Global Table Adventure | 2011 January

Menu: Ecuador

January 26, 2011 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

When did a running, giggling, dancing toddler possess my sweet baby? When did she learn how to say "Hi baby"? How does she know to brush her teeth after eating? And, most importantly, when will the word "yes" cross her lips? Even if I can't get Ava to say it, as far as Ecuador is concerned, this menu is a "yes." Each dish is made up of regionally loved ingredients, such as potatoes, corn, and peanuts. Enjoy this small window into the world of Ecuador. What sounds good to you? Ecuadorian Potato … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Ecuador, Menu Wednesday, South America

About the Food of Ecuador

January 25, 2011 By Sasha Martin 12 Comments

Until about five minutes ago I was sitting in bed, bundled up in a wool sweater, under a down comforter, eating a candy cane, and freezing my fingers off. Now I'm packing for Ecuador. What's so alluring about Ecuador? They have it all. The Pacific Ocean. Staggering mountains (complete with active volcanoes disguised as pristine mountain-top lakes) and the Galapagos Islands, themselves made up of volcanoes. There are rain forests, bursting at the seams with wildlife and there are dusty … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Ecuador, South America, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: East Timor

January 24, 2011 By Sasha Martin 7 Comments

One. Two. Three. Four. I counted out the meatballs, placing them around the ramen. "That's too symmetrical." Mr Picky said. I sized up my creation. "Good, good. I like symmetry. It'll work. Just wait." I swirled on a ladle of soup. The bowl looked fuller. One. Two. Three. Slices of fried tofu. My stomach rumbled. Ava bounced in her high chair, signing for food. A sprinkle of green onions. Chili sauce. Art. "Is that hot?" he asked. "As hot as you can handle!" I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, East Timor (Timor-Lest), Monday Meal Review

Recipe: Bakso Noodle Soup (Chicken Meatball Soup)

January 23, 2011 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

Serves 6 When it's cold outside, gather around a steaming bowl of Bakso Noodle Soup - you'll be refreshed by the bright flavors and warmed by the chili sauce. You can bring this soup to a potluck - just keep the tofu, green onions, and chili sauce in a separate dishes for diners to garnish their own bowls. While the soup is traditionally Indonesian, it is also sold by street vendors in East Timor, a country formerly part of Indonesia. Ingredients: 1 bok choy, rinsed and sliced 3 green … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, East Timor (Timor-Lest), International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Pasta, Potluck Friendly, Poultry, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Soups

Recipe: Chicken Bakso/Baso (Indonesian/Timorese Meatballs)

January 23, 2011 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

Makes about 16 2" meatballs Stuck in an Italian meatball rut? I've got the answer: cozy up to Asian-style Bakso meatballs. You'll be in good company - these mild and tender meatballs are beloved street food throughout Indonesia, East Timor and other nearby islands. You'll find them bobbing in soups, or thinly sliced and tossed in noodle and rice dishes. The meatballs can be made with beef, chicken, fish or shrimp. Oh, and super thanks to you who voted on our Facebook Fan Page - your votes … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, East Timor (Timor-Lest), International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Poultry

Recipe: Deep Fried Tofu Squares

January 22, 2011 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

Serves 2-4 This crunchy, protein-rich alternative to croutons and crackers is perfect in soups and on salads. A great way to introduce tofu to someone who has never had it and particularly wonderful in our Bakso Noodle Soup. Ingredients: 1 block super firm tofu 1/3 cup rice flour (extra as needed) vegetable oil Method: Get ready for deliciousness. Preheat vegetable oil to 365F in a small, uncovered pot. Drain off a package of tofu, preferably super firm. Slice … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, East Timor (Timor-Lest), Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Random Carbs & Grains, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

One-year Celebration Giveaway

January 22, 2011 By Sasha Martin 20 Comments

Dear readers, As we lead up to the blog's one-year anniversary, I want to celebrate you. Although we've never met, here are the things I imagine about you: You like to cook. Perhaps you like to bake. You dream of traveling the world, seeing new places, new faces. Cute babies make you smile. Am I right? Some of you have been here since the beginning, watching the site evolve through each great success and epic failure. Some of you just joined the fun, jumping in with enthusiasm. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Giveaway

Interview: Karen Coates

January 21, 2011 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

While I was once a world traveler, my life is now all about raising Miss Ava and quietly celebrating my family. Even if the travel bug has to wait a little longer, I can still get my travel fix in the kitchen or on travel web sites like Karen Coates' The Rambling Spoon. The list of reasons I love her web site is long - her writing is at once beautiful, funny, tragic, and heartwarming. And her husband, Jerry Redfern takes killer photos. Who is Karen Coates? Karen Coates has spent a dozen … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, East Timor (Timor-Lest), Fun Friday, Interview