Global Table Adventure | Mr. Picky’s Favorite Recipes

Recipe: Syrian Lamb kebabs with Sour Cherries | Kebab Karaz

May 16, 2013 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

I can almost hear it; the hiss and sizzle of grills waking up from their long winter naps. It's warm in Oklahoma and we're ready to move our kitchen outside, into the sparkling sun. Today's inspiration comes from Syria and the pucker of sour cherries, which will be in season sometime in the next few weeks, depending where in the world you live. Syrian Lamb Kebabs with Cherries can be made two different ways. The first is easy - you string up the meat along with the sour cherries. The … [Read more...]

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

Recipe: Almond Carrot Cake | Aargauer Rüeblitorte

May 9, 2013 By Sasha Martin 3 Comments

Yes, I have a three year old daughter. No, I don't hide a head of cauliflower in her mashed potatoes. I never slip zucchini in her pancakes when she's not looking. And I refuse to bury carrots in her cake. I don't cater to my daughter that way. Don't get me wrong. On any old Monday, Ava can blow through a bowl of cauliflower mashed potatoes. On the weekend, she can annihilate a tower of zucchini pancakes before the early bird has had his breakfast. And, as of today, she loves … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sweets, Switzerland, Technique Thursday

Recipe: Swedish Meatballs

May 3, 2013 By Sasha Martin 18 Comments

I never thought I'd say it but here goes: "I've spent the large majority of my adulthood pining over meatballs." Not just any meatballs, but Swedish meatballs. We used to eat them for lunch at my small high school in Luxembourg. On those days, I made sure to bring enough money to buy two portions. The bellyache was worth it. When made perfectly, Swedish Meatballs are tender, but do not fall apart, thanks to the perfect balance of breadcrumbs and cream. After a brisk sizzle and shake in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Fun Friday, International Recipes, Meat, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sweden

Recipe: Swedish Princess Cake | Prinsesstårta

May 2, 2013 By Sasha Martin 22 Comments

They say this spring green dome from the 1930's made with layers of sponge cake, raspberry jam, custard, and whipped cream is DIFFICULT. Everyone says so, in fact, except for the Swedes. Curious, right? I finally figured out why: Swedish folk have great recipes and three quarters of a century's worth of tips and tricks up their sleeves. Like, ahem, pre-rolled marzipan and boxed custard. I even saw one Swedish video which used prepacked cake, already sliced in thirds. "We all start out as … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sweden, Sweets, Vegetarian

Recipe: Mealie Bread

April 24, 2013 By Sasha Martin 13 Comments

The next time you walk into your kitchen, walk into the warm, sweet scent of mealie bread. Let a smile curl along your lips as you taste that first, moist bite with your imagination. Then take a moment for real indulgence: spread softened butter across the still-warm bread, only to see it melt into and down the sides of the tender crumb. I've had lots of corn bread before, but never something as rich and flavorful as this Mealie Bread. The main difference between this and ordinary corn … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Breads, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Swaziland, Vegetarian

Recipe: South Sudanese Tomato Salad

April 11, 2013 By Sasha Martin 7 Comments

The South Sudanese love a good, chopped tomato salad on the side of their meals. Often, it's no more than tomato, onion, and hot, green chili peppers... perhaps a spot of parsley... But other times, a bit of peanut butter and lime juice makes for a grand dressing... and tastes just like home, if you happen to be from South Sudan. When I was deciding which of the two recipes to try, the choice was clear: if peanut butter is involved, the answer is yes. Most definitely, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Salads, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sudan (South), Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Sudanese Kisra | Sorghum Crepes

April 11, 2013 By Sasha Martin 11 Comments

I never thought I'd need a cow's brain and a credit card for this lil' ol' Global Table Adventure of ours. The thing is, if I were to make Kisra in the most authentic way - the South Sudanese way - that's exactly what I'd need. Locals would use the cow's brain, which is naturally quite fatty, to grease the pan. I got the tip on good authority; from this amazing South Sudanese food post on Green Shakes in Sudan. There you'll find photos of local women rubbing brain renderings on their … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Breads, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sudan (South), Technique Thursday, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Sudanese Cinnamon Tea

April 4, 2013 By Sasha Martin 12 Comments

Under the pulsing noonday sun, Tea Ladies line the streets of Sudan. They soak up what little shade they can find. Water simmers over charcoal stoves. They swirl a mishmash of ingredients through the steam, into the pot. You can pick your combination. Will it be mint? Or what about ginger? The most popular option for many patrons is cinnamon tea, a blend of black tea steeped with cinnamon sticks. Many patrons like to hold a sugar cube between the teeth while drinking to sweeten the … [Read more...]