Global Table Adventure

Monday Meal Review: Japan

September 5, 2011 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

THE SCENE: Not only does Ava have no interest in tasting sushi, she won't even touch the stuff. She takes one look at it and just shakes her head, content to nibble edamame. In the past, I've tried various techniques to get Ava interested in sushi. I order rolls with nothing but asparagus, cucumber, and avocado - her most favorite veggies. I "oooh" and "ahhh" over how wonderful my roll tastes. I have even taken her to dinner with her little friend Sanya who gobbles sushi down faster than … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Japan, Monday Meal Review

Recipe: Sushi Rice (Shari)

September 4, 2011 By Sasha Martin 1 Comment

Makes 4.5 cups cooked rice (enough for 6 half rolls) Some things in life take a lifetime to master. Sushi rice is one of those things. Every time I make it I get better. With every bite my smiles grow bigger and my belly happier. But I also look forward to the next time - and improving it - just as much. If you want to try - go for it! While it is admittedly difficult to make professional quality sushi rice, it's surprisingly easy to make good sushi rice. As longs as you buy the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Japan, Rice, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Espresso Jello with Evaporated Milk

September 4, 2011 By Sasha Martin 3 Comments

Fills 10 standard silicone muffin liners or pour into 8x8 baking dish It's wiggly. It's jiggly. And it's in your drink. Jellooooo for adults. You can thank Japan for their love of mixing textures - there's nothing quite like slurping up jello squares into a round straw, along with a bit of milk. Gulp. Slurp. Chew. Note: If you substitute hot cocoa for the coffee, you won't need the sugar as long as your mix is sweetened. Ingredients: For the jello: 1 1/2 cups hot, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol-Free, Asia, Cold, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Japan, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegetarian

A Bento for Miss Ava (w/ poll)

September 2, 2011 By Sasha Martin 14 Comments

I love cute hair cuts. Cute smiles. Cute babies. I especially love cute food. And believe me - the Japanese know cute food. Not content to simply let plain-Jane food lay limp in the lunch box, they have an entire industry devoted to countless accessories and gadgets whose sole purpose is to make food perky and cute. It's the art of Bento. And it's super kawaii (guess what that means?). A little background: Ava just started a 2 day per week preschool program and she takes a packed … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Finger Food, Fun Friday, International Recipes, Japan, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Vegetarian

Recipe: Vegetarian Sushi (Futomaki)

September 1, 2011 By Sasha Martin 12 Comments

Makes 6 rolls (on 1/2 sheet nori seeweed) - serves 2 Do you have a yearning to be creative? An artist? Do you want to release your imagination into the wild? Are you also hungry? The answer is sushi. While sushi making is an art that requires years of training to master, everyone can play the game. It's like I tell my husband - you don't have to be Michelangelo to paint a personal masterpiece. Similarly, you don't have to be a sushi chef to fill your belly with satisfying … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Finger Food, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Japan, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Rice, Sandwiches/Wraps/Packets, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Technique Thursday, Vegan, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Menu: Japan

August 31, 2011 By Sasha Martin 11 Comments

Last night I did my first ever live demo while on radio. There were about two dozen people there to try the food. What a rush! What fun! What a late night. So here I am, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, focusing in on Japan. I'm happy to tell you that this menu is going to be both beautiful and delicious. And very hands on. So here's the menu... What sounds good to you? A Bento for Miss Ava [Recipe] Send your toddler to preschool with the cutest bento lunch in the world. Just … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Japan, Menu Wednesday

About the food of Japan

August 30, 2011 By Sasha Martin 8 Comments

Have you ever noticed how big Japan is? The upper half of Japan has as many cold snowy days as the lower half has hot tropical days. From top to bottom, she's long, lean and filled to the brim with glorious food. That being said, I'm focusing in. Getting in the zone. Talking about just a couple of Japanese dishes that make me sit back in awe. Because, there's no denying it. Japan has some of the prettiest food around. And for good reason: Japanese food is art. Just take … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Japan, Travel Tuesday