I don’t remember how this recipe came about, all I know is that ever since I was introduced to it at around age fifteen, it was a hit every time it was served at our parties.  The reason for this success is a powerful combination of rich yet refreshing flavor and moist, smooth and feathery physique. For my American friends […]

From time to time, abiding by the unbending code of conduct of first generation transplants, I succumb to strong nostalgic cravings.  In case you are not the first generation transplant, let me explain.  I refer to craving foods I can’t have because there is no place to get them — either they no longer exist or […]

I poke around Russian culinary forums from time to time, for good ‘ole time’s sake.  Once in a while I stumble upon a good recipe or two and feel compelled to translate them for my English readers.  Recently, I had a discussion with a few ladies who happen to be big fans of Belonika. If […]

I am a big fan of smoked, cured, sushi-ed, poached, baked or seared salmon.  Anything salmon really.  But if you had to ask me what my favorite way to eat salmon is, I will, without hesitation, report “sliced-thin-atop-of-cream-cheese-slathered-chewy-bagel-with-capers-onions-and-tomato”.  Yes, I am like Ralphie from the Christmas Story,  who knew what his dream toy was and could […]

Seriously? I only had to live 40 years (oops, let’s pretend you didn’t see that) to discover my most favorite dessert? Well done, girl, well done. I am in love, people. You could tell by the number of pictures I took of the single dish (and there are more yet here).  Did I mention I am […]

Yep. We overbought bananas. Again.  I think my family is secretly trying to force me into baking sweets.  Somehow we always have exactly three overdone bananas left — three is just enough for a banana bread.

Growing up in Ukraine, we were consuming vast quantities of farmer cheese.  It was a staple, the kind of thing that you almost certainly would find in anyone’s fridge. It was cheap, it was filling, and it was made from whole milk.  Not ricotta. And certainly not the slimy clumpy foodstuff charmingly called “cottage cheese” […]