Global Table Adventure

Monday Meal Review: Norway

August 6, 2012 By Sasha Martin 24 Comments

I walk out of the kitchen and the steam immediately slides off my face like a mask. The worst is behind me; one pound of large pink shrimp plucked from the bubbling boil now recline in a cool bowl of ice water. I'm on my way to the dining room with an armful of unlikely friends. First, the mayonnaise. This thick, white creamy spread is never on our table unless guests are present. I grimace, thinking of Ava and Mr. Picky. Oh, how they'll balk when they see it. Then the capers, a personal … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Monday Meal Review, Norway

Recipe: Norwegian Summer Shrimp Party

August 5, 2012 By Sasha Martin 1 Comment

When longtime reader Mette suggested a Norwegian-style shrimp party for this week's Global Table, I knew I was in luck. What could be more summery than cracking and assembling DIY shrimp canapes? Here's what she said: In summer, people also enjoy a lot of fresh shrimps, eaten cold and very simply with white bread, butter, mayonnaise and a squish of lemon. The shrimps with their shells and heads on are set on the table in a big bowl, and everyone peels their own as they load their sandwiches … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Finger Food, International Recipes, Norway, Sandwiches/Wraps/Packets, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Seafood

Recipe: Dill & Lemon Pepper Gravlax | Gravlaks (with poll)

August 3, 2012 By Sasha Martin 14 Comments

I can be so wimpy. Sometimes I need a little push. A little motivation. Like that time I wanted to dive off the tall board at the pool. It was seventh grade and I was so scared my heart was in my ears. Thump, thump, thump. I could hardly see. Even my knees were woozy. I held hands with a friend and, after a thirty-minute long giggle-hesitation, I actually jumped in. Unfortunately, the force of jumping 15 feet did things to my bathing suit I still don't want to talk about. I never did jump off … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Finger Food, Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, New Year's, Norway, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Seafood

Recipe: Scandinavian Ring Cake | Kransekake

August 2, 2012 By Sasha Martin 12 Comments

When I woke up yesterday I had no intention of losing my wedding rings. In the morning I hugged Malky the cat and Ava, my daughter. In the afternoon, I did a silly dance with the curtains wide open, daring my neighbors to judge me. Around five o'clock I indulged in a green bottle of bubbly water while sitting by a glittering summer-filled window. I felt the heat (110F in the shade) radiate on my face and I smiled, happy to be inside. I fidgeted with my rings, as I often do whenever … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Celebrations, Europe, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Norway, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sweets, Technique Thursday, Vegetarian

Menu: Norway (& Giveaway)

August 1, 2012 By Sasha Martin 43 Comments

I watch the Olympics on the televisions at the gym. Synchronized divers catch my eye as I rappel down a climbing wall from two stories up. (Really, it's more of an awkward fall since I'm new to rock climbing). I watch gymnasts flip while pedaling with my heartbeat at 150 bpm. Since I don't have a television, this is my only option. Here's what I've learned: put five golden rings on a wet noodle and my eyes will well up with tears. I love the Olympics. The very logo has seeped into … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Menu Wednesday, Norway

About the food of Norway

July 31, 2012 By Sasha Martin 13 Comments

A view of Lake Bondhus in Norway, and in the background of the Bondhus Glacier, part of the Folgefonna Glacier. Photo Alchemist-hp.

Oh Norway, land of the midnight sun. This is the place to go when the world's drudgery stifles you... when the world just... sticks to your skin. In Norway, the sky feels a million miles away. The air is crisper, cleaner. Sparkling. I spent a weekend in Stavanger, Norway in 1998, where I pitched our way to first place in our softball championship. I remember just breathing, breathing, breathing as deeply as possible. That air - I will always remember it. The fjords seemed to know … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Norway, Travel Tuesday