Global Table Adventure

Recipe: Chocolate & Coconut Rice Pudding with Sweet Orange Peel | Koko Rice

December 7, 2012 By Sasha Martin 13 Comments

I used to say I wasn't a chocolate girl but, as the year's go by, I'm realizing that it's really more about finding the right time to eat chocolate. After dinner? Certainly. At 3pm? I'm game. For lunch? Maybe. Midnight? Definitely. 3 am? No way. I'm sleeping for goodness sakes. But breakfast? Am I game for a chocolate breakfast? Let's just say it's an arrangement I'm willing to get out of bed for and I know of at least two other people who are as well. After all, who couldn't use … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Oceania, Potluck Friendly, Rice, samoa, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sweets, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Caribbean Pumpkin & Coconut Cream Bisque

November 30, 2012 By Sasha Martin 15 Comments

I know three things for sure: this Caribbean soup cannot wipe out old college debt, or go gift shopping for us... or even stop that dog from barking a few houses over (unless that particular dog likes soup?). That being said, I have personal proof that this soup can help you bring love into the kitchen and give your family just a little escape from the ordinary. As you whip it up, the house will fill with the scent of pumpkin, ginger and coconut cream - that's when it'll start. Your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gluten Free Adaptable, North America, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Soups, Vegan, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Recipe: Caribbean Black Cake

November 29, 2012 By Sasha Martin 10 Comments

Sometimes I think the holidays would go a lot smoother if everyone was handed a shot of rum and a slice of cake. How could conversation not go smoothly after that? Turns out, that's what they do in the Caribbean... with great success. Black cake is a cousin to the British Plum Pudding and is made with an expensive array of dried fruits, like cherries, raisins, and prunes and topped off with a bit of nutty crunch (almonds for me). Before baking - sometimes for months - the fruit soaks … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fruit, International Recipes, North America, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sweets, Technique Thursday, Vegetarian

Recipe: Cocoa Tea

November 23, 2012 By Sasha Martin 21 Comments

When I told Ava that the fine people of Saint Lucia like to wake up in the morning and drink Cocoa Tea, she squinted her eyes, titled her head, and said "what mama?" "It's like hot cocoa," I smiled, "but richer, and seasoned with cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg." Her eyes instantly popped open in recognition and the corners of her lips curled impishly. I showed her my mound of chocolate chips and added that in Saint Lucia they use cocoa sticks and balls to make their Cocoa Tea, but we'd … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol-Free, Breakfast, Christmas, Fun Friday, Hot, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, North America, Potluck Friendly, Saint Lucia, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Valentine's Day, Vegetarian

Recipe: Caribbean Fry Bakes

November 22, 2012 By Sasha Martin 11 Comments

This week I've completely given up: - shooing the cat off our bed - working so hard, I can't see straight. - being in a hurry - doing the laundry - eating boxed cereal Instead, I'm now: - snuggling my cat - not-so-accidentally forgetting my phone at home - dancing with my daughter with the curtains wide open - playing board games with family - gobbling up bakes Thanksgiving week is a time for a little closer look at what matters. It's about family, not work. It's about … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Carbs, International Recipes, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, North America, Saint Lucia, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Killer Bee Cocktail with Black Pepper & Nutmeg

November 18, 2012 By Sasha Martin 1 Comment

I can't even begin to take credit for this drink. My dear friend Marina wanted to contribute something to our potluck-style dinner but even after I gave her the easy out by suggesting our Caribbean Rum Punch, she insisted on creating something new and unique to Saint Kitts and Nevis. Her research and uncovered this gem of a sipper... the Killer Bee Cocktail. With a name like that, it has to be good. According to her research: The Killer Bee cocktail is by far the most popular beverage on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol, Cold, Gluten Free Adaptable, International Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, North America, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegetarian

Recipe: Peas n’ Rice

November 16, 2012 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

There's a tall, skinny window, in a full-of-love kitchen in Brooklyn, where one can set a giant pot of rice to cool. Under the icy winter sun, steam rolls up and fogs the panes. With a swipe of the hand you can peer out at the city below, but the glass now clings to a dream of sauteed peppers, onion, garlic, celery, and thyme. This special place is my friend Marina's kitchen, where I cooked our Global Table this past week while I was in NYC. There's nothing to this recipe. And yet it is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gluten Free Adaptable, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, North America, Potluck Friendly, Rice, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Rum Glazed Coconut Bread Pudding

November 15, 2012 By Sasha Martin 22 Comments

It's a fact of life: when the wind howls, children everywhere refuse to wear their coats. They arch their little backs, squeal-whine and assert "I don't need a coat, mama." In this situation, we have two choices. We can hunker down and try (struggle) to put their coat on, until one or both of us are crying. Or. (Or is that beautiful word that keeps life bearable and tantrums at a minimum.) Or... we can stand outside with them, coatless in the wind, just for a moment. We can feel … [Read more...]