Global Table Adventure

Interview with Laura Kelley

April 22, 2011 By Sasha Martin 1 Comment

Today I'd like to introduce you to author Laura Kelley. For the last year I've happily enjoyed her blog The Silk Road Gourmet, where she pens the most fascinating articles. Curious about the history and traditions associated with Valentine's Day? She'll tell you. Want to check out a cauldron of 2,400 year-old soup? Sure thing. Finally, what if a scientist went out to eat and realizes the food on their plate is a new species? She shares the story. This Harvard alumnus knows her stuff. When … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Fun Friday, Georgia, Interview

Recipe: Natural Grape & Walnut Candy (Churchkhela from the Caucasus)

April 21, 2011 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

Makes 1 string, as pictured Meet our adaptation of Churchkhela, the dangly natural candy from the Caucasus. Audrey, from Uncornered Market, informs me that this typically sausage shaped treat is nicknamed the "Georgian Snickers." Nice! Unlike a Snickers bar, however, we use only three ingredients, none of which are sugar. Long strands of Churchkhela can be found all over the caucasus, generally with extra thick outer layers of dried grape syrup (they call this tatara). Our version is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Fruit, Georgia, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Technique Thursday, Vegan, Vegetarian

Menu: Georgia

April 20, 2011 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

Hello Georgia. I'm sick, but I feel better when I see your food. Three cheers to that! NOTE: The first three recipes are adapted from Laura Kelley's book The Silk Road Gourmet: Volume One: Western and Southern Asia. Her book is full of great history and an entire chapter of Georgian recipes for any who are interested. Georgian Grilled Chicken [Recipe] Bone-in chicken marinated in a combination of khemeli-suneli, peanut oil, and lemon juice. The secret? Extra long marination to make the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Georgia, Menu Wednesday

About the food of Georgia

April 19, 2011 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

Georgia is literally my life raft at the moment. If I didn't have this post to write I'd surely be passed out on my bed, waiting for the fever to subside. I hope you'll understand if this post is extra short. And, quite possibly, delirious. Let's start off with a quote. That's always nice. According to Laura Kelley, Georgian cuisine is most closely related to Armenian cuisine - not only because of their shared border, but because Armenia (or its own rulers) ruled at least part of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Georgia, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: The Gambia

April 18, 2011 By Sasha Martin 7 Comments

THE SCENE I scrunched up my face, trying to remember. We were standing at the farmer's market on opening day, people milling about us like ants, everyone grabbing at the last of the produce before the farmers packed their bags. Alexandra tucked 2 giant bunches of shiny green onions behind her stroller - only $3.00 at closing time. I'd paid $2.00 for 1 bunch an hour earlier. "Oh, yes - I can't believe I forgot!" I said to Alexandra, "The dessert is going to be hot mangoes in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Gambia (The), Monday Meal Review

Recipe: West African Spinach with Groundnuts (Peanut Butter)

April 17, 2011 By Sasha Martin 12 Comments

Serves 4 I'm not sure why this idea seemed so strange to me. West Africans love greens with peanut butter (they call them groundnuts), and I should have never doubted them. The earthy peanuts stand up to the mighty bitter spinach. It balances out nicely with the sweet peppers, but spicy would work wonderfully as well. If you can pick up the spinach and onions from your farmer's market, I highly recommend it. The fresh flavors will crunch and zip and smile inside your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Gambia (The), Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Recipe: Lover’s Lemon Ginger Tea (Gingembre)

April 17, 2011 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

Makes about 3 cups concentrated juice Want to fall in love vigorously? Ease a nasty stomach bug immediately? Wake up cheerfully? Drink a giant glass of spicy, cold lemon ginger tea. It's like a big punch in the face, but in a good way. This drink is so strong, you'll do the post-whiskey-shot shudder. Our recipe is a concentrated blend - be sure to water it down to taste. Special tip for the flu season - add a splash of hot water to dilute for a great, cleansing drink. Perfect if your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Alcohol-Free, Cold, Gambia (The), International Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes

Eat a baguette like a west African

April 15, 2011 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

I know it's springtime and I'm supposed to be nibbling lettuce, trying on my bathing suit five times a day, and sipping nothing but water. Life doesn't always work out like that. Last night, for example, I was in huddled in the closet with Miss Ava. That's right - my noisy almost-two-year-old and I were waiting out two rounds of tornado sirens. It was chaos. Fearing for my life makes me crave comfort food. If you are surviving on lettuce and water, please forgive me for this post. You … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Fun Friday, Gambia (The)