This Mazurok — Lemon Glazed Almond Raisin Cake is a pastry baked just before Easter in Ukraine. It is one of several sweet treats often included on the Easter table. We are a week away from Orthodox Easter, usually the most joyous and uplifting holiday of light and resurrection, but for many Ukrainian refugees this […]
Mazurok — Lemon Glazed Almond Raisin Cake Read More »
These Ukrainian Potato Zrazy – Potato Pancakes Stuffed with Mushrooms — are traditionally eaten by Ukrainian families in the spring, especially during Lent, which many Ukrainians consider a time for cleansing, penitence and fasting. This year this tradition was disrupted by war, and I am posting this Ukrainian Zrazy recipe to honor Ukraine’s culinary traditions
Ukrainian Potato Zrazy — Potato Pancakes Stuffed with Mushrooms Read More »
I had another post planned this month, but the start of Russia’s horrific, unprovoked war against Ukraine on February 24, caused me to reflect on my culinary heritage, and I prepared a pot of Ukrainian Borshch, Ukraine’s national dish, in solidarity with my countrymen who are fighting to preserve life, country, culture and democracy. Ukrainian
My travels inspired this Chicken with Black Lime post in the Middle East, where exotic dried limes are often used to flavor stews, soups, fish and tea. I first encountered black limes at a United Arab Emirates (UAE) market years ago. The aroma-laden air in Old Dubai’s spice souk was intoxicating. Old Dubai’s Spice Market from
Chicken with Black Lime Read More »
I embarked on recreating the Cajun Tourtière after learning that this traditional dish vanished many decades ago. When our daughter Sophia settled in New Orleans, I became interested in learning about Christmas traditions brought to French-ruled Louisiana by Acadian emigres after their expulsion by the British from Nova Scotia in the 18th century. Those French-speaking
Cajun Tourtière – Recreating a Lost Recipe Read More »
I often prepare lighter meals during the first part of November in anticipation of the annual holidays’ heavy meals. So, I added this Fideuá (Spanish noodles with seafood) to my November dinner repertoire this year. The dictionary of the Spanish Royal Academy defines fideuá as a dish similar to paella but made with pasta
Fideuá — Spanish Noodles with Seafood Read More »
I don’t remember every great meal I’ve ever enjoyed, but some meals are more memorable than others. The Wisconsin Corn Chowder I enjoyed at the home of my sister Maria’s in-laws, Arlene and Edward Oliver on a fall day decades ago in Albany, Wisconsin made a lasting impression and I’ve often tried to replicate it
Wisconsin Corn Chowder Read More »
This Rustic Cheesecake illustrates an ancient way of making cheesecake, producing a delectable dessert with simple ingredients. Unlike most American cheesecakes made with cream cheese, this Rustic Cheesecake (syrna zapikanka —сирна запіканка — which means “baked cheesecake” in Ukrainian) is made from fresh unaged cheese, a staple of Ukrainan home cooking for generations. Although specific
This Tomato Goat Cheese Tart is my home lockdown project. During the pandemic lockdown, I expanded our small low-maintenance, urban perennial and shrub garden in Chicago by tucking in a few pots of tomatoes and herbs. This small pot enhancement to our garden provided a welcome diversion between streams of on-line activities. The herbs —
Tomato Goat Cheese Tart Read More »
Serendipity often affects what I cook. So, it was with this Watermelon Radish, Citrus, Cucumber & Feta Salad. Recently the local produce market started carrying watermelon radishes. Seeing a basket of these unusual radishes reminded me of a trip to Beijing. As a radish lover since childhood, I had to try them. I first saw
Watermelon Radish, Citrus, Cucumber & Feta Salad Read More »