Taste of the Town

Winter restaurant week is upon us here in Pittsburgh and if you prefer not to brave the brave enough to brace to the cold weather for some top notch cuisine, our adoptive families are here to help. Adoptions From The Heart has been an adoption leader in the Northeast since its conception in 1985 and our families who have adopted internationally sure know a thing or two about flavorful, one of a kind dishes. The programs in China, Kazakhstan and Guatemala were very popular in AFTH’s international program and their traditional dishes rival any meal at restaurant week.

Chinese scallion pancakes are a traditional street food in China and are typically eaten for breakfast. When walking the streets of Beijing you can be sure to smell the aroma of these crispy pancakes, as some of our families recalled. A great recipe can be found on the blog China Sichuan Food, if you want to make any tasty traditional Chinese food that is the place to find some great ideas. A fantastic AFTH mother daughter pair is taking a trip to Kazakhstan this summer and it was suggested that they prepare for the food they will be sampling on their trip with a traditional Kazakh beef pilaf. This dish made around the holidays and for everyday dinners is simple, but filled with big flavor. Onions are caramelized, large chunks of meat are browned and the seasoning combination is impeccable. Carpe Season is another blog that features a favorite recipe for this hearty beef and rice dish.

Debbie Cohen, District Supervisor for the Pittsburgh area, not only ran the international program for Guatemala, but she is also an adoptive parent and was able to shed an interesting light on the fare and the fascinating culture. Torrejas are a dessert most popular around Christmas and Lent in Latin American countries and everywhere you go the local people put a different twist on the recipe. Growing Up Bilingual is a blog that publishes plenty of traditional Guatemalan dishes including Torrejas and Mollettes which are similar to Torrejas, only they are filled with custard for a nice added sweetness.

International adoption has built so many beautiful families in Pittsburgh and across the country. Countries like China, Kazakhstan and Guatemala have shared their cultures and have illustrated that love knows no boundaries. For families who prefer some down home cooking, Adoptions From The Heart has focused on domestic adoptions and there are so many options available for families of all shapes and sizes. If you would like to learn more about your adoption options, visit www.afth.org or call your local Greensburg office at (724) 853-6533.