sea salt – Notes From a Messy Kitchen

Spain: Paella

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Europe

Spain

If I were on death row and given the opportunity to request one last meal, it would be paella. My dad’s paella, to be precise. So you can imagine the pressure to try to recreate it just so. In fact, the pressure was such that I waited until he was...

Johanna

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Cloning the Chocolate Sea Salt RXBar at Home

Burning off the Bacon

So, we’re training for another Ironman 70.3. We were offered $100 off entry another Ironman after our cancelled race, and what can I say – we have a hard time turning down free money. Flying with bikes was a nightmare, so we chose one we could drive to: Eagleman 70.3...

Johanna

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Marshmallow Creme Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies

Cooking Time: 1 hour + 1 hour to chill

Uncategorized

Do you ever find yourself at 10:30pm – having already made two batches of cookies, personally addressed nearly a hundred Christmas cards, wrapped close to 30 presents, and run about a dozen last minute errands – thinking, “maybe I should make just one more batch of cookies.” No? That’s because...

Johanna

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Chocolate Salty Balls

Cooking Time: 10

Uncategorized

Trying to figure out what to eat before a big race – or even a training session – can be tough. Especially if the race/workout is long, it can be tricky to get the calories you need to power through without causing yourself digestive distress. For the really long ones...

Johanna

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Vatican City: Gnocchi Al Vaticano

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Europe

Vatican City

For Father’s Day, it only seemed appropriate we visit the Vatican. Located within the city of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world by both size (0.17 square miles) and population (840, circa 2016). Officially Vatican City State, it has been an independent city state since 1929, under...

Johanna

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Republic of Congo: Poulet à la Moambé

Africa

Republic of Congo

Can you believe this is the 50th country we’ve visited this year on our culinary journey?! Poulet à la Moambé, or chicken in red palm oil, is considered the national dish of both the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo; as I mentioned when we tried Ndizi Wa Nazi back in...

Johanna

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Yemen: Hilbeh & Malawah

Asia

Yemen

Welcome to Yemen, where I’m giving you two recipes for the price of one! This is only appropriate, as generous offering of food to guests is one of the customs in Yemeni culture. Just be advised that a guest not accepting the offering is considered an insult. Refusing my offer...

Johanna

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Thailand: Yam Neua Yang

Cooking Time: 30 minutes + 30 to marinate

Thailand

After a weekend of heavy eating and drinking, I was craving something light on Monday night. So logically, I chose steak. While this may sound facetious, this dish is actually very light and summery – especially when compared to pad thai! Served cold, this would be a great dish for a...

Johanna

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Nigeria: Jollof Rice with Chicken

Cooking Time: Rice: 45 minutes Chicken: 1 hour

Africa

Nigeria

What do you know, another celebration dish! I seem to be drawn to them. A steaming pot of jollof rice is the mainstay at birthday parties, naming ceremonies, weddings, funerals and pretty much any family get together across West Africa. But while it’s the source of much joy, it’s also...

Johanna

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Armenia: Kyufta Soup

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Asia

Armenia

Kyufta refers to the meatballs, not the soup. Known also as kofta, kibbeh or kololak – depending on the origin – these meatballs typically are mixed with rice or another grain, filled, and rolled into a cigar shape. This was the first dish since launching this challenge that I had...

Johanna

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Ingredient: sea salt