Global Table Adventure

Recipe: Grilled Island Fries

June 21, 2012 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

Ok. So even in the summer I crave french fries. But I don't crave heating up a big pot of oil inside the house. There's a solution: grilled fries. The fine people of Nauru love their fries. While most of them enjoy deep-fried fries, we covered that with Belgium Pommes Frites. So, inspired by their island setting - where the fine people of Nauru love to grill - I thought it'd be fun to try grilled fries. And it was fun. In my research I found several ways to make these, including … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Finger Food, Gluten Free Adaptable, Grilling, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Nauru, Oceania, Potatoes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Menu: Nauru

June 20, 2012 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

See the look on our faces? Yep. This week's menu for Nauru reflects fun, easy breezy island fare - all you need is one bite to feel the joy. The only thing we're missing is the ocean breeze. I can't decide if the best part is making fries on a grill, the simplicity of fresh pan-fried fish, or drinking iced coffee out of plastic bottles. What!? What. Seriously. Stay tuned for more explanation on that. What sounds good to you? Grilled Island Fries [Recipe] This week the Nauruan love of all … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Menu Wednesday, Nauru, Oceania

About the Food of Nauru

June 19, 2012 By Sasha Martin 11 Comments

Coral reef on the beach in Nauru. Photo by D-Online

If you're the kind of lost soul who loves isolation, knowing your neighbors, and an ocean breeze, then Nauru is for you. Clocking in at just eight square miles, Nauru is the third smallest country in the world (and the smallest island nation). With more than three hundred miles between her and the closest piece of land, well, I can't help but be amazed that anyone found their way to Nauru in the first place, let alone make their home there. I mean, what are the odds? So let's figure out … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Nauru, Oceania, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: Micronesia

April 16, 2012 By Sasha Martin 7 Comments

THE SCENE Ava's at a funny age. Literally. Everything is all giggles and "that's so funny, mama." It adds a breath of fresh air to my reality of taxes, tornadoes, and keeping the car clean. All equally impossible to deal with. This week Ava chuckled when she saw the silly straw in her Pineapple Papaya Coco Smoothie. And she loved the fact that there were oranges in our Micronesian Orange Coconut Cake. She laughed and laughed about that one. And, of course, I laughed … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Micronesia, Monday Meal Review, Oceania

Recipe: Micronesian Ginger & Lime Marinade

April 15, 2012 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

In college I went by MacGyver. It had nothing to do with my ability to save lives (with little more than a shoestring and a balloon), and everything to do with feeding my four hungry roommates in the face of the greatest of obstacles (an empty refrigerator). I once made them lasagna without pasta or sauce. True story. Which brings me to this Micronesian marinade. There are four fantastic reasons to make it: 1. There is really no need to measure the ingredients. I have it on a local's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gluten Free Adaptable, Grilling, International Recipes, Meat, Micronesia, Oceania, Poultry, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sauces & Dressings, Seafood, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Pineapple Papaya Coco Sipper (with poll)

April 13, 2012 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

It took Micronesia to get me excited about a smoothie. Don't get me wrong - I love smoothies. After a while, though, they all taste the same. Until now. This smoothie blushes, straight from the easy, breezy islands. Why? Because out of the soft, sweet flavor of papaya and pineapple comes the daring zip of fresh lime juice. Adding lime juice to a smoothie may sound strange, but Micronesians know - this is like adding a hint of key lime pie to your drink. A bit of soprano … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol-Free, Cold, Fruit, Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Micronesia, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Oceania, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Glazed Orange Coconut Cake

April 12, 2012 By Sasha Martin 10 Comments

There are times when I want to be fancy, but not fussy. When I want a pretty cake, but I don't want to decorate it with elaborate roses. When I'd rather be swimming in the sea instead of doing my taxes. Ahem. These are the days when I want (need!) a little slice of heaven to serve along side my afternoon cup of tea. I never thought I'd find my answer in Micronesia. But I did. This orange infused cake comes all the way to us from a little Micronesian island called Kosrae and a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fruit, International Recipes, Micronesia, New Year's, Oceania, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Technique Thursday, Vegetarian

Menu: Micronesia

April 11, 2012 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

This week we're enjoying a sampler-style menu based on Micronesia's beloved citrus fruit. Each of the recipes I selected for you is bursting with fresh squeezed lime and orange juices. And, given my family's reaction, I should warn you: they just might make you silly. Especially that crazy orange coconut cake. Speaking of crazy, have you heard the expression "cray cray"? I really amused myself reading the various definitions of this expression in the urban dictionary. I can't quite decide if … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Menu Wednesday, Micronesia, Oceania