All posts filed under: Menus

Menu: Kenya

“Let us see, then tell.” This Kenyan saying speaks to the importance of experiencing something before you can actually speak about it. All too often on this Adventure I have seen entire countries jump to life in my mouth, simply by tasting their food. The joy that hits me when I “get” a country on the first bite – it’s like going from black and white movies to color – or silent films to talkies. Stovetop travel really does let me “see.” In lieu of plane tickets I have pots and pans. In lieu of passports I have spices. I’m so grateful. Today’s menu will take you into the heart of Kenya, bite by bite. The sweet Kenyan who corresponded with me last week gave me wings with his words – wings right into his homeland. You can take your family, too. What sounds good to you? Chapati [Recipe] This simple homemade flatbread made its way from India to Kenya, where locals traditionally use it to scoop up food with their right hand (instead of silverware). …

Menu: Kazakhstan

Cabo loved his scraps as much as the next cat, which is why I know he would have endorsed this Kazakh saying: “Meat brings strength, shurpa brings beauty” (as found in Please to the Table). If he could speak, he probably would have used it anytime the grill was on (although he was known to love watermelon, too). I can hear him now: “MMmmmmeow, that smells good. Can I have some? Purrrrlease? You know, the Kazakh’s will tell ya – meat brings strength, shurpa brings beauty. Mmmmeow.“ I’ll miss that silly cat. With that being said, today is a good day for a filling, replenishing meal. A menu as good for celebrations as it is for mourning. A selection both comforting and nourishing. Plus, this grouping is filled with fun words – just saying them will bring joy into your day. What sounds good to you? Central Asian Noodle Stew (Lagman Shurpa) [Recipe] A blend of thick, homemade noodles, stir-fried lamb and veggies, finished in a light broth. A sprinkling of fresh basil sends it …

Menu: Jordan

I’m feeling rather minimalist, especially after cooking Japan last week. Thankfully Jordan has plenty of recipes that fit the bill. This week’s menu is organized around the beauty of simplicity. Each of our Jordanian dishes celebrates fresh, clean but intense flavors, from caramelized onions in an otherwise simple pilaf, to a few cardamom seeds ground into regular coffee. Even plain chicken breasts can be perked up with a blast of straightforward spices. After all, life is easier when you strip away the complications. And aren’t we all more likely to try something new if it’s not too far out of our comfort zone? What sounds good to you? Mujaddara (Lentil & Bulgur Pilaf) [Recipe] A giant, fluffy mound of lentils and bulgur served with oodles of caramelized onions. This affordable, nutrient packed dish will make you healthy, wealthy, and wise. Jordanian Inspired Spiced & Grilled Chicken [Recipe] A simple spice blend to give plain ‘ol chicken breasts a kick in the pants. Arabian Cardamom Coffee [Recipe] Fresh coffee beans ground with cardamom seeds. Floral, intoxicating, and all natural. Snacktime in …

Menu: Japan

Last night I did my first ever live demo while on radio. There were about two dozen people there to try the food. What a rush! What fun! What a late night. So here I am, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, focusing in on Japan. I’m happy to tell you that this menu is going to be both beautiful and delicious. And very hands on. So here’s the menu… What sounds good to you? A Bento for Miss Ava [Recipe] Send your toddler to preschool with the cutest bento lunch in the world. Just be warned – you’ll end up wanting one for yourself. It’s like a hundred delicious smiles in a lunch box. Brilliant. Veggie sushi (futomaki) [Recipe] If you’ve never done it before, you need to do it: veggie sushi. In fact, this is one of my favorite interactive dinner party themes. Colorful and fun, everyone makes their own sushi from an assortment of sliced veggies like avocado, asparagus, bell pepper, cucumber and sweet pickled gourd. Plus, kids love it. The fun is in …

Menu: Jamaica

“Me only have one ambition, y’know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together – black, white, Chinese, everyone – that’s all.” Bob Marley I’m with Bob on this one. I’d just like to add one thing – my vision also includes kittens, rainbows, and puppy dogs. And grouchy turtles. They’re important, too. As I’ve said before, we can’t create peace alone -we have to set a Global Table and invite everyone to dinner. And we’ll need a few animals to pick up the scraps. So, with this spirit of peace and friendship, let’s eat Jamaica! What sounds good to you? Jerk Chicken [Recipe] Spicy chicken, smoked slowly until tender and perfumed with the floral aroma of all spice. Jerk Seasoning [Recipe] With a quick buzz-whir of the blender, and you have jerk seasoning – made with fresh produce, rich spices, and loads of love. Perfect marinade for chicken, pork, and fish. Jamaican Escovitch Fish [Recipe] Wake up like a Jamaican -with the tangy, briny blast of Escovitch. …

Menu: Italy

This week I can shut my eyes and dream my way to Italy. All I need is to dust my hands with flour, slap around some pasta dough, and fill the house with the scent of steamed artichoke. In an instant, I’m there. Just knowing that I’m making recipes that my family has made for hundreds of years (in some form or another), brings a smile to my face – it’s like a mini vacation from the unknown so common in this adventure. Then, as I watch Ava help me cook and enjoy the food, my heart triples in size because I know – the recipes will live on. What sounds good to you? Homemade Pasta Dough [Recipe] This dough is soft, like a baby’s bottom – made with nothing more than flour, eggs, and a splash of water. The secret is to let it rest before trying to roll it out. That and slapping it around a lot. Seriously. Alfred’s Pork Ravioli [Recipe] Alfred lived to 103. He kept himself young by making these pork ravioli …

Menu: Israel

When the storm clouds blot out the sun, do you say: “Hurrah – I love the way rain feels on my face.” When your cup is empty, do you say: “How great to have a cup!” When all you have are a few lemons, do you ask: “Who would like to share a splash of lemonade?” Our week at the Israeli Global Table is a celebration of the delicious treats that can be made out of a surprising few ingredients. Treats fellow food optimists will love. (A Food Optimist is often found to say: Sure I can make something out of that – no problem!) Are you a Food Optimist? What sounds good to you? Lemon-Garlic Hummus [recipe] A highly flavorful hummus, seasoned with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and lots of parsley. As a bonus, this quick recipe comes together in 5 minutes. Shakshouka [recipe] An Israeli breakfast. Eggs poached on top of a tomato pepper sauce. Garnished with plenty of parsley and served with crusty bread. Citrus Salad [recipe] Nothing says Israel like a simple orange and grapefruit …

Menu: Ireland

See that moisture in Ava’s hair? Yeah. It’s not dew. The thermometer read 114F yesterday. This is the kind of heat that sticks to your hair – even with the air conditioner on full blast. Considering the conditions (forecast of 116 today!), I desperately wanted to avoid the stove this week. I looked at cookbook after Irish cookbook. Yet, try as I might, there was no way to avoid turning on the stove for our Irish Global Table. We’re talking about a country that eats stews. Roasts. Mashed potatoes. Breads. These warming, hearty meals are the most celebrated Irish dishes. There was no way a salad was going to cut it. We’re going to have to time travel to winter, just for the week. What sounds good to you? Boxty Pancakes [recipe] A day begun with Boxty pancakes is a good day. Despite the name, I’d call this more of an Irish crêpe – loaded with hearty potatoes and tangy buttermilk. Great with butter and chives, just like a baked potato. Brown n’ Oats Soda Bread [recipe] A …

Menu: Iraq

Let’s be real. If you live in my part of the world it’s hot in the summer. Really hot. Most days, the thermometer reads 100F before noon. So, instead of making our air conditioners work harder than they have to, let’s avoid the stove. Completely. Deal? While it sounds difficult, it’s really rather simple. We can just throw together an Iraqi mezze. This is the Middle Eastern equivalent to tapas, in many ways – many small dishes. Mezze can start off a big banquet, or it can provide the main sustenance for a light meal. For the most part, it is made up of an assortment of refreshing salads, dips, and other small plates. Count me in. What sounds good to you? Grilled Whole Wheat Pita Bread [Recipe] Spend a few minutes banging together this healthy dough and, after one rise, you’ll have the softest, best grilled pita. Ever. Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper Spread) [Recipe] An alluring, sweet blend of roasted red peppers, walnuts, garlic, cumin, and pomegranate syrup. Perfect to dip that homemade pita bread in. Tabbouleh [Recipe] …

Menu: Iran

It’s the dog days of summer over here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. All but two days in July have been over 100F. And there’s no end in sight. All day long the sky shimmers and the pavement radiates. My neighbor’s giant tree is dropping leaves. Our crusty grass hasn’t been green in weeks, and I haven’t worn a pair of socks since May. In honor of this painfully persistent heat wave, I’ve put together a refreshing summertime meal, straight from the heart of Iranian cooking. When it gets this hot, for this long, the only way to survive is to swim a lot and eat a good meal after the sun goes down. What sounds good to you? Persian Sour Cherry Rice [recipe] Delicate grains of basmati rice cooked with plump sour cherries, caramelized onion, cinnamon, nutmeg, and shelled pistachios. Kabab Koobideh (Iranian Spiced Beef Kabab) [recipe] One of Iran’s most famous kababs; our version is made with ground beef, seasoned with turmeric, sumac, onions, and pepper. For a special treat, dip kabab pieces in sweet/tart pomegranate …

Menu: Indonesia

Life is moving along at a pretty good clip. I officially have a two year-old. We’re eating Indonesia. My hair is grayer than ever. Yep, that about sums it up! I’m really excited about our Indonesian recipes because they cover the gamut, from vegetarian delight to meat lover’s lovely love-fest. There’s something for everyone. What sounds good to you? Gado Gado (Indonesian Salad) [recipe] This is one of the most popular salads in Indonesia. Most versions include young jackfruit, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, green beans, sprouts, tempeh, tofu, and more. Dressed with peanut sauce. Indonesian Fried Rice with Cow’s Eyes (Nasi Goreng) [recipe] Despite the title, this recipe is practically vegan. Jasmine rice stir-fried with shallots, garlic, kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), and then served with tomato, cucumber and green onion. The finishing touch? Cow’s eyes – a.k.a. fried egg. Indonesian Beef Satay [recipe] Beef marinated until tender in kecap manis, onion, garlic, ginger and ground coriander, then skewered and grilled. Indonesian Peanut Sauce [recipe] An amazing concoction, seasoned with lime juice, ground coriander, and more. …

Menu: India

Somehow the stars aligned and Ava’s second birthday (July 4) fell on the weekend I cooked India. What does that mean? Ava’s second birthday party was definitely not the candy/pizza/ice cream fest that is standard in so many homes. Nope. Instead, my yard was dotted with tots running around with kulfi pops and adults sipping masala chai (which I served iced, thanks to Oklahoma’s outrageous 101F temperatures). It was really rather grand and quite possibly epic, as far as toddler birthday parties go. What would you try? Saag Paneer [recipe] with homemade Garam Masala [recipe] India’s answer to creamed spinach. Our version is mildly spiced with ginger, turmeric, homemade garam masala, and serrano chili peppers – finished with a touch of half and half. Homemade Paneer (cheese) [recipe] Whole milk naturally curdled with lemon juice and pressed into creamy, sliceable cheese. Masala Chai (Spiced Tea) [recipe] Black tea steeped with cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, and other spices until fragrant. Mixed with milk and sugar for an irresistible treat. Drink hot or break tradition and enjoy over ice. Kulfi Pops (Indian …