Banosh (banush or tokan) (Ukrainian: бануш, банош, токан ) is a velvety cornmeal porridge, often served with a variety of toppings. It is a beloved dish among Hutsuls, pastoral highlanders who inhabit the forests, mountain slopes and river valleys in Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains and in the northern part of present-day Romania. Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains*** Banosh is a …
The Ukrainian word palianytsia (паляниця) means a simple, rustic bread, commonly baked from rye, wheat, buckwheat or whatever flours are on hand, leavened usually with sourdough or yeast. Since the Russians invaded Ukraine this year, this word became more than just a name for a bread, it became a shibboleth — a password that distinguishes …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …