Global Table Adventure | Global Table Adventure

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

Recipe: Swedish Princess Cake | Prinsesstårta

May 2, 2013 By Sasha Martin 22 Comments

They say this spring green dome from the 1930's made with layers of sponge cake, raspberry jam, custard, and whipped cream is DIFFICULT. Everyone says so, in fact, except for the Swedes. Curious, right? I finally figured out why: Swedish folk have great recipes and three quarters of a century's worth of tips and tricks up their sleeves. Like, ahem, pre-rolled marzipan and boxed custard. I even saw one Swedish video which used prepacked cake, already sliced in thirds. "We all start out as … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sweden, Sweets, Vegetarian

Menu: Sweden

May 1, 2013 By Sasha Martin 10 Comments

"Att våga är att tappa fotfästet en stund, att inte våga är att förlora sig själv." "To dare is to lose your foothold for a moment, to not dare is to lose yourself." (Strom, 1981)* Oh, this week. This beautiful week of Swedish cooking. As with all the "big hitter" countries, I entered this week with trepidation. It wasn't because of the entree. I knew I'd make Swedish meatballs from the moment I began this Adventure. No, the main reason I was a bundle of nerves had everything to do … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Menu Wednesday, Sweden

About the Food of Sweden

April 30, 2013 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

While I haven't been to Sweden, I have dated a Swede. And that just might be everything, ever. At least, when it comes to Swedish food. The one thing about dating a genuine Swede, is that you might begin to think you're in Sweden for the duration of the relationship; their national pride and is that strong. Especially if he still lives with his mother. And why not? This is a stunning land, full of thick, verdant forests, airy, breathtaking mountains, and the crunch of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Sweden, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: Swaziland

April 29, 2013 By Sasha Martin 10 Comments

httpv://youtu.be/fuqnpiIH0vs "The bee that is forced into the hive will not produce honey." This Swazi proverb has me thinking about what I do and why. When I used to work a desk job, I had a palpable limit to my energy and creativity: it was called "5pm." The old song "It's five o'clock somewhere" was my quitting time rhyme. I was out that door faster than anyone else and, in fact, I was unproductively waiting for the end of the day even before five o'clock. But since I began cooking … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Monday Meal Review, Swaziland

Recipe: Swazi Salad, a.k.a. “Slaai”

April 26, 2013 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

Swaziland's swooping slopes are dotted with crops; it is here that the Swazi grow the freshest produce, from sunshine yellow lemons, to buttery avocados. With farming of that caliber, it should come as no surprise that Swazi Salads are especially grand. This is not to say they are carefully composed salads. (Most things that are careful, aren't nearly as delicious.) No, these are simple, heaped piles of chopped veggies. But you can get them on the side of even the most humble plate of beans, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Salads, Swaziland, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Mealie Bread

April 24, 2013 By Sasha Martin 13 Comments

The next time you walk into your kitchen, walk into the warm, sweet scent of mealie bread. Let a smile curl along your lips as you taste that first, moist bite with your imagination. Then take a moment for real indulgence: spread softened butter across the still-warm bread, only to see it melt into and down the sides of the tender crumb. I've had lots of corn bread before, but never something as rich and flavorful as this Mealie Bread. The main difference between this and ordinary corn … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Breads, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Swaziland, Vegetarian

Menu: Swaziland

April 24, 2013 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

There's an old Swazi saying that goes: "A man who prides himself on his ancestry is like the potato plant, the best part of which is underground." Do you agree? Do we need to know our ancestors?* And are they the best part of who we are? Once upon a time, we got our recipes from our ancestors. Grandma's cornbread. Uncle's avocado salad. Today we can find just about anything online, but the best recipes come from someone ... from the long line of way back when. They've been tested and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Menu Wednesday, Swaziland

About the food of Swaziland

April 23, 2013 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

This week we're back in Africa, in a little tropical/temperate country called Swaziland, just north of South African and Lesotho. The Swazi people live in this beautiful land, among the mountains and undulating hills, tending their farms and rearing their cattle. From their smooth slopes, come pineapples, citrus, and sweet sugar cane. Many call Swaziland one of the world's most beautiful countries, and I can see why. While the traditional people might eat something as simple … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Swaziland, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: Suriname

April 22, 2013 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

httpv://youtu.be/bDH_PcTMZro Our little family went to Austin, Texas this week to watch the Moto GP race. Fourteen countries were represented and we had a great time! Anyway, the trip cut short our work week, so you'll find most of our meal review in the video this week. That being said, I do have a short question for you to ponder this week... and I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What do you hope they say about you when you are gone? Do you hope they point out your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Monday Meal Review, South America, Suriname