The Hungry Meeple

Tag: Podcast

  • Carnival Zombie Unleashed: A Venice Adventure – Board Game Podcast Episode #7

    Carnival Zombie Unleashed: A Venice Adventure – Board Game Podcast Episode #7

    Step into the thrilling world of  “Carnival Zombie” on our Board Game Dinner Party Podcast!

    Welcome to an exciting episode featuring the heart-pounding “Carnival Zombie” board game. Imagine Venice during Carnival season: masks, music, and mouth-watering delicacies. But a sudden tremor shatters the festivities as the dead rise from the canals. This is “Carnival Zombie”!

    Embark on an epic journey with us, guiding survivors through Venice’s labyrinthine streets, fleeing from hordes of the undead. Will you find an exit point or make a daring last stand at Doge’s Palace? The game follows a day-night cycle, offering exploration by day and survival by night.

    As night falls, the game transforms into an intense tower defense showdown. Can your team outwit and outgun the relentless undead horde?

    Our hosts are joined by special guests, setting the eerie mood with a Brain Hemorrhage Shot. Indulge in delicious Porchetta and broccolini sandwiches, followed by frittole with gelato for dessert. It’s a treat for your senses!

    Join us as we unravel the mysteries of “Carnival Zombie” in an episode that combines gaming, storytelling, and culinary delight. Don’t miss this pulse-pounding adventure in a city overrun by the undead!

    Will we escape Venice alive, or will the horde take us?

    Tune in now for a podcast episode that’s a true carnival of the senses!

    Listen Here:

    Sections and Timestamps:

    1. Intro – 00:36: Begin your journey as we set the stage for an evening of culinary delight and board game excitement.
    2. Table Talk – 10:31: Dive into the lively conversations and interactions around the table as we share stories and laughter.
    3. Set The Table – 39:39: Discover how we transformed our space to immerse ourselves in the world of Carnival Zombie.
    4. The Menu – 44:44: Explore the highlights of our Venitian feast, featuring Brain Hemorrhage Shot, Porchetta-Broccolini Sandwiches and an irresistible Frittole with Gelato.
    5. The Play – 57:56: Join us as we fight the hoard of zombies. Did we escape Venice or were we consumed by the undead?

    Music: “Caffè Concerto Strauss – Venezia, la città dell’amore” By Dakheel⁠ is licensed under a ⁠Creative Commons License⁠. https://on.soundcloud.com/MSDxJ

  • The Great Western Trail: A Flavorful Journey Through Argentina – Podcast Episode #6

    The Great Western Trail: A Flavorful Journey Through Argentina – Podcast Episode #6

    Join us in this unforgettable evening filled with delectable Argentinian cuisine and the excitement of The Great Western Trail Argentina board game. Inspired by Alexander Pfister’s design, we’ve pulled out all the stops to create an experience that combines mouthwatering flavors and thrilling tabletop gaming. In this podcast episode, we’ll take you through the various segments of our memorable dinner party, from the enticing menu to the thrilling gameplay.

    Sections and Timestamps:

    1. Intro – 00:40: Begin your journey as we set the stage for an evening of culinary delight and board game excitement.
    2. Table Talk – 11:10: Dive into the lively conversations and interactions around the table as we share stories and laughter.
    3. Set The Table – 36:24: Discover how we transformed our space to immerse ourselves in the world of The Great Western Trail Argentina.
    4. The Menu – 40:36: Explore the highlights of our Argentinian feast, featuring Fernet Con Coca, chorizo, churrasco, chimichurri sauce, and the heavenly chocotorta.
    5. The Play – 54:10: Join us as we bring The Great Western Trail Argentina to life, navigating the rustic trail, herding cattle, and making strategic moves to outwit our fellow players.

    Don’t miss this fusion of flavors and the thrill of tabletop gaming. Tune in to relive the joy and laughter of an unforgettable evening.

  • Podcast Episode #5: Marrakesh

    Podcast Episode #5: Marrakesh

    Explore Marrakesh, both in a captivating board game (designed by Stephen Fled and published by Queen Games) and in the real world, in this episode. The game of Marrakesh immerses you in the vibrant streets and culture of this Moroccan jewel. We take you on a journey beyond the game, sharing culinary delights inspired by Marrakesh’s traditions, from aromatic tagines to refreshing mint tea.

    In this action selection game, different city sectors offer various actions, with the catch that their strength depends on “keshis” in the area. Players draft keshis, but randomness from a tower adds a twist. We discuss strategies, anecdotes, and tips for navigating this dynamic game.

    Join us for a unique blend of culture, gameplay, and delicious food. Elevate your game nights, savor Marrakesh’s magic, and experience this one-of-a-kind action selection game with us!

  • Podcast Episode #4: Earth

    Podcast Episode #4: Earth

    On today’s episode we play EARTH, designed by Maxine Tardif and published by Inside Up Games. We received our guests with Gia’s Elixir a cocktail we developed inspired by Earth; and continued with the theme by preparing pulled pork and three sister salad served on home made wheat tortillas. Keeping with the Americas and Earth theme we finish the evening with a corn cake with fresh berries and cream cheese whipped cream. So, grab a chair and get ready to experience EARTH.

  • Keto Cassata Cake:  Dessert inspired by Messina 1347 Board Game

    Keto Cassata Cake:  Dessert inspired by Messina 1347 Board Game

    by Zaida Marrero

    Welcome to our culinary adventure, where we blend the enchanting world of board games with the delectable delights of a keto-friendly lifestyle. Today, we present a mouthwatering creation that will tantalize your taste buds and cater to the dietary needs of you or your keto-loving friends: Keto Cassata Cake, inspired by Messina 1347 (by Vladimir Suchy and Fernandez Aparicio, RIO Grande Games) .

    Eating a specific diet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, creativity, or the joy of indulging in a delightful dessert. With a touch of inspiration, we have carefully designed this recipe, keeping in mind the dietary restrictions and preferences of our keto-loving friend, who also happens to be an avid board game enthusiast.

    As we delved into the art of baking, we drew inspiration from the rich culinary history of Sicily. The origins of the Cassata cake can be traced back to this beautiful Mediterranean island, where it has been a beloved sweet treat for centuries. During the Arabs’ influence on the island, the Arabs introduced vibrant and exotic ingredients such as citrus fruits, almonds, and sweet ricotta cheese, which became essential components in Sicilian desserts.

    The classic Cassata cake is a layered masterpiece, typically made with sponge cake soaked in liqueur, filled with a sweet ricotta and candied fruit filling, and covered with a smooth layer of marzipan. The cake is then intricately decorated with vibrant colors and ornate designs, reflecting the artistic traditions of Sicilian craftsmanship.

    We have carefully crafted a recipe that captures the essence of the traditional Cassata, using keto cakes, cheese, orange zest, nuts and sugar free chocolate. We hope to create a guilt-free indulgence for our keto-loving friend.

    So, Get ready to savor each moment of this delicious adventure as we present to you our delightful Keto Cassata Cake.

    Ingredients:

    Keto cake:

    • 2 cups almond flour
    • 1/2 cup granulated erythritol 
    • 1/4 cup half and half or heavy cream * optional
    • 2 tsp Baking powder
    • 4 eggs
    • 4 oz or 1/2 bar cream cheese
    • 1 tsp Almond extract optional
    • 2 tsp Vanilla
    • 1/2 bar butter
    • Orange zest
    • 1/4 tsp salt

    Ricotta filling:

    • 6 ounces (3⁄4 cup) whole-milk ricotta cheese
    • 6 ounces (3⁄4 cup) mascarpone cheese
    • ¼ cup erythritol confectioners’ sugar or more to taste
    • ¼ cup chopped unsweetened chocolate chips
    • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon orange zest 
    • 1⁄8 teaspoon table salt
    • ¼ cup shelled pistachios, toasted and chopped fine

    Instructions:

    For the cake:

    • Beat cream cheese butter and sugar
    • Add eggs, vanilla extract and orange zest
    • Mix dry ingredeintas  and add them to the wet ingredients. Let rest.
    • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
    • Divide batter in cup cake mold, don’t overfill
    • Bake at 350°F (160°C) for 20 minutes rotating midway, until toothpick inserted in the middle is clean.

    For the filling: 

    • Stir ricotta, mascarpone, sugar, vanilla and zest in a large bowl until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes. (Filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; stir to recombine before serving) .Fill the cupcakes and sprinkle with chocolate chips and pistachios before serving. 

    Game Night  Tips

    Conclusion

    It is very gratifying sharing drinks and  food with friends and family and playing a game afterwards makes the experience even better. Give this recipe a try and share your experience and your inspirations too.

  • Ragu Bianco: Food inspired by Messina 1347 Board Game

    Ragu Bianco: Food inspired by Messina 1347 Board Game

    adapted by Zaida Marrero from ATK

    Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Messina, Sicily and take a step back in time to the year 1347. In this blog post, we invite you to indulge in a mouthwatering meal inspired by the board game Messina 1347 (by Vladimir Suchy and Fernandez Aparicio, RIO Grande Games). 

    At a time where the New World was still “undiscovered”, crops like tomatoes and potatoes were hidden from the Italian Cuisine. We provide you a pasta dish meant for nobility and adapted by the gentry, the first ragu: Ragu Bianco. This pasta dish doesn’t use tomatoes and is made by braising a chunk of meat in aromatics found at the time, adding cheese and stirring pasta in the sauce. The resulting dish is an easy to make but luxurious pasta dish that you will want to make every time  you have guests over. Your guests will be impressed and more than ready to know more about the board game Messina 1347. 

    Ingredients:

    • 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, 
    • 1 onion, chopped fine
    • 1 fennel bulb chopped fine, stalks discarded, *or 2 celery stalks 
    • 2 tablespoons fennel fronds chopped, *or celery leaves chopped fine
    • 1 carrot chopped fine
    • 4 medium garlic cloves,
    • 1 teaspoons salt,
    • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or ½ tsp of dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 1⁄3 cup heavy cream
    • 1 (1 1⁄2-pound) boneless pork butt roast, It’s important to remove extra fat or the dish will be very fatty, another meats can be used too
    • 1 teaspoons grated lemon zest plus 1⁄4 cup juice (2 lemons)
    • 12 ounces pappardelle  or fettuccine 
    • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup), plus extra for serving 

    Instructions:

    1.  Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pancetta in Dutch  (or oven safe, deep pot) oven over medium  heat, stirring occasionally, until fond forms on bottom of pot. Add onion, fennel bulb (*or celery) and carrot  and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and start to brown. Stir in minced garlic, salt, thyme, and pepper and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    2. Stir in cream and 2 cups water, scraping up any browned bits. Add pork and bring to boil over high heat. Cover, transfer to oven, and cook until pork is tender, about 11⁄2 hours.
    3.  Transfer pork to large plate and let cool for 15 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
    4. While pork cools, cook pasta to your taste. Using 2 forks, shred pork into bite-size pieces. Return pork and any juices to Dutch oven. Cover and keep warm.
    5. When pasta is done, drain it  and add it to Dutch oven. Add Cheese  and a little bit of warm water if necessary, and stir until sauce is slightly thickened and cheese is fully melted.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with fennel fronds (*or celery leaves). Serve immediately, passing extra cheese separately. 
    6. Enjoy!

    Game Night  Tips

    Conclusion

    It is very gratifying sharing drinks and  food with friends and family, and playing a game afterwards makes the experience even better. Give this recipe a try and share your experience and your inspirations too.

  • Keto Rosemary and Focaccia Bread: inspired by Messina 1347 Board Game

    Keto Rosemary and Focaccia Bread: inspired by Messina 1347 Board Game

    adapted by Zaida I. Marrero

    Welcome to our Messina 1347 (by Vladimir Suchy and Fernandez Aparicio, RIO Grande Games)  culinary adventure, where the worlds of ketogenic lifestyle recipes and immersive board games collide! Today, we bring you a recipe that satisfies both our taste buds and our friends’ (who follows the keto diet) taste buds: Keto Rosemary and Focaccia Bread.

    Following a specific diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor and friends. We firmly believe in the importance of accommodating guests’ dietary needs when hosting a game night. By adapting recipes to suit their requirements, we demonstrate our thoughtfulness and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and can fully enjoy the experience.

    The origins of focaccia can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was a staple in their daily diet. We share a recipe published in a Keto Bread book that we believe infuses the spirit of focaccia in a keto-friendly version. This Keto Focaccia Bread is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. 

    Get ready to savor every moment of this delicious adventure!

    Ingredients:

    • Olive oil, for oiling the pan, plus more for adding as a topping
    • 1 teaspoon instant yeast (*optional, this ingredient is just for smell effects)
    • 2 tablespoons warm water
    • 1 cup almond flour
    • 1 teaspoon psyllium husk *Optional
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1½ cups shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
    • 1 ounce cream cheese
    • 1 large egg, beaten
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • ½ teaspoon coarse salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Create a sleeve out of aluminum foil. Line an 8″ × 8″ pan with the sleeve and grease it with olive oil.
    2. In a small bowl, add the yeast and warm water and stir to combine. Set aside until it’s foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
    3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, and baking powder and set aside.
    4. In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave for 60 seconds and then give it a stir, and continue microwaving in 20-second increments until the cheese is fully melted and combined when stirred.
    5. Stir the foamy yeast mixture into the melted cheese until combined, and then stir in the beaten egg until combined. Stir in the almond flour mixture until it forms a dough.
    6. Spread the dough evenly into the greased pan. Make sure it is smooth and spread to the edges.
    7. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil over the dough, spreading it out across the entire dough. Sprinkle the dough with the dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
    8. Bake until it starts to turn golden brown on top, about 15-18 minutes. Cut the loaf into eight sticks and serve

    Game Night  Tips

    Conclusion

    It is very gratifying sharing drinks and  food with friends and family, and playing a game afterwards makes the experience even better. Give this recipe a try and share your experience and your inspirations too.

  • Podcast Episode #3: Messina 1347

    Podcast Episode #3: Messina 1347

    For today’s episode we’re traveling back in time to Messina 1347, a worker movement euro with the theme of Messina during the black plague outbreak of 1347. On the menu we have an Orange & Olive Salad, with a keto focaccia bread followed by a Ragú Bianco and Zaida’s take on keto Cassata Cake! So take a sit, grab your fork and get ready to play Messina 1347.

  • Podcast Episode #2: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

    Podcast Episode #2: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

    Right on time for Star Wars Day (May 4th) we are playing Star Wars: The Clone Wars from Z-Man Games. The dinner party starts with the Qui-Gon Gin-Zinger cocktail. For food we have Admiral Ackbar “It’s a Trap” Soup, Porg on a Stick, Roasted Pill Bug, and Galaxy Cakes. So get a drink, grab a bite and get ready to play Star Wars: The Clone Wars.