Month: March 2010

Menu: Australia

This weekend will be the biggest Global Table party yet. We’re opening our home to 15 motorcycle buddies (plus their kids). We’ve chosen to have a classic Aussie Pot Luck Barbie – otherwise known as a barbecue – for our adventure. I’ll be making a combination of modern and traditional favorites for the barbie: Snags (Bratwurst Sausage) This sausage is popular at Aussie BBQs. Cook on a hot grill for about 25 minutes or until done. Kangaroo Loin Bites with Fresh Mango & Pineapple [Recipe] (Yes, I managed to find Kangaroo in Tulsa, Oklahoma) Lean kangaroo meat benefits from a long marinade in mango puree. Aussie Burgers [Recipe] Hamburger topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickled beets, pineapple, and a fried egg Damper Bread [Recipe] Old fashioned campfire bread made with milk and sugar. In the spirit of a pot luck, my guests brought Lamingtons (cake rolled in chocolate frosting and coconut), Bacon Wrapped Baked Potatoes, Deviled Eggs, Pavlova, Asparagus with Hollandaise, Salad with Lentils and Goat Cheese, Fosters Beer, Yellow Tail Wine, biscuits (cookies), and more! We …

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About Australian Food and Tucker

Let’s play a little game. Imagine the United States. Cut out about 20% of the land. Now, say goodbye to 93% of the population. Everyone vanishes except the people of New York State. That’s Australia. A massive country with very few people. *** 1. Australia is one of the world’s greatest melting pots. Around 1/3 of this great nation is sand and wind. A literal melting pot, the scorching desert pushes almost 90% of the population to urban centers like Sidney and Melbourne where they frequent cafes, markets, and pubs. And who are these Australians? Nearly 25% of Australia’s population was born in the  U.K., Italy, China, Vietnam, North Africa, or the Middle East (Countries of the World, Kate Turner). When so many diverse cultures mix in urban settings, looking for great food, the result is fusion. 2. Traditional Bush Tucker comes from the Outback Bush Tucker is food that can be found while living off the land, in the sizzling hot Outback. Not many Australians eat off the land any more (most of them are in …

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Monday Meal Review: Armenia

  This is meal #8 in my personal challenge to eat one meal from every country in the world. Before I get into the Armenian review, I want to mention a few words about hosting dinner parties. Hosting dinner parties is a lot of work if you don’t have much experience. In terms of food you have to: – Go shopping – Cook the food – Serve the food at the right temperature But, I find, far more stress is spent on cleaning than on food: – Clean the inevitable disaster areas around the house – Clean the kitchen that you just destroyed before guests arrive (including mopping up crumbs and spills scattered on the floor). If you don’t do this someone will definitely walk into the kitchen. It’s Murphy’s Law. – Empty the dishwasher so that, when the party is over, you actually have somewhere to put all the dirty dishes. – Set the table, being sure to remember appropriate items for each course – Get those nasty dishwasher spots off your glassware With each …

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Armenian Bulgur Pilaf Salad | Itch

Serves 8 This colorful salad reminds me of tabouli. The orange hue comes from the pureed tomatoes. Serve at room temperature with grilled chicken or lamb. Ingredients: 1, 15 ounce can diced plum tomatoes 1/2 cup olive oil 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups bulgur 1/4 cup lemon juice salt pepper 1 small jalapeno, minced 1 large red bell pepper, diced 1 large red onion, diced 8 scallions, sliced 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley 1-2 cups very hot water (add as needed) Method: 1. Saute onions in oil over medium heat until golden. Add tomatoes and liquid and bring to a boil. Puree. 2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover and let stand for 45 minutes, until the liquid is completely absorbed. 3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Let stand at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature. Armenian Bulgur Pilaf Salad | Itch Votes: 3 Rating: 5 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe This colorful salad reminds me of tabouli. The orange hue comes from the pureed tomatoes. Serve at room …

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Armenian Stuffed Grape Leaves | Yalanchi Sarma

Serves 4-8 (makes 20) This is a delicious variation on traditional stuffed grape leaves we see in supermarket salad bars. The Armenians make stuffed grape leaves without an intense vinegar brine. Instead, earthy cinnamon and currants carry the flavor. Just wonderful! Ingredients: 1 16 oz jar grape leaves 6 Tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced (about a cup) 1/2 cup basmati rice 2 Tbsp tomato paste 3 Tbsp dried currants 1 Tbsp lemon juice 3/4 cup water salt 1/4 cup pine nuts 1/2 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp ground allspice 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 4 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley Method: 1. Saute onion in olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. After they begin to turn golden about 5 minutes), add rice, tomato paste, currants, and lemon juice. Cook for one minute longer. NOTE: Currants are like tiny raisins: 2. Add water and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook until just cooked, about 15 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Add pine nuts, sugar, allspice, cinnamon, and parsley. 4. Stuff leaves …

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Armenian Hazelnut Cake in Honey Syrup | Revani

Serves 8 This dense cake has a muffin like texture. Depending on how coarse you grind the nuts, you can experience quite a bit of “crunch.”  Serve chilled or room temperature with vanilla ice cream. Ingredients: For syrup: 1 cup water 3/4 cup sugar 2 Tbsp honey 2 pieces cinnamon stick 2 lemon slices 3 Tbsp brandy For Cake: 4 large eggs, separated 1/2 cup sugar 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 1/4 cup greek yogurt 1 cup flour 1 1/2 cups toasted, skinned, ground hazelnuts (you can grind them up in a food processor) 1/3 cup ground walnuts 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 orange, zested 1 lemon, zested optional garnish – hazelnut halves Method: For the syrup: 1. Combine all syrup ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Let cool. For the Cake: 1. Preheat the oven to 325F. Grease a 12 x 9 pan with vegetable oil. 2. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar until light yellow and a ribbon forms. Add oil, yogurt, flour, …

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Armenian White Bean Plaki | Lupia Plaki

Serves 8 This dish can be enjoyed hot or cold. We served the Plaki cold in an Armenian Meza style dinner (cold buffet) and scooped it up with flatbread. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dried Great Northern Beans, soaked overnight in water 1 Tbsp salt 2-3 medium carrots, peeled and diced 1 celery stalk, diced 1/2 cup diced onion 1 can diced plum tomatoes, drained 2 Tbsp tomato paste 1/3 cup olive oil 8 cloves garlic, quartered 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp Hungarian paprika 1/2 tsp cayenne 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley and stems 2 cloves, crushed chopped celery leaves (optional garnish) Method: 1. Add beans to a large pot. Add enough water to cover 1″ and salt. Simmer until almost done. 2. Add remaining ingredients, except for crushed garlic and celery leaves, and cook another 30 minutes. 3. Take off heat and add crushed garlic and celery leaves. Serve warm or cold. Adjust seasonings before serving if necessary. Beware of Baby. Armenian White Bean Plaki | Lupia Plaki Votes: 0 Rating: 0 You: Rate this recipe! Print …

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Armenian Spiced Feta | Brinza

Serves 4-8 Spiced feta is wonderful wrapped up in flatbread with fresh herbs. Feel free to improvise on this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices. Ingredients: 1/2 lb feta cheese 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 tsp Hungarian paprika 1/2 tsp dried tarragon 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried cilantro 1/4 tsp sumac (optional garnish) 2-6 sprigs each of basil, oregano, mint, and chives Method: 1. Spread fresh herbs down in a shallow serving dish. Slice feta into 4 slices. Arrange on top of herbs. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, paprika, and dried herbs. Drizzle over feta. Let sit for at least an hour, or over night. Right before serving, sprinkle with ground sumac. Armenian Spiced Feta | Brinza Votes: 1 Rating: 5 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe Spiced feta is wonderful wrapped up in flatbread with fresh herbs. Feel free to improvise on this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices. CourseAppetizers & Snacks, Sides & Salads LifestyleGluten-Free, Potluck Friendly, Vegetarian Servings Prep Time 4-8 …

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Cucumber and Yogurt Dip | Jajik

Serves 6 Serve this refreshing dip with toasted pita chips. You’ll be cool as a cucumber even on a hot day. Ingredients: 2 cups greek yogurt 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed 2 medium cucumbers, peeled, grated, and squeezed dry with paper towels (see photo at bottom of recipe). 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 tsp dried cilantro 2 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp ground sumac for garnish (optional) Method: 1. Combine all ingredients in a serving bowl, except for sumac. Cover and refrigerate at least an hour or over night for flavors to mingle. If left to sit overnight the liquids will separate. Just stir to combine again. 2. Garnish with ground sumac. Serve with pita chips or lavash (flatbread). Cucumber and Yogurt Dip | Jajik Votes: 1 Rating: 5 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe Serve this refreshing dip with toasted pita chips. You’ll be cool as a cucumber even on a hot day. CourseAppetizers & Snacks LifestylePotluck Friendly, Vegetarian Food TypeDips, Vegetables Servings Prep Time 6 people 15 minutes Passive Time 1 hour Servings Prep Time …

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Sumakh (Sumac) for Salt in Armenia (POLLS)

There are weeks I spend 10 hours grocery shopping. Take week 5, for example. Angola. I ran around to the fish market, the latino market, the african market, the health food store… and, just when I thought I was done, I realized I forgot something on the list and I had to head out again. With a baby, no less. A baby with needs. For example, Ava likes to eat once in a while. And sleep. And poop. She’s like a ticking time bomb; do too many errands, and she goes off. Well, this week I did not have to make ANY special trips. Hurrah! Thank goodness because it was raining cats and dogs when I got up the gumption to go. I’ll admit, I am pleasantly surprised at how simple Armenian food is.  It turns out Armenians love hungarian paprika and parsley. They use lemon juice, yogurt, and honey. And they like stuffed vegetables.  Incidentally, this is exactly how my mom cooks. Which is weird.  But also, very comforting. Ground Sumac/Sumakh The “strangest” ingredient on my shopping list was ground sumac. I’ll be …

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Sunshine Award

Cooking my way around the world feels like young love. One minute I’m giddy with excitement, thinking about what it will be like to cook and feast on the next 3 1/2 years of meals. The next minute, I’m dumbstruck with awe as I ponder just how many countries I have left in my challenge. I mean, really. I’ve done 7 and I’ve got 188 to go… !!! With an average of 4 recipes per country that’s about … 752 more recipes… And this week I’m putting together 7 dishes for Armenia alone! Some one pick me up off of the floor. Please. *** Now. I’m going to get all mushy on you. I am so very grateful for YOU, my dedicated readers and fans, who click by to see what’s cooking at Global Table. You keep me motivated and happy! I’ve been both humbled and honored by your interest in my little project. Some of you have even made my recipes! Wow. What a compliment. Thank you. Less than two months in, the blog is getting quite a bit of attention. I’ve been featured on FOX 23 news …

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