ray Charles is considered the Godfather of Soul Music as he pulled together various elements of jazz, blues, country and gospel.

Like the various music fusion genres fusion food is not some new phenomenon but it is still absolutely fascinating to me. There is a long culinary history of cross cultural dishes that has occurred whenever and wherever several cultures have lived together.

Wolfgang Puck is considered one of this country’s leading pioneers on fusion cuisine and he started this back in 1983 when he began serving Asian dishes using fresh California ingredients. In this country we have a long history of this spectacular collision of flavors and cultures – look no farther than Cajun and Creole in Louisiana and Tex-Mex in the Southwest. And more recently who hasn’t heard of Korean Tacos BY he, N’awlins), Nuevo describe the almost limitless possibilities, a few are somewhat familiar like Pan Asian but others will sound intriguing such as Nuevo Latino, Floribbean and Thai Indian.

Many ethnic cultures have traditionally used a variety of wrappers – tortillas, flatbread, pita bread and chapati. These are easy to fill or top. We’ve made Garam Masala Burgers using pita bread, Thai Chicken Wraps and a Cheesy Stuffed Crust Pizza.

Creative fusion food is a delicate balance of knowing when to tone down some flavors while also being adventurous when combining with a more traditional fare. Experiment with chile peppers, fish sauces, beans, couscous, fruits, potatoes, stir fry noodles, curries, pilafs, rice and pastas.

Challenge your taste buds. I know that I am fascinated by this growing trend and plan to dive in and find out what pleases my palate and leave boring, tired old meals in the past!

Makes me hungry just thinking about it and now I’m also in the mood to hear Ray sing “Hit the Road Jack”!

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