Global Table Adventure

Recipe: Rwandian Fruit Salad

November 11, 2012 By Sasha Martin Leave a Comment

We may be in the heart of autumn here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but no celebration of Rwanda is complete without a sliver of tropical fruit. This is the most popular way to end in a meal in Rwanda. Varieties include mango, pineapple, papaya, passion fruit, banana, and even buttery avocado: Although Mukamana says she and her husband cannot afford to purchase all the fruits needed to make a salad every day, they buy enough produce to make sure everyone at home eats a banana, an orange, or a piece of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Fruit, Gluten Free Adaptable, Rwanda, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: White Sweet Potato Fries

November 9, 2012 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

Sweet potatoes are up there with a good hair cut, purring cats, and sunlight through fiery autumn leaves. The simple sweetness is all I need on a chilly evening. But it's not all about the coppery hued variety, which litter my counter tops like fallen leaves. There's such a thing as white sweet potatoes, too. Rwandans love sweet potatoes, especially white sweet potatoes which they boil, mash, and even fry. I first saw this in action on the a Peace Corps blog En Route Rwanda: With help … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potatoes, Rwanda, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Rwandan “Agatogo” with Collard Greens

November 8, 2012 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

There's an old Rwandan saying "The most extensive land is the human belly." I like to think there's mountains and streams in there, glorious sunsets and easy, glimmering sunrises. Is that somehow unsavory? I don't know. I do know I want this land to be vast, and include as much variety as possible. I want to fit the whole world in there. And this, my friends, includes the plantain. Plantains have been an issue for my family from the beginning. Ava isn't really keen on them (or bananas). … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, International Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Random Carbs & Grains, Technique Thursday, Vegan, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Recipe: Cumin Seed Potatoes | Batata b’kamun

October 19, 2012 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

When I look up at the turmeric-colored leaves that dangle in our now somewhat skeletal trees, I know I need a change. I crave something warm, comforting and full of spice. But I need it to happen quick, so I can run back outside, lay on my back, and watch those leaves shimmy and shake on their way down to the ground. Unless, I can find a compromise. A quick recipe I can bring on a picnic. One that can stand up to a chilly autumn afternoon and a toddler who recently got a big girl … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potatoes, Potluck Friendly, Qatar, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Stuffed Grape Leaves | Warak Enab

October 18, 2012 By Sasha Martin 12 Comments

Time and time again I've failed to entice Ava with stuffed grape leaves. I tried back when we cooked Armenia, when the grape leaves were laced with an intoxicating blend of cinnamon, allspice and currants and she was an innocent, unquestioning 8-month old. Let's just say she wasn't ready - neither for the somewhat chewy outer "skin," nor the mystery of what was inside. Little kids like to know what mom is feeding them. Not one to give up easily, I spent the last 3 years casually pushing them … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Finger Food, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Qatar, Rice, Sandwiches/Wraps/Packets, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Recipe: Tapioca & Jello Sipper | Sago at Gulaman

September 28, 2012 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

It's Friday. We all need a little love. A quick fix to carry us into the weekend, Filipino-style. Also, we're on our way to October, which means we're on our way to Halloween... The answer? <gulp> Sago at Gulaman, a.k.a. Tapioca and Jello Sipper. This drink hardly even needs a recipe. First step, make some jello. For brownie points, make agar agar "jelly." Agar agar is seaweed based and sets up at room temperature. Very cool. You can find it on the international aisle of Whole … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol-Free, Asia, Cold, Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Philippines, Potluck Friendly, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Tapioca & Banana Dumplings in Coconut Milk | Saksak (w/ poll)

September 7, 2012 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

I don't make a lot of really, really weird things on this blog. You won't see deep-fried tarantulas or monkey brains. This is because I feel strongly that regular people (and by that I mean regular-really-special-all-kinds-of-wonderful people like you), living in average towns (that they love with all their heart, like you do) should be able to replicate this adventure without pulling their hair out by the roots. Simply put: the more people cooking the world, the better. And I'm here … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fruit, Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Random Carbs & Grains, Sandwiches/Wraps/Packets, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Autumnal Veggies in Spiced Coconut Milk

September 6, 2012 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

"I would eat that" says Mr. Picky, after taking a nibble off of my wooden spoon. I take a bite off the same spoon and let my eyes flutter shut. My mouth is filled with the most comforting, savory goodness. These coconut veggies taste exactly like a delicious hug on a rainy day... or a steaming hot shower after a rough and tumble game of basketball... or that happy dream you have after finishing a really, really great book (or show) - the kind of dream that lets the world of the characters … [Read more...]