Global Table Adventure

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

Recipe: Battered Plantains with Peanut Sauce | Bakabana

April 21, 2013 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

Bakabana is a traditional treat in Suriname. All you do is take very ripe plantains (i.e. blackened), deep fry them, and dust the crispy, fried goodness with powdered sugar. Alternatively, you can serve them with homemade peanut sauce. The result is a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside, finger-licking snack. What could go wrong? (Actually, a lot. I made this recipe three times, before I finally figured out that I needed cornstarch to make the batter crispy. For reference see … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Finger Food, Global Table, International Recipes, Random Carbs & Grains, South America, Suriname, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Mixed Vegetable Salad with Coconut Dressing | Goedangan

April 19, 2013 By Sasha Martin Leave a Comment

Introducing Geodangan, your answer to healthy munchies. (Honestly, I'm not sure if there's such a thing as healthy munchies. But if there were, then this is it.) This Asian-style salad that is incredibly popular in Suriname. And for good reason. Don't be shy. Geodangan is everything spring has to offer - crisp green beans, giant cabbages, golden yolked eggs... with the addition of a coconut, lime, yogurt dressing. (The dressing could also be coconut sambal, a spicy shredded coconut … [Read more...]