Global Table Adventure

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

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