Global Table Adventure

About the food of Syria

May 14, 2013 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

Oh, Syria. This wedge-shaped land spreads from the west, where she dips delicately into the Mediterranean sea, back to the east, up, over the mountains, all the way to the Iraqi border. Along the way, her cliffs and canyons smooth out into hot desert and scrubby grasslands. Lost, towards the south, is the ancient city of Damascus, quite possibly the world's oldest city according to National Geographic. While Damascus has all the allure of a teeming city and world heritage site, the fun … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Syria, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: Switzerland

May 13, 2013 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

httpv://youtu.be/ItSbbLTJpAs I can't stop thinking about those three girls that were found last week: Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus. Also on my mind is Mr Ramsey, the man who stepped forward and kicked in the door to free the girls. Friends, it is so important to step up when we're called. Is it scary? Yes. Can it be dangerous? Yes. But what else is life for, than helping each other? I'm not by nature a hero. Once, when I was in my mid-twenties, I heard a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Monday Meal Review, Switzerland

Recipe: Swiss Fondue (& Giveaway)

May 10, 2013 By Sasha Martin 8 Comments

If I had to face life or death, I'd choose Swiss Fondue. Every. Single. Time. This decision is purely based on personal experience. A) I know that life gets better whenever I dunk hunks of rustic bread into ooey-gooey cheese. To support my case, I must call attention to a fictional character: Heidi (does this help me or hurt me?). She knows all things are better with melted cheese because, apparently, this is the only thing she eats at her grandfather's house, on the flower dotted … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breads, Dips, Europe, Fun Friday, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Potatoes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Switzerland, Vegetarian

Recipe: Almond Carrot Cake | Aargauer Rüeblitorte

May 9, 2013 By Sasha Martin 3 Comments

Yes, I have a three year old daughter. No, I don't hide a head of cauliflower in her mashed potatoes. I never slip zucchini in her pancakes when she's not looking. And I refuse to bury carrots in her cake. I don't cater to my daughter that way. Don't get me wrong. On any old Monday, Ava can blow through a bowl of cauliflower mashed potatoes. On the weekend, she can annihilate a tower of zucchini pancakes before the early bird has had his breakfast. And, as of today, she loves … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sweets, Switzerland, Technique Thursday

Menu: Switzerland

May 8, 2013 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

"Who doesn't honor the Rappen isn't worth the Franken" Swiss Proverb I'm not one to pass up a penny on the ground. If I were in Switzerland, I suppose I'd pick up a Rappen with the same thrifty care as any penny on our soil (Rappen are like Swiss Pennies). Apparently, I'm not alone. Enough Swiss people feel the same way, that they came up with the proverb at the top of this post: "Who doesn't honor the Rappen isn't worth the Franken" (100 Rappen make up a Franken). But this proverb isn't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Menu Wednesday, Switzerland

About the food of Switzerland

May 7, 2013 By Sasha Martin 3 Comments

Finsteraarhorn peak (4275m) in the Swiss Alps. Photo by Tom Bärfuss.

The thing I remember most about Switzerland was skiing in the Alps. I remember, because I came ridiculously close to dying. I was a novice, skiing on a slope at least one level beyond my own . It was late afternoon and the snow that had melted slightly in the warm noonday sun had now begun to refreeze and harden. Suddenly, my skis caught in the ice and I could no longer get them to behave. Instead of turning with the rest of the skiers, I continued straight, towards a beautiful overlook. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Switzerland, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: Sweden

May 6, 2013 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

httpv://youtu.be/vA264c-Utoo "Det är skönare lyss till den sträng som brast än att aldrig spänna en båge." "It is fairer to listen to the string that broke than to never strain a bow." Verner von Heidenstam (Swedish Poet & Novelist) I slumped into my chair, put my head on my arms, and groaned. I'd spent hours making the Swedish princess cake, only to find out that the marzipan was too thin. Not only could I see the cake through the spring green coating, the marzipan began to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Monday Meal Review, Sweden

Recipe: Swedish Meatballs

May 3, 2013 By Sasha Martin 18 Comments

I never thought I'd say it but here goes: "I've spent the large majority of my adulthood pining over meatballs." Not just any meatballs, but Swedish meatballs. We used to eat them for lunch at my small high school in Luxembourg. On those days, I made sure to bring enough money to buy two portions. The bellyache was worth it. When made perfectly, Swedish Meatballs are tender, but do not fall apart, thanks to the perfect balance of breadcrumbs and cream. After a brisk sizzle and shake in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Fun Friday, International Recipes, Meat, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sweden