Global Table Adventure

Monday Meal Review: Philippines

October 1, 2012 By Sasha Martin 10 Comments

We all have mountains to climb (or, since this is the Philippines' week at the Global Table, we all have volcanoes to climb). To cook the Philippines, I rolled two dozen lumpia shanghai, simmered pork adobo with a house-cleansing formula of vinegar and bay leaf, and slurped on bubbly, ooey, gooey sago at gulaman. And none of it was easy. Every step of the way, I felt like I was trudging on the steep side of a cold volcano. Until I got to the vista. You see, this week's cooking was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Monday Meal Review, Philippines

Recipe: Filipino Braised Pork Adobo

September 30, 2012 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

Sometimes I have to play games to get through a busy day with a smile. Here are some good things that help me out (in no particular order): - watching the sun peek through the clouds. - listening to my shoes squeak in the library. - counting how often our daughter giggles. - feeling her small hand in mine. Other times it's all about vinegar, slowly reduced with soy sauce and brown sugar, with a hit of black peppercorn and bay leaf. What? I know, I know. But it's true. As a long time fan … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Global Table, International Recipes, Meat, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Philippines, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes

Recipe: Tapioca & Jello Sipper | Sago at Gulaman

September 28, 2012 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

It's Friday. We all need a little love. A quick fix to carry us into the weekend, Filipino-style. Also, we're on our way to October, which means we're on our way to Halloween... The answer? <gulp> Sago at Gulaman, a.k.a. Tapioca and Jello Sipper. This drink hardly even needs a recipe. First step, make some jello. For brownie points, make agar agar "jelly." Agar agar is seaweed based and sets up at room temperature. Very cool. You can find it on the international aisle of Whole … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol-Free, Asia, Cold, Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Philippines, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Lumpia Shanghai

September 27, 2012 By Sasha Martin 12 Comments

Are you the sun or the moon? Do you shine hot and bright, or glow cool and blue? Is there a better of the two? There's a Filipino folk tale that says the sun and moon once had an argument. The sun angrily told the moon "you only shine because I shine on you." The moon spat back, "no one likes you because you're too hot - at least at night the women can go out and dance under my cool glow." This made the sun so angry, she threw sand in the moon's face. And that's how they say the moon got … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Finger Food, International Recipes, Meat, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Philippines, Random Carbs & Grains, Sandwiches/Wraps/Packets, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Technique Thursday

Menu: Philippines (& Giveaway)

September 26, 2012 By Sasha Martin 55 Comments

Yum. That's all I can say. Slow cooked pork, crispy lumpia, and a sweet, jiggly drink... this is our little taste of the Philippines. We're talking bold flavors and big bites. Perfect for your fall table. All recipes and the meal review will be posted throughout the week. Lumpia Shanghai [Recipe] This is the long, flaky cousin to the egg roll - a shatteringly thin wrapper stuffed with ground pork, carrot, green onion, and jicama then fried to deep golden perfection. Filipino Braised Pork … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Menu Wednesday, Philippines

About the food of the Philippines

September 25, 2012 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol Province, Philippines. Photo by Ramir Borja.

Welcome to our week at the Filipino Global Table, where you can stovetop travel your way to these 7, 107 tropical islands in the western Pacific ocean. Tucked between her mountains, tropical rain forests, and gorgeous coasts live 28 million people who enjoy a diet with influences from Spain, China, and Malaysia and beyond. The food packs a serious punch. According to wikipedia, "Filipino cuisine is distinguished by its bold combination of sweet (tamis), sour (asim), and salty (alat) flavors. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Philippines, Travel Tuesday