Global Table Adventure

Recipe: Madagascar Chicken (Akoho sy Sakamalao)

February 5, 2012 By Sasha Martin 10 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, International Recipes, Madagascar, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Potluck Friendly, Poultry, Sasha's Favorite Recipes

Recipe: Machboos, or how I went to happy town.

October 27, 2011 By Sasha Martin 9 Comments

Certain times call for celebration. Babies. Birthdays. Finding the love of your life. Daydreaming about the love of your life. When a light turns green at the exact right moment, before you have to apply the brakes. For those times, I present Machboos. Take a dive off the deep end with this beloved Kuwaiti dish that boasts warm hits of cinnamon, turmeric, saffron mingled with sweet caramelized onions and raisins. We made ours with chicken, but you can also make it with fish or lamb. If you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Asia, Holidays, International Recipes, Kuwait, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Poultry, Rice, Sasha's Favorite Recipes Tagged With: machbus, mechboos, mechbous

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: Mom’s Chicken Paprika

June 26, 2011 By Sasha Martin 14 Comments

"Whose recipe is this? No, no, no. Much more paprika! Heap it on!" And so the Adventure to recreate a favorite childhood supper began. I say this is mom's chicken paprika, but it didn't start out that way. I had a basic recipe and then asked for her help to execute it. As we simmered along, however, mom tossed corrections my way - saving me from disaster and cluing me into how she would have made it, if she was the one wielding the wooden spoon. I promise you - although Chicken … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Europe, Hungary, International Recipes, Pasta, Potluck Friendly, Poultry

Recipe: Curried Caribbean Chicken Kabobs

June 12, 2011 By Sasha Martin 4 Comments

Serves 4 Guyanese love a good curry. Since we're in the middle of intense summer, I've adapted a traditional curry recipe for the grill. Instead of stewing the chicken with the curried Green Seasoning, I simply marinated the chicken in it and threw it on the grill. An easy way to get the heat out of the kitchen, although you'll still feel it in your mouth. Big time. P.S. To eat this like you're in Guyana, serve with Chow Mein. Seriously. Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, sliced into … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Grilling, Guyana, International Recipes, Poultry, South America

Recipe: Pepian Sauce (for Stewed Chicken or Veggies)

May 29, 2011 By Sasha Martin 8 Comments

Makes 3 cups Is your blender lonely? Do you want to blast away from boredom? Try pepian, a thick mole-like sauce from Central America and beloved in Guatemala. With a quick whizz-whirr in the blender, this vegan sauce (a.k.a. recado) blends the smoky flavor of roasted, toasted seeds and other goodness with a half stick of cinnamon and dried chili peppers. If that sounds like a lot of different ingredients, don't worry, pepian is so balanced that even the pickiest eaters in your house won't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Guatemala, International Recipes, North America, Potluck Friendly, Poultry, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Sauces & Dressings, Seasoning Blends & Pickles, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Spicy Chicken Peanut Soup (Groundnut Soup)

May 5, 2011 By Sasha Martin 21 Comments

Serves 4 I can't begin to explain why or how this recipe works, but it does. Of the four adults who sampled the soup, every single person had thirds. Thirds. Epic. Groundnut soup is your passport to west Africa. In less than an hour, you'll be spooning a delicate blend of fresh ginger, garlic, tomato and groundnuts (a.k.a. peanut butter), with bites of browned chicken and bits of hot peppers. And you'll be mourning the time you lived without this soup. Special thanks to Ghana and … [Read more...]