Who says Valentine’s Day is for pink chocolates and red cakes? Sure we spend $1.7 billion on Valentine’s Day candy, but that’s even more reason to think outside the box. This year, rather than shelling out dough for sugary treats, consider treating your sweetie to a savory spread of naturally red food. When it comes [...]
Imagine walking into your favorite bakery on a crisp winter morning. The sweet aromas of sugar and spice, combined with steamy hot dough, flavorful fillings and mouthwatering toppings. What can be more comforting? Enjoying your favorite bread or pastry with a cup of truly magnificent tea. It's the Russian way. Uniquely baked breads and bagels have been a [...]
Kotleti are the Russian answer to hamburger patties. Made from beef, pork, chicken and even fish, the minced meat is seasoned, formed into small cutlets (kotleti) and pan fried to perfection. It’s believed that kotleti were inspired by American hamburgers, but because of food shortages the bun got left behind. In mass production, they were [...]
Around the world Christmas season is long over, but in Russia Christmas Day was celebrated yesterday. So why do Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7th? And what are some Russian Christmas food traditions? The reasoning is actually pretty straightforward. The predominant religion in Russia is still Russian Orthodoxy which still follows the old [...]
Medovik is a classic Russian honey cake. Soft and scrumptious, medovik is a dessert that dates back more than 200 years. Legend has it that the first medovik honey cake was created in the 1820’s by a personal chef for the wife of Russia’s czar Alexander I. Honey was an important ingredient in Russian cuisine dating [...]
Many think of vodka as the quintessential Russian drink, but it’s actually hot tea that defines Russian culture. In fact, Russians are obsessed with tea. As a nation, they drink a whopping 180,000 tons of tea per year. For many Russians tea is more than just a drink, it’s a lifestyle. And unlike other cultures [...]
Cod is a popular white fish that has a smooth, buttery texture and mild flavor. It's super versatile and can be baked, seared and fried. In Russian cuisine, pan friend cod is the easiest and the tastiest way to prepare the fish. Rich in OMEGA-3 fatty acids and lean proteins, pan fried cod is a great [...]
Fall is more than just changing foliage, pumpkins and cool weather. It’s a time for pickling and brining. In Russia, pickling and brining fresh produce is a culinary art and deeply rooted tradition. The reason is simple: its the easiest way to add a daily dose of fruits and veggies during the long and notoriously harsh [...]
Hearty and nutritious, split pea soup has become a staple in many cuisines around the world. With its origins in ancient Greece and Rome, hot pea soup found its way to cold climates and took root in Scandinavian and Germanic countries before making its way to Russia. The low cost and “one pot” preparation made [...]
Few dishes are as popular and recognizable in Russian cuisine as salad Olivier. Known in many parts around the world simply as Russian salad, Olivier can be found on many menus in Eastern and Southern Europe. Made with simple ingredients that are available year round, it’s a staple on most Holiday tables — particularly during [...]
Russian grilling and barbecue can be summarized in one word — shashlik. In Russian speaking countries, shashlik (or the plural shashliki) is used both as a noun and as a verb. Shashlik literally means skewered meat. Going for shashliki often refers to an outdoor grilling party or get-together. It is as much about the process [...]
Looking for an all-natural drink that's also low in sugar? Try this homemade recipe for summer fruit kompot. What is Fruit Kompot? Kompot is a sweet fruit drink made with seasonal fruits or berries. Unlike fruit juice, kompot is prepared by simmering or boiling the fruits and adding a bit of sweetener like sugar, honey, maple or agave syrup. [...]
