Global Table Adventure | 2013 February

Monday Meal Review: Slovakia

February 18, 2013 By Sasha Martin 23 Comments

"Everything bad is good for something." - Slovak Proverb Have you ever done something, only to find it didn't work out as you'd planned... but somehow it worked out even better? Last week I casually substituted a video for my written meal review. I thought it'd be a fun change of pace- a more visceral experience for you. Almost immediately, the comments filled with a resounding "no," - an outcry that was astonishing both in it's passion as in it's consistency. Almost every single person … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Monday Meal Review, Slovakia

Recipe: Slovak Sour Bean Soup

February 17, 2013 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

When winter raindrops slide down the glass... when the droplets are so close to ice that they sting on my wind-chapped face... there's nothing better than a piping hot bowl of soup. Thankfully for me, Slovakia knows what's what in this department. The fine people of Slovakia could probably make this staple soup with their eyes shut, and - for the first part, at least - that's exactly what they do. While the house slumbers under the bright moon, a quiet bowl of bean sits in the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Potatoes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Slovakia, Soups

Recipe: Grilled Garlicky Bacon Bread | Hrianka

February 15, 2013 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

"Better to eat bread in peace, than cake amidst turmoil." - Slovak Proverb Oh, Slovakia. My husband has been woo'd, my daughter smitten. As for me, I'm in love. No, it's not because of Valentine's Day. It's because of Bacon. Garlic. Oh, and a nice, thick slice of Sourdough Rye Bread. Yes... Slovakia really did us in when it comes to Hrianka. At her most basic, Hrianka is plain toast rubbed with garlic. At her most beautiful, she's a collection of hearty slices griddled … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breads, Europe, Fun Friday, International Recipes, Meat, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Slovakia

Recipe: Blueberry Bublanina | Bubbly Cake

February 14, 2013 By Sasha Martin 11 Comments

From early springtime all the way into the deep heart of fall, Slovakia's mountains and hills burst with nature's bounty. For those who search, a perpetual harvest reveals herself. Here, trees swoon with the weight of delightfully sour cherries, juicy, grapes, apricots, and apples. There, bushes bloom with blueberries, woodsy and sweet. This land, surely, is magic. When there is more fruit than can be gathered in an apron, Slovakia makes Bublanina, a.k.a. Bubbly Cake. Just one … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Fruit, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Slovakia, Technique Thursday, Valentine's Day, Vegetarian

Menu: Slovakia

February 13, 2013 By Sasha Martin 15 Comments

This week is a culinary jackpot: a frugal collection of recipes, good for using up bread, beans, and bacon fat. While I had no idea Slovakia would be this enticing, Keith said "just looking at the ingredients on the counter, I knew I'd be happy." And speaking of happy, I thought I'd share a great Slovakian quote about happiness... "He's so pleased, he keeps getting younger."* I love it.. although I have to admit, I'm not entirely sure what it means... All recipes and posts will be shared … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Menu Wednesday, Slovakia

About the food of Slovakia

February 12, 2013 By Sasha Martin 11 Comments

Vrbové, city center. Photo by Stanislav Doronenko.

Just when I thought I'd seen the most beautiful castles in the world, Slovakia slides into my vision. Her mighty mountains, sparkling lakes, and deep forests are as lovely as any other in Eastern Europe, but the castles are simply unreal. It is not the architecture that speaks most strongly to me, but the way these stopping posts for the weary hearted reach out of nature with almost alarming boldness. One look can lead a dreamer to distraction. I can't help but wonder...What lives once … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Slovakia, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: Singapore

February 11, 2013 By Sasha Martin 29 Comments

Hi, friends! Our weekly review is now offered to you on video. I'm realizing that telling you the story of what we experienced is far more powerful with video; if photos are worth a thousand words, video must be worth a million. httpv://youtu.be/udb9xr9FhRQ As always, I'd love your thoughts: how do you use condiments (local or global) to give your meals a boost? UPDATE: I had no idea this new format would stir such a strong response. Please know, I’m hearing you all… thanks … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Monday Meal Review, Singapore

Recipe: Singapore Chilli Sauce

February 10, 2013 By Sasha Martin 1 Comment

The act of "saucing" food in Singapore is not as simple as I expected it to be. From what I can tell, there's two schools of thought on the matter. First: the 'dip & dunk' variety, a.k.a. those who keep a bowl of incendiary hot sauce next to their plates for regular food baths. Second: the 'drizzle & bedazzle' variety, a.k.a. those who let the sauce rain down over their food, free-form. While I wouldn't normally expect this to be a big deal, the foodies of Singapore are so … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sauces & Dressings, Singapore