Global Table Adventure

Monday Meal Review: Nicaragua

July 16, 2012 By Sasha Martin 10 Comments

Lake Nicaragua, a.k.a. The Sweet Sea and Cocibolca Lake. Photo by Aaron Escobar.

When I say "toxic," what comes to mind? Is it a food? Is it a person in your life? Is it a lifestyle led by you or someone you know? This week we ate yucca - a tuber known to have toxic bits of cyanide if processed improperly. In the early days of this adventure, I made the mistake of grating up the tough fibers on the inside of the yucca, where these toxins are concentrated. Several hours later this novice error caused me to crash down onto the floor unconscious, only to awake with ringing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Monday Meal Review, Nicaragua, North America

Recipe: Pineapple Horchata

July 13, 2012 By Sasha Martin 7 Comments

This summer I've seen almost everything. Laughter in sad moments. Tears in happy moments. Life is a bumble-all-over-the place, as it should be when temperatures screech up into the 100's. What I haven't seen? Purple-feathered dancing ladies. This Pineapple Horchata is certainly the closest I'll get to this sort of carnival fun. And every summer should have a little carnival fun, don't you think? The recipe is a cooked horchata (homemade rice drink), different from the amazing no-cook … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol-Free, Cold, Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Nicaragua, North America, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Lime & Cabbage Slaw with Yucca | Vigoron

July 12, 2012 By Sasha Martin 10 Comments

Today we're taking a bite of Nicaraguan sunshine. This is the kind of sunshiny soul food that satisfies cravings. Bored cravings. Excited cravings. Lonely cravings. I'm ready for winter cravings. I miss my man cravings. I wish I could sing cravings. It's like the fairy godmother of salads. This sunshine is magic. So what is it? Vigoron. A heaping mound of comfort, nestled on top of deep green banana leaves. This is Nicaraguan street food, designed to make your mouth happy. First … [Read more...]

Filed Under: International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Nicaragua, North America, Potluck Friendly, Salads, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Menu: Nicaragua

July 11, 2012 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

Nicaragua taught me three very important things about life. First, eat more sunshine. To do so, simply pile fresh vigoron on your plate. Soaked in lime juice and a happy heaping of salt, this tastes like the margarita of slaws. Done and done. Second, everything is better with an umbrella in it, especially if pineapple is involved. Third, try, try, try, and try again. This is the only way to succeed. Those of you who have been reading this blog for a year or more will know about my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Menu Wednesday, Nicaragua, North America

About the food of Nicaragua

July 10, 2012 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

Carnaval in Managua, Nicaragua. Photo by Jorge Mejía peralta.

Nicaragua is best known for her namesake, which means "surrounded by water." She boasts great, rolling waves on both shores as well as in the middle. The Pacific Ocean crashes into her western shore - a treat for surfers. Cross over beautiful lagoons, lush valleys, huge volcanoes, tropical rain forests, coffee plantations, and Spanish Colonial architecture...to her eastern shore and you'll find dreamy Caribbean waters. Oh, and in between? Lake Nicaragua (a.k.a. the "Sweet Sea") home to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Nicaragua, North America, Travel Tuesday