Global Table Adventure

Recipe: Spanakopita (Spinach & Feta in Phyllo)

May 12, 2011 By Sasha Martin 11 Comments

Makes about 18 triangles While I probably ate Spanakopita in Greece, I can't be completely sure. You see, I was much too busy singing "Some say love" to my first boyfriend while walking around ancient ruins, holding hands. Literally. We blushed occasionally. Our palms were sweaty. Gosh. Corny doesn't begin to describe it, but - even still - I will attempt to convince you of the wisdom of Bette Midler which, ironically enough, applies directly to the mighty spanikopita: It's the heart afraid … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Finger Food, Greece, International Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Technique Thursday, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Recipe: Stovetop Popcorn

March 13, 2011 By Sasha Martin 7 Comments

Makes 4 quarts Stovetop popcorn is a must have if you're looking to replicate an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Sure, you could pop a bag in the microwave in less than three minutes, but... well... sometimes it's more fun realizing how much you can do without special gadgets and gizmos. As far as who had more fun with this - me, Mr. Picky, or Miss Ava - it might have been me. I spent most of the time squealing while I waited for the first few to explode... I mean... pop. Also? I ate the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Ethiopia, Finger Food, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Random Carbs & Grains, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Injera (Flatbread from Northeast Africa)

February 24, 2011 By Sasha Martin 25 Comments

Do you dream of cleaning out your cluttered silverware drawer? Are you totally tired of your dishes? Try a happy bite of Injera, the gorgeous Teff flatbread adored in Eritrea, Ethopia, and other East African countries. Sour and funky... Injera is almost as thin as a crepe, but spongy like a pancake ... and is traditionally used both as a platter for spicy stews and to replace silverware. Three tips for foolproof Injera making: 1. Consistency Make sure the batter is almost the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Breads, Breakfast, Eritrea, Finger Food, International Recipes, Technique Thursday, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Salvadoran Quesadilla (Sweet Breakfast Cake)

February 13, 2011 By Sasha Martin 15 Comments

Makes 18-22 cupcakes Don't expect cheese and tortillas. Instead, think poundcake. Think party food. Think happy mornings, popping a few too many quesadillas in your mouth. In El Salvador they eat rich, buttery quesadillas in the morning with a big cup of coffee and I suggest you do the same. You'll love the slight crunch of the sesame seeds in combination with the sweet/salty cake. I'm proud to say that this recipe was awarded First Place in food52's Gluten-Free Baking Competition. Best … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breakfast, El Salvador, Finger Food, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, North America, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sweets, Vegetarian

Recipe: Cheese Pupusas (Pupusas de queso)

February 10, 2011 By Sasha Martin 10 Comments

Makes 6-10 pupusa Take a big bite of El Salvador with cheesy pupusas. Many locals eat pupusa several times a week - some are filled with beans, others meat. But, no matter how you fill it, there's an art to shaping the mighty papusa. Here's Martha Stewart's demonstration: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kShxKY1mrPM Here are four things I wish I knew when I got started: Make your dough fairly moist. Play with the consistency. You don't want a lot of cracking on the edges. The one … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breads, El Salvador, Finger Food, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, North America, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Technique Thursday, Vegetarian

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...]

Filed Under: Breakfast, Ecuador, Finger Food, Fruit, International Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, South America, Sweets, Vegetarian

Recipe: Dough for Empanadas & Pies (with video)

January 27, 2011 By Sasha Martin 3 Comments

Borrow your mother, grandmother, brother, sister, father, grandfather. All of them! This recipe is best made with a gaggle of family, all chitter chattering and covered in flour. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. You can use this soft, pliable dough for any empanada (or pie, for the matter) - sweet or savory. We like it with our beef and apple fillings. Makes 2 dozen 3 1/2 inch empanadas Ingredients: 2 cups flour 1 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt 8 Tbsp cold butter 2/3- 3/4 cup ice … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breads, Ecuador, Finger Food, International Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, South America, Technique Thursday, Vegetarian

Recipe: Fried Frog Legs

January 9, 2011 By Sasha Martin 3 Comments

Makes 8 legs - Serves 2 What you are about to see is really, really strange. Some of you might be bothered by it. But, I promise, if you stay by my side, we'll get past all the strangeness and enter the amazing world of deep fried food. And, let's be honest, it's hard to go wrong with deep fried food. Ingredients: 8 frog legs (4 pair) For the coating: milk 1/2 cup flour 1 tsp ground thyme 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper Method: First, fill a pot half way with vegetable oil … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dominica, Finger Food, International Recipes, North America, Seafood