Tomato and Cucumber salad is my favorite weeknight salad recipe. This salad is popular across many Russian/Ukranian households. My grandmother loves to add sour cream, to give it a creamy texture. I, however, have a lactose intolerant husband, so I use olive oil instead. You really can’t mess up this recipe, it’s simple, quick, and healthy. In the beginning of the pandemic my husband went full Martha Stewart. Gardening, canning, pickling, fermenting, he did it all. It was very impressive, and definitely kept him occupied. As a result, we now have a thriving vegetable garden. We’re going on month 8…
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- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Continue ReadingPalmiers, also known as Elephant Ears, are traditionally a french cookie made with puff pastry dough and sugar. They are buttery, sweet and flakey. The best part about Palmiers (Elephant Ears) is how easy they are to make, and take less than 30 minutes. My grandma would make this for us whenever she wanted to whip up a quick snack for tea. However, you can also turn this into a dessert by adding ice cream, mousse, or cinnamon. I have yet to master the puff pastry, so I like to use pre made Pepperidge Farm puff pastry. You will also…
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- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Continue ReadingSmoked salmon puff pastry is the perfect brunch item. Breakfast at my house always includes smoked salmon and cream cheese. My grandfather prefers his with anchovies and my grandmother will always pick the salmon. This brunch item has been one of my go-tos for years. Who doesn’t love a good puff pastry? They are the perfect blank canvas that can become either sweet or savory. This recipe does not disappoint, and will be your go to brunch appetizer from now on. I am no puff pastry master so I went with the pre made Pepperidge Farm puff pastry sheets. I…
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- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
Continue ReadingBuckwheat, also known as Kasha, is a delicious superfood that can be a great substitute for rice or quinoa. Despite the name, it is not related to wheat, it is actually a fruit seed that is related to rhubarb. That’s right, it’s actually gluten-free. Buckwheat is the perfect health food option because it contains a great source antioxidants and fiber. It is a versatile constant in Russian cuisine, and compliments any dish. I grew up eating a bowl of buckwehat and milk for breakfast, a poor man’s cereal, some would call it. Buckwheat is similar to rice, in that everyone…
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- Prep time: 30 hours
- Cook time: 1 hour
Continue ReadingVinaigrette salad is a beet and sauerkraut based recipe that is a staple dish at any Russian gathering. I especially love this recipe because it is naturally vegan, healthy and packed full of nutrients. The star of this recipe is the beet however, having delicious homemade sauerkraut is just as important. Vinaigrette salad, like many other Russian dishes, varies across households. My grandmother likes to leave out the carrots, but I like the extra vegetables so I’ll add them along with the potatoes, onion and pickles. You can also add peas if you’re a fan, I didn’t have any on…
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- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Continue ReadingThe best mornings start with a fresh stack of Blinchiki’s also known as Russian crepes. Growing up, this was my go-to breakfast item and I would gladly devour a stack all to myself. My grandmother insists that crepes must be eaten fresh, and smothered with strawberry jam and sour cream. The authentic Russian way includes a hot cup of black tea with a splash of half and half. It doesn’t get better than that. Russian crepes are essentially thin pancakes. Traditionally, you serve them as a breakfast item, stuffed with jam, cottage cheese, sour cream, or a variety of other…
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- Prep time: 40 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
Continue ReadingOlivye, also known as Russian potato salad, is a classic dish for any holiday, or special occasion. In my household this dish does not last long, and my grandma is quick to whip it up anytime I come over. Olivye is a Russian/Ukrainian twist on potato salad, and is incredibly easy to make. Most of the work is in the prep, but once you’ve done it a few times, it will be a breeze. Each family has their version for this recipe. But the main ingredients include: potatoes, eggs, pickles, carrots, peas, and kielbasa. My grandma would tell you that…
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- Prep time: 25 minutes
Continue ReadingSauerkraut is a staple dish in any Russian household. My grandmother will constantly remind you of what a great probiotic it is, and that your gut will thank you. Sauerkraut is made through the process of lacto-fermentation, a process that has been around longer than my grandmother’s grandmother. The fermentation process transforms the bacteria on the cabbage into a healthy probiotic, and produces a delightfully pickled sauerkraut. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, my grandmother says you only need to make it once to know the recipe for life. It requires very little equipment, four ingredients, and a little…