Global Table Adventure

Recipe: Glorious Beef Rendang

February 19, 2012 By Sasha Martin 7 Comments

Beef Rendang is an art. And I could eat it every single day of my life. While there are many ways to make this flavorful curry, there are two things for certain - the dish must be slow-cooked until the flavor absorbs completely into the meat, and - secondly - the curry must explode with flavor. In a good way. The flavor part is the easiest. In fact, there are so many amazing ingredients - galangal, ginger, lemongrass, keffir lime leaves to name a few - that you can't help but make an … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Malaysia, Meat, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes

Recipe: Madagascar Chicken (Akoho sy Sakamalao)

February 5, 2012 By Sasha Martin 8 Comments

There are times when I need a little bit of sunshine. A smattering of happy. A bouquet of deliciousness. Today I found exactly what I was looking for in this Malagasy chicken. One of the most unusual things about the food of Madagascar is how much it pulls from different traditions. In today's chicken dish, we see traces of mainland Africa, Asia and Polynesia. The coconut oil gives the chicken just a hint of Polynesian tradition, while the garlic, and ginger play into Asian flavors. Finally, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Madagascar, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Poultry, Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes

Recipe: Cozy Roasted Pepper & Eggplant Salad

January 27, 2012 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

While I've always loved a good ratatouille, there's something so ... soft about it. While that's fine for a cloudy sort of day, on bright, cheery days, I'm in the mood for definition. Clear edges. Decisiveness. Which brings us to today's roasted salad, from the Macedonian Global Table. She's all of those things while still being easy-breezy. The reason she's so defined? The eggplant and peppers are pre-cut and roasted, which gives good browning and clean edges. Once tossed with fresh … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Gluten Free Adaptable, Macedonia, Potluck Friendly, Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Recipe: Pizza. Love, from Macedonia (Pastrmajlija)

January 26, 2012 By Sasha Martin 6 Comments

The air buzzes with excitement. Ava pats the dough and we're on our way to Macedonian pizza (Pastrmajlija), an addicting combination of diced pork, olive oil, and cracked eggs. Together, her little hands next to my big hands, we shape the pizza two ways -first in a traditional full-moon circle and then in a Valentine's-inspired heart. While some might say the shapes taste the same, I beg to differ. Anything heart-shaped tastes infinitely better than that same … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breads, Europe, Macedonia, Meat, Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Technique Thursday

Recipe: Green Bean Soup (Bouneschlupp)

January 20, 2012 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

As a teenager in Luxembourg, I never really thought about high class cuisine. We spent a lot of time over at Quick, the aptly named fast food place. If we weren't there, we were eating a the local pizzeria, bar, or patisserie. It's a shame, really, because the world's first and only female winner of the Bocuse d'Or, a highly competitive culinary competition, is from Luxembourg and has two restaurants right around the corner from where we hung out. Talk about missed opportunities. The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Luxembourg, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Potatoes, Potluck Friendly, Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Soups

Recipe: Crispy Potato Fritters (Gromperekichelcher)

January 19, 2012 By Sasha Martin 20 Comments

My first taste of Luxembourg's Gromperekichelcher was during the annual Christmas market. The town square buzzed with happy shoppers and carolers whose voices floated down from the bandstand. The smell of fried potatoes and onions was just about enough to send anyone straight for their wallet so, of course, I happily complied. While most Luxembergers dunked their fritters in apple sauce, I went straight for the ketchup. It was an easy thing to do and it made my new home a little more … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Gluten Free Adaptable, Luxembourg, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potatoes, Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Recipe: Roast Beet Slaw with Spicy Horseradish

January 15, 2012 By Sasha Martin 8 Comments

It may have happened when you were five. Or maybe, just maybe, not until today. Either way, this much I know for sure: there comes a time in every person's life when they come face to face with the mighty beet. Some will cower or run away, while others - like the Lithuanians, will chow down with enthusiasm. In this traditional slaw, roasted beets blend with tear-inducing horseradish and vinegar...creating a spicy, sour accompaniment that goes particularly well with beef and fish. P.S. Start … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Gluten Free Adaptable, Lithuania, Potluck Friendly, Recipes, Salads, Seasoning Blends & Pickles, Vegan, Vegetables/Pulses, Vegetarian

Recipe: Pork Roast with Boozy Prunes

January 15, 2012 By Sasha Martin 5 Comments

Remember the Sunday afternoon roast? How, as it slowly sizzled and crackled in the oven, the most wonderful smell crept throughout the house until there was nowhere to hide, and you were so hungry you almost couldn't stand it? Eventually, playing outside was the only possible distraction. Even then the smell snuck out, through cracks in the wall, enticing you until you mysteriously found yourself infront of mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, just about anyone who would listen, asking "Is it ready … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Lithuania, Meat, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes