Eat your way around the world
Makes one 9" square casserole Breakfasty, bready prisnats are great comfort food. You'll want to cut the ham smaller or add more flour so the little pieces won't sink to the bottom. Enjoy warm! Ingredients: 8 eggs, room temperature 8 oz ham steak, cut into small cubes 4 oz bacon diced & fried 3 green onions, sliced 1 cup cottage cheese 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature 2 cups flour (perhaps up to 2.5 cups so the ham won't sink) 2 tsp yeast 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese, … [Read more...]
Morning, noon, and night, Croatians love a good pancake. There's just one catch. They aren't really eating "pancakes," ... if you define pancakes as thick and fluffy, griddle-fried, chemically leavened batter (i.e. baking soda and baking powder). Which... they don't! So what exactly are they eating? Thin, delicate, crêpe-like "pancakes." These sort of pancakes don't have any leavening at all, unless you count a splash of bubbly water. And they aren't alone - most of the countries I've run … [Read more...]
It's all in the wrist. The secret to making good Povatica, that is. This famous Croatian Holiday Nut Roll gives its maker a workout. You will be rolling, and pulling, and stretching the dough until it is thin, thin, thin. We're talkin' paper thin, like a curtain of dough, blowing in the breeze. I bet Croatian grandmother's everywhere compete for the most delicate, thin walled Povatica. (Note this bread is also common- under various names- in other areas, such as Poland, Austria, … [Read more...]
The leaves outside my window are gold, crimson, and brown, but have yet to fall completely to the ground. I can't believe it is already November. In the spirit of the times, I've loaded our Croatian meal with holiday foods. So... feel free to spread the table with Balkan cheer this year. Warm Christmas Potato Salad (Seasoned Potatoes with Salt Cod) [Recipe] Red potatoes tossed with salt cod, bacon, green onion, and a splash of fresh olive. This dish is often served at Christmastime in … [Read more...]
Croatia is a rambling collection of mountains and forests with bursts of plains which hide secrets of scrumptious food, wonderful olive oil and tasty, age-old wine. But what about bad wine? Well, if you happen upon such a dismal thing as a bottle of bad wine on their turf, the Croatians (and other nearby countries) know what to do. The remedy includes coca cola or fanta. You'll just have to wait a week to find out what Mr Picky and I think about that! (Officially, you'll have to wait another … [Read more...]
This week we had a friend join us for our Global Table dinner. While this doesn't seem like a big deal, I assure you - it is. You see, we aren't really doing dinner parties any more. I could list all 97.5 reasons but I'd rather highlight the two most important reasons. 1. I don't like to vacuum. It makes Ava (and my back) cry. 2. We cook during Ava's nap. This means we're subject to the whims of a 16 month old. Whether she sleeps 45 minutes or 3 hours, can make or break our... sanity... … [Read more...]
Serves 6 This spicy one pot dish is a meal unto itself. If you have a band of merry-men coming over for dinner, serve them heaping spoonfuls of this hearty and wholesome rice and they'll leave with full bellies and even merrier grins. While Riz au Gras is eaten throughout West Africa, 0ur version is from the Ivory Coast as taught me by Linda of Tropical Foodies. NOTE: You may cut down or omit the chili powder if you would like a mild dish. Ingredients: 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 small … [Read more...]
Serves 6 This elegant appetizer showcases creamy avocado and delicate shrimp. Your guests will never know it only took you a few minutes to throw together (make the shrimp salad an hour or two ahead - cut the avocados immediately before serving). Ingredients: 1/2 lb cooked & cooled shrimp (shelled) 1T ketchup 1T mayo 1/4 of a fresh lime, juice (or to taste) 3 avocados, halved and pitted Method: Cut shrimp into little pieces. Behold the little nuggets of shrimp … [Read more...]
