Global Table Adventure | 2010 December

About the Food of Denmark

December 14, 2010 By Sasha Martin 13 Comments

Why Denmark, why? Just when I start to think the winters in Tulsa are dark and bitter cold, I learn about Denmark...and my heart breaks a little. You see, Denmark beats anything we've got going on in Tulsa. Situated way up in northern Europe, winter is not just a season in their great country, but a state of being. In the time up to Christmas, sunlight is scarce. The winter solstice on 22 December marks the shortest day of the year where the sun rises as late as 8:39 and sets as early as … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Denmark, Europe, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: Czech Republic

December 13, 2010 By Sasha Martin 3 Comments

"Mraaaoooowwww." Kitty Cat shrieked. I flew backwards, arms in the air, desperately trying to keep the tray of Koblaneskys upright. The steaming buns, filled with spicy keilbasa, slid from one side of the tray to the other. Tripped up on his "always in the way" tail, I lunged and twisted, straining my back - not so much to avoid falling, as to avoid dropping the food. "Please, no, please no..." I prayed. I landed up against the counter, with the tray barely … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Czech Republic, Europe, Monday Meal Review

Recipe: Sweet Prune Buns/Kolaches (Slivkové Koláče)

December 12, 2010 By Sasha Martin Leave a Comment

Makes 2 Dozen This mildly sweet prune filling can easily be modified to suit your tastes - add more spices, thin it out with extra water... the options are endless. Ingredients: 12 oz prunes (or dried apricots) 1/2 cup water 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste) 1 batch Refrigerator Dough for Kolaches & Klobasneks Method: Roll up your sleeves and grab a 12 oz bag of prunes... Hello Mr. & Mrs. Newman! NOTE: If you don't like the word prune, feel free to say … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breads, Czech Republic, Europe, Fruit, Holidays, International Recipes, Sweets, Vegetarian

Recipe: Spicy Kielbasa Buns/Klobasneks/Klobasnikis (Klobásové Buchty)

December 12, 2010 By Sasha Martin 3 Comments

Serves 6 NOTE: Exact portion sizes depend on the dimensions you choose for the sausage. If you like Pigs in a Blanket, you'll love this authentic snack from the Czech Republic. Be sure to use high quality sausage and you'll be on cloud 9 in no time. Ingredients: 2 kielbasa sausages (about a pound each) 1 Refrigerator Dough for Czech Desserts & Snacks Method: Gather the Kielbasa - if you are using all the dough, you will probably need two packages like this one... This … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Czech Republic, Europe, Finger Food, Holidays, International Recipes, Meat, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes

Recipe: Czech Potato & Pickle Soup (Polévka okurková)

December 12, 2010 By Sasha Martin 1 Comment

Serves 6-8 One bowl of this soup takes the bite out of winter. Thick, creamy, and vegetarian, you'll be amazed at how well the flavors meld. Special thanks to Clifford A. Wright who shared a version of this recipe in his book, The Best Soups in the World. As he states in the recipe introduction: As they spoon some soup, your guests won't be able to put their finger on what they like so much... Ingredients: 2 lbs potatoes *I used Yukon Gold, peeled & diced 2 1/2 quarts water 1 tsp … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Carbs, Czech Republic, Europe, International Recipes, Potatoes, Potluck Friendly, Soups, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Interview: Clifford A. Wright

December 10, 2010 By Sasha Martin 19 Comments

Right out of college I bought a cookbook with a really, really long name. Today the spine is cracked from years of use and comfy-chair reading. I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things to do is "read" cookbooks - especially ones filled with good stories. The much cherished book even won the James Beard/KitchenAid Cookbook of the Year award and the James Beard Award for the Best Writing on Food in 2000. It is called... A Mediterranean Feast: The Story of the Birth of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fun Friday, Giveaway, Interview

Recipe: Refrigerator Dough for Czech Desserts & Snacks

December 9, 2010 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

Makes 1 large batch of dough for... - 2 dozen Sweet Prune Buns/Kolaches (Slivkové Koláče) - a dozen Spicy Kielbasa Buns/Klobasneks/Klobasnikis (Klobásové Buchty) Refrigerator Dough takes the stress out of party prep work. This Czech recipe is slightly sweet and tender. According to LaVina Vanorny-Barcus, in My Czech Heritage Cookbook, there are four ways to shape this dough. The first three are for sweets, the last one is for savory, or Klobasneks. 1. Cut a square; add filling in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Czech Republic, Europe, International Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Technique Thursday, Vegetarian

Menu: Czech Republic

December 8, 2010 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

I walk around all winter long with a frozen nose. In fact, Mr. Picky tells me my nose is a lot like a dog's nose, minus the moisture. I also wear socks to bed year round. Even with thermal socks, Mr Picky lets out a blood curdling scream when our toes touch. What can I say - my circulation is poor. And, yet... all this changed with our Czech Republic Global Table. My ice cube toes and nose are no longer. Hurrah! Fun, festive, and hot - these dishes will really thaw you out. Thank you, Czech … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Czech Republic, Europe, Menu Wednesday