Recipe: Micronesian Ginger & Lime Marinade

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In college I went by MacGyver. It had nothing to do with my ability to save lives (with little more than a shoestring and a balloon), and everything to do with feeding my four hungry roommates in the face of the greatest of obstacles (an empty refrigerator). I once made them lasagna without pasta or sauce. True story. Which brings me to this Micronesian marinade. There are four fantastic reasons to make it: 1. There is really no need to measure the ingredients. I have it on a local's … [Read more...]

Recipe: Ginger n’ Spice Tomato Sauce (Rougaille)

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If there is one recipe that reflects the Mauritian potluck of global flavors, this is it. Rougaille. Let's take a walk through the flavors of this unusual sauce - I have a feeling you just might make friends. First, imagine a simple, homemade tomato sauce. The deep red goodness smells sweet and fresh. This sauce can be found in homes all across the world. Tomatoes, onion, garlic. Standard fare. Until you take a bite. Then you realize, this is more complex than you could have ever known. This … [Read more...]

Recipe: Roasted Whole Fish from the Maldives (Fihunu Mas)

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You should have seen my brother's face when I told him we were going to make whole fish for our Maldivian Global Table. His eyes about popped out of his head. In fact, my entire family - both brothers, my sister, mom, niece and nephew - was wary of the idea.  While eating the whole fish is rare in the United States, we knew from experience that our family was in for a treat. We ate this meal in Florida, as part of a celebration of my mom's surprise 70th birthday, so I had a bounty of … [Read more...]

Recipe: Roasted Lobster Tails with Coconut Curry Dipping Sauce

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We're all friends here, right? I need to tell you something important. I'm learning to step out of my comfort zone. Not just once in a while. Once a day. It's scary but also rewarding. Sometimes, though, you can take too big a step. I'm learning that baby steps are better. Let me put this into context for you. Deciding whether or not to make this recipe caused quite the dilemma. You see, the last time I made lobster was traumatic. Have you ever made live lobster? It's stressful. It … [Read more...]

Recipe: Jamaican Escovitch Fish

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Makes enough Escovitch topping for 2-3 meals. I've long adored the British tradition of dousing Fish and Chips with vinegar. In fact, I like to add enough vinegar for my fish to swim in. Sure, Keith won't kiss me for days afterwards, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Well, this week I learned about Jamaican Escovitch, based on Spanish  Escabéche. Escovitch is like taking your fried fish on a trip to vinegar city, on a vinegar boat, through vinegar nation At it's most … [Read more...]

Recipe: Fijian Coconut Ceviche (Kokoda)

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Serves 4 (as an appetizer) Until Kokada entered my life, ceviche was uncharted territory for me. Raw fish dishes are definitely not native to my hometowns - Boston, Atlanta, Paris, or Luxembourg - they're really more of a tropical item. (Is it weird to say I have more than one hometown? It's all I know...) I had my reservations about consuming raw fish in landlocked Tulsa, Oklahoma - but, after taking a big sniff, the fishmonger assured me the mahi-mahi was fresh. What a flavor sensation … [Read more...]

Recipe: Estonian Smoked Herring Dip

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Makes 2 cups Get your next party jumping with Estonian Smoked herring dip, a nod to the great national fish of Estonia. No matter what the cooking method, Estonians typically serve herring with a sour cream and vinegar/lemon juice sauce. And now... for an unprecedented cooking tip from Mr Picky. First, he wants to know - how do you feel about sour cream? If you're a little unsure, he suggests making the dip drier by using less of the sour cream mixture - perhaps as little as half.  Who is … [Read more...]

Recipe: Stuffed Grilled Trout

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Serves 2 You've seen them at the fish market. Whole trout. Somewhat intimidating, but also intriguing.  Friends, if you've never ventured in the world of whole fish, I highly recommend it. Cooking them is beyond easy and the flavor is exceptional. Today we stuff them with peppers, onions, and fresh lemons -  flavors characteristic of Equatorial Guinea. Slightly spicy and super fresh - make this for a special occasion or just for fun. Ingredients: 2 whole trout, cleaned 1/4 cup … [Read more...]