Global Table Adventure

Recipe: Roasted Whole Fish from the Maldives (Fihunu Mas)

February 23, 2012 By Sasha Martin 15 Comments

You should have seen my brother's face when I told him we were going to make whole fish for our Maldivian Global Table. His eyes about popped out of his head. In fact, my entire family - both brothers, my sister, mom, niece and nephew - was wary of the idea. While eating the whole fish is rare in the United States, we knew from experience that our family was in for a treat. We ate this meal in Florida, as part of a celebration of my mom's surprise 70th birthday, so I had a bounty of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Grilling, International Recipes, Maldives, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Seafood, Technique Thursday

Recipe: Jordanian Inspired Spiced & Grilled Chicken

September 11, 2011 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

Serves 4 There was a time when I wasn't a very good cook, but I sure liked to try. Every night I rifled through my spice collection, eventually sprinkling a little of this and a little of that on top of whatever I was making. And when I say a little I mean a little. A speck. A drop. A dusting. My food never had much flavor because I was scared to overdo it. I've since learned (mostly thanks to my time at the Culinary Institute of America) that you need to be brave - bold - … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Grilling, International Recipes, Jordan, Poultry

Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Chicken

August 28, 2011 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

Serves 4 There's no way around it. Jerk chicken is supposed to be blacker than a starry night - and more sizzlin' than that smokin' hot hotty you wake up to every morning (Hi, Keith!). Typically cooked in a barrel smoker, Jerk gets it's distinctive flavor and color from low, slow cooking over smouldering all spice wood. The long cooking time gets the jerk seasoning extremely caramelized. Now, for those of you who want to go all out, you can easily get your meat much darker than mine … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Grilling, International Recipes, Jamaica, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Poultry, Sasha's Favorite Recipes

Recipe: Muhammara (Char-grilled Red Pepper Dip)

July 30, 2011 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

Makes 3 cups If you're wilting and melting and generally crying for a reprieve from the heat, try Muhummara. This Middle Eastern roasted pepper dip takes the heat out of summer in the most fingerlicking way. The walnuts add body, but you don't taste them. The pomegranate syrup gives a slightly tart tang and the cumin gives earthy warmth, but the ingredients are so balanced and subtle you'll be seduced before you know it - and you won't exactly know why. Just like falling in love with the most … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Dips, Gluten Free Adaptable, Grilling, International Recipes, Iraq, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Grilled Whole Wheat Pita Bread

July 28, 2011 By Sasha Martin 17 Comments

Makes 8 Pita Light, airy, grilled pita bread spells summer. Flip flops and ice water. Sunglasses and big smiles. Making this recipe just might help you get to know your neighbors. After all, the fresh smell of grilled pita bread is nearly impossible to resist. As long as you're willing to share... So, let's take a cue from the fine people of Iraq and enjoy pita, just like they have in this region (not only the Middle East, but the Mediterranean and also the Balkans) for millennia. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Breads, Finger Food, Grilling, International Recipes, Iraq, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Technique Thursday, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: khubz

Recipe: Kabab Koobideh

July 23, 2011 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

Serves 4-6 It's been a long week. You're tired. You might even be cranky (I won't tell). I've got good news. Now is the perfect time to put on your superhero cape and make kababs on swords. (Ok. They aren't really swords. They're sword-like skewers. But they might as well be swords because they are that wonderful. You can buy them at your local Middle Eastern market and you'll be forever glad you did.) Iranians - and people all across the Middle East - love to use these mega … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Grilling, International Recipes, Iran, Meat, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes

Recipe: Indonesian Beef Satay

July 17, 2011 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

Serves 2-4 Do you get hungry late, late, late - in the dark corners of the night? Does your stomach growl? Your mind race? Do you ever feel like you need a big bite of goodness before you can roll over and snooze? Me, too. Indonesian Beef Satay is just the ticket. Believe me when I say I would turn on my grill at midnight to eat this satay. Here's the truth: I've never simply sat and eaten a half pound of meat in my entire life. I'm just not that into meat. Until … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Grilling, Indonesia, International Recipes, Meat, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes

Hungarians like their bacon on a stick

June 24, 2011 By Sasha Martin 11 Comments

Stars poke holes in the black sky. Crickets chirp. A campfire crackles. A few dear friends sit in a circle, chattering. They laugh until they cry and cry until they laugh. And, since they're Hungarian, they're holding bacon. Giant cubes of bacon. On sticks. Welcome to Hungarian summer. Campfire bacon kabobs, a.k.a. Gypsy Bacon (Cigany Szalonna) are an integral part of any Hungarian barbecue. In Planet Barbecue Steven Raichlen states: There once was a time - perhaps it's true still … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Fun Friday, Grilling, Hungary, Independence Day, International Recipes, Meat, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes