Global Table Adventure | South America

Recipe: Chifa Beef Stirfy | Lomo Saltado

September 21, 2012 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

Remember the girls who could do Double Dutch jump rope? I loved them. I loved them because I was never coordinated enough to do what they could do. Every day I watched their hair fly, their feet pump like pistons, and ropes slice through the air. Today, I'm not even sure if I can jump regular rope, let alone Double Dutch. It's been a long, long time since I've been on a playground for my own pleasure. But if there's one thing I can do, it's eat double carbs. In this case, I might as well … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fun Friday, International Recipes, Meat, Peru, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, South America

Recipe: Ginger & Rocoto Ceviche

September 19, 2012 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

Last week I spoke with "Kelly," a short, black-haired Peruvian restaurateur whose father had a thing for Western names (he also named one of her brother's Kennedy - and, as she admitted with downcast eyes, another brother "Hitler"). If that wasn't enough to blow my mind, she added in her thick, rolling accent that halibut ceviche is the "Dunkin' Donuts" of Peru. I asked her twice to repeat herself. Each time her smile grew bigger and her words clearer. Ceviche is the Dunkin Donuts of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: International Recipes, Peru, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Seafood, South America, Technique Thursday

Menu: Peru (with $150 Giveaway)

September 19, 2012 By Sasha Martin 24 Comments

There's a Peruvian proverb that reads... "Gold, when beaten, shines." This simply means it takes a little elbow grease to make even gold look good. As with most things in life, the more effort we put in, the better things go. I've been trying to teach this important lesson to Ava, especially when the going gets tough. Not everything is as instantaneous as twitter or as fun as facebook. Incidentally, I've been using this proverb as I prepare to deliver a speech tonight in front of 350 people at … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Menu Wednesday, Peru, South America

About the food of Peru

September 18, 2012 By Sasha Martin 7 Comments

The dream was born in seventh grade geography class; I had to feel the sunrise in Machu Picchu. One photo of that misty, lush mountain topped with ancient Inca ruins was all I needed. I was in love. Sure, there were snow capped mountains, modern cities, sashaying rivers, and lush, green jungles to explore... but I wanted to teleport straight into the incredible mountain city that'd been mysteriously abandoned so many years ago. All these years later and I still haven't reached … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Peru, South America, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: Paraguay

September 17, 2012 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

"Here at last," I think, as we pull up to our cabin at Beaver's Bend State Park. I gaze up at the tall, skinny trees and then down to the sturdy stilts which keep the cabin from falling into the river below. They are the same circumference. A familiar smile curls my lips and I look back at Ava. She's staring out the window in awe. Here is our little house on the water. A space to listen to the birds, feel the breeze, and watch the seasons change. For four days, at least, until the next family … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Monday Meal Review, Paraguay, South America

Recipe: Paraguayan Cheesy Cornbread | Sopa Paraguaya

September 16, 2012 By Sasha Martin 3 Comments

Rumor has it, no meal is complete in Paraguay without a slice of warm, cheesy cornbread. While sopa means soup in Spanish, this is definitely bread and... traditionally, all mixed up with a happy bundle of homemade cheese. One of our readers - Emily - says everyone in Paraguay makes their own cheese so that this would be no big deal to a local. I read up on the origins of this bread... there are two main versions. In the first version, Don Carlos ( President of Paraguay from 1842-62) … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breads, International Recipes, Paraguay, Potluck Friendly, Random Carbs & Grains, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, South America, Vegetarian

Recipe: Barbecued Meat | Carne Asada (w/ poll)

September 14, 2012 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

Last chances only come once. Last chance to tell that boy you like him. Last chance to wear hypercolor. Last chance to wear a micro-mini. Because, guess what? The 90's are over, and they're not coming back. (not that I'm bitter) (well, maybe about the mini skirt thing). Take a look outside. This might be your last chance to fire up the grill in 2012. Come December, when the Mayan's pop in to say hello, you might wish you took the opportunity. Especially when it comes with so … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fun Friday, Grilling, International Recipes, Meat, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Paraguay, Sandwiches/Wraps/Packets, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, South America

Recipe: Dulce de Leche Stuffed Cookies | Alfajores

September 13, 2012 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

Sometimes we need a do over. A chance to get it right. And a little forgiveness. Because in every mishap is a silver lining. Especially when it comes to sweet, crumbly dulce de leche filled alfajores - the popular South American cookie. One bite instantly dissolves on the tongue into a cloud of tender lemon zest deliciousness. Divine. But back to forgiveness. Specifically, I need to forgive my sweet, bumbling husband for being so thoughtful as to fill up the cooler with ice for our 3 … [Read more...]