Helvetia is the figure you see on Swiss coins and stamps. Named for the Helvetii, a tribe of Celts who lived on the Swiss Plateau before the Roman conquest, she isn't an actual person, but rather a symbol for the confederation.

Switzerland, a diverse nation with four official languages and at least as many cultural groups, uses Helvetia to acknowledge a shared past. She also offers a unifying name for the country: Confoederatio Helvetica or CH.

Uniting the many into one is akin to turning a variety of ingredients into a delicious, edible whole.

Her tips can be found below and throughout the recipes.

For more on the chemistry of cooking, as well as invaluable tips and much more detailed information than provided here, consider purchasing Harold McGee's classic text On Food and Cooking.