Global Table Adventure | South America

Menu: Guyana

June 8, 2011 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

I like to live in the moment. Fly free. Laugh. Dance. Cry. Do you ever find yourself doing something fun, like chatting with a friend, instead of the work you're supposed to be doing? I do. I love it. I look forward to it. And why not? I get to have fun and then proceed to do my work twice as fast. When I'm talking to my friend, I don't worry about the work. It'll be there. It's time will come. No, I'd rather live in the moment. It's sweet bliss. As long as I meet my deadlines, no harm … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Guyana, Menu Wednesday, South America

About the food of Guyana

June 7, 2011 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

Welcome to Guyana - where you can eat a plate of curry [Recipe] with a side of chow mein [Recipe]. What a combination. What a melting pot. What time do we eat? Oh, and did I mention Guyana is in South America? Yep. This rugged country plates up food from halfway across the world thanks to the influence of British colonizers. Take a stroll down her sandy shores - deep tan like crushed graham crackers - or climb the plateaus in the west; either way you'll quickly learn why Guyana is called the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Guyana, South America, Travel Tuesday

Monday Meal Review: Ecuador

January 31, 2011 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

Keith & I on the California coast, before Ava was born. I am about 5 months pregnant.

Happy Anniversary! This is our 52nd meal for our Global Table Adventure! Our celebration post will be up in a few hours. THE SCENE: "Hurry!" I muttered to myself, zipping around the kitchen. We had a date. A date! Actually, not just a date. An extravaganza. First, we were scheduled for a couples massage (thanks to a generous gift card from friends) and then, a movie (thanks to my dear brother who sent movie passes with our Christmas card). I can't count the number of times we've … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Ecuador, Monday Meal Review, South America

Recipe: Ecuadorian Potato & Cheese soup with Avocado (Locro de papa con queso)

January 30, 2011 By Sasha Martin 11 Comments

Makes a gallon (4 quarts) If you've never had locro de papas, you're in for a surprise. The fine people of Ecuador love this comforting and healthy soup, especially on a chilly day. And why not? Tinged orange from ground annato, most of the flavors remain familiar - potato, cheese, avocado, and cilantro. Feel free to substitute parsley if you hate cilantro. Just so long as you try this soup. You'll love it. Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1/2 tsp cumin 1 tsp … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Ecuador, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Potatoes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Soups, South America, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Recipe: Ecuadorian Open-Faced Cornmeal Omelet with Cheese

January 30, 2011 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

I'm not sure what Saturday morning breakfast looks like at your house but make me one promise... some Saturday soon... whip up one of these crazy open-faced cornmeal omelets. Tip: make life easier on yourself and cook up the cornmeal with dinner, the night before. Happiness is just two eggs away! Serves 1 For the omelet: 1 tablespoon butter 1/8 c green onion 2 eggs 1/2 c cooked corn meal 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro 1/4 cup shredded cheese (monterey jack and cheddar … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breakfast, Ecuador, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, South America, Vegetarian

Recipe: Chunky Warm Peanut & Achiote Salsa from Ecuador (Salsa de Maní)

January 30, 2011 By Sasha Martin Leave a Comment

Warm salsa is a novelty to me, but not to lovely Ecuador. They love spooning this nutty, oniony mixture over potatoes, but it is also enjoyed with anything from chicken to guinea pig. For a more fluid salsa, add extra milk and puree to desired consistency. Adapted from Latin & Caribbean Grocery Stores Demystified by Linda Bladholm. Makes 2 cups Ingredients: Oil 1 Tbsp whole Achiote/annato (available whole or ground) 1/2 tsp cumin 1 small onion, chopped 1 cup unsalted … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Ecuador, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sauces & Dressings, South America, Vegetarian

Fun Fact Friday: Ecuador’s Crowning Glory (w/ poll)

January 28, 2011 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

Ava didn't like bananas at first. Mashed, pureed with yogurt, cut into chunks... the best reaction I could from her was a giant baby-frown. She just wasn't a fan. Then one day I spotted mini bananas at the store. They were the cutest thing I'd ever seen. About 4"long, they were sweeter than regular bananas (more floral, too) and just the right size for Ava to eat out of hand, like she'd seen me do a hundred times before. Incredibly, this new, miniature format was an instant success. She's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Ecuador, Fun Friday, South America

Recipe: Apple Empanadas

January 27, 2011 By Sasha Martin 11 Comments

Sweet, cinnamon-loaded apple empanadas are perfect for popping at parties. Popular throughout south and central america, these tidbits will be gone before you can put the tray down. Try serving warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of dulce de leche. Makes 4 dozen 3 1/2" empanadas Ingredients: 2 batches of empanada dough For the filling: 4 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 3 medium apples) 1/2 cup sugar 1/8-1/4 cup raisins 1 tsp cinnamon 4 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp … [Read more...]