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Cabbage Salad with Pepper and Carrots

cabbage salad
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cabbage salad

Cabbage is very popular vegetable in Russian cuisine.We make salads,we make soups,we make golupsi,piroshki,and braised cabbage.Cabbage is very nutritious and delicious! I prepare variety of cabbage salads often,because my whole family loves this vegetable.This salad crunchy,a little tangy with little sweetness from carrots and bell peppers.

1 cabbage

2-3 carrots

1 -1 1/2 red,yellow,or orange bell pepper

1 onion

1/4 cup vinegar

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup oil + 1/2 onion round with tail or 1 small onion peeled

1 whole dry red chili pepper  or pepper flakes

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl,shred cabbage using a mandolin slicer.

Add sugar and salt to cabbage.Massage cabbage for a little.

Peel carrots and julienne thinly or grate them on top of cabbage.

Cut bell pepper in four equal parts.Slice bell pepper over carrots using a mandolin.

Peel onion.Cut onion in four equal quarters and slice thinly over bell peppers using mandolin slicer.

In a skillet or frying pan,heat oil with 1 small onion or 1/2 onion cut vertically(whole tail on) and chili pepper.Oil needs to get really hot (bottom of an onion should be really dark(black).

Meanwhile,pour vinegar over cabbage ,carrots,bell pepper ,and onion.

When the oil is ready and really hot,Pour it over the salad on the onions.

Mix until all the ingredients well combined.

This salad can be served right away or for best results next day.Can be stored in a glass jar for a week or so.

 

Cabbage Salad with Pepper and Carrots

Ingredients

  • 1 cabbage
  • 2-3 carrots
  • 1 -1 1/2 red,yellow,or orange bell pepper
  • 1 onion
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup oil + 1/2 onion round with tail or 1 small onion peeled
  • 1 whole dry red chili pepper or pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl,shred cabbage using a mandolin slicer.
  2. Add sugar and salt to cabbage.Massage cabbage for a little.
  3. Peel carrots and julienne thinly or grate them on top of cabbage.
  4. Cut bell pepper in four equal parts.Slice bell pepper over carrots using a mandolin.
  5. Peel onion.Cut onion in four equal quarters and slice thinly over bell peppers using mandolin slicer.
  6. In a skillet or frying pan,heat oil with 1 small onion or 1/2 onion cut vertically(whole tail on) and chili pepper.Oil needs to get really hot (bottom of an onion should be really dark(black).
  7. Meanwhile,pour vinegar over cabbage ,carrots,bell pepper ,and onion.
  8. When the oil is ready and really hot,Pour it over the salad on the onions.
  9. Mix until all the ingredients well combined.
  10. This salad can be served right away or for best results next day.Can be stored in a glass jar for a week or so.
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Roasted Turkey

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Roasted turkey

Thanksgiving is a planned-ahead holiday dinner with a turkey being the superstar.The first recipe came from my mother-in-law that has been used for many many years.Turkey always comes out tender,moist,and full of flavor.It requires minimum ingredients and very easy roasting method.I like to make this turkey stuffed with Buckwheat(grechka) or rice and mushrooms.My personal pick is buckwheat.

Second recipe is adapted from Anne Burrell (tastebook.com).The turkey is brined in a herby salty solution for 3 days.Then the turkey is rubbed with herby butter and left uncovered in the fridge for another day/night.So it requires 4 days in advance to prepare.It is roasted uncovered and requires basting every 30 minutes.The skin comes out very browned and crispy.The pan juices are used to make a delicious gravy.

Recipe #1-

1 turkey (12-15 lbs)

2-3 garlic bulbs peeled and crushed through garlic press + 1 peeled(not crushed)

1 1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons black pepper

1 oven bag(recommended) or foil.

Stuffing-

2 cups rice or buckwheat

1 onion finely chopped

1 carrot grated

1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms

oil for sautéing

salt and pepper.

 

DIRECTIONS:

Rinse and pat dry turkey with paper towel.

Combine mayonaisse,garlic,salt and pepper  a bowl.

Carefully separate the skin on breast and thighs.Make little slits in the turkey breast (going under  the skin)Insert garlic cloves from one garlic into the breast.

Apply garlic-mayo mixture under the skin,inside and all over the turkey.

Prepare stuffing-

Cook rice or buckwheat halfway with 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Heat oil in a skillet or sauté pan.Add onions and carrots.Sauté until onions are soft.Transfer onions and carrots from skillet to rice/buckwheat.

Add a little oil to the skillet.Throw in mushrooms.Saute them until all liquid is absorbed.Transfer  mushrooms to rice/buckwheat.

Mix rice/buckwheat with mushrooms,onions,carrots and black pepper.

Stuff turkey with rice/buckwheat stuffing inside including filling in the space on the leg/thigh.

Tie the turkey legs together with cooking twine.

Place the turkey in a oven bag ,then on the roasting pan.

Refrigerate for 3 days.

Heat oven to 425 degrees.Roast the turkey for 30-40 minutes then reduce heat to 350 degrees.

Roast turkey for approximately 3 – 3 1/2 hours. Pour pan juices all over the turkey and stuffing.Strain pan juices,separate the fat and use the juices to make gravy if

desired.

*In case you need to expedite marinating process,cut little slits all over turkey.Marinate 24-48 hours.

 

Recipe #2-

FOR THE BRINE
3/4 cup kosher salt

1/3 cup sugar

2 onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice

2 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch dice

3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 whole garlic bulb, cut in half equatorially

1/2 bunch of fresh rosemary

1/2 bunch of fresh sage

2 tablespoons coriander seed

2 tablespoons fennel seed

6 bay leaves

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

FOR THE HERB BUTTER

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 bunch of fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped

1/2 bunch of fresh sage, leaves finely chopped

Kosher salt

FOR THE GRAVY
2 onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice

2 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch dice

2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch dice

4 cloves garlic, smashed

1 thyme bundle

3 bay leaves

2 quarts chicken stock

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups dry white wine

PREPARATION

TO BRINE THE TURKEY

  1. In a container large enough to accommodate all the ingredients including the turkey, combine 2 gallons water with the salt, sugar, onions, carrots, celery,garlic, rosemary, sage, coriander seed, fennel seed, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine.
  2. Submerge the turkey in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for 3 days.

TO PREPARE THE TURKEY FOR ROASTING

  1. The night before you are planning to roast the bird, remove it from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the butter, rosemary, sage, and some salt. Using your fingers, carefully work your way under the skin of the turkey to separate it from the breasts and legs.
  3. Massage the herb butter under the skin of the breast and legs, then all over the outside of the bird as well.
  4. Tie the turkey’s legs together with cooking twine.
  5. In the bottom of your roasting pan, for the gravy, combine the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme bundle, and bay leaves. Season with salt.
  6. Place the turkey on top of the veggies and put in the fridge overnight uncovered.This allows the skin of the turkey to dry out and creates a gorgeous, brown, crispy skin.
  7. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  8. Pour 2 cups of the chicken stock into the roasting pan and put the turkey in the hot oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the turkey becomes beautifully browned.
  9. Reduce the heat to 350°F. Baste the turkey with the pan juices and rotate the pan every 30 minutes for the remainder of the cooking time. Think 17 minutes per pound .(About 3 – 3 1/2 hours for 15 lbs.)
  10. If the turkey starts to get too brown, tent it loosely with aluminum foil. . Transfer turkey  to a rimmed baking sheet, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for at least 30 minutes.

TO MAKE THE GRAVY

  1. Using a mesh strainer, strain the veggies out of the cooking liquid over a large bowl and allow the fat to rise to the top of the cooking liquid. Discard the veggies. Save the roasting pan, but don’t wash it — you still need it.
  2. Skim the fat off the surface of the cooking liquid. Place the roasting pan directly on a burner, add the skimmed fat to the pan, and bring it to medium heat.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook the mixture until it has the consistency of wet sand. Whisk in the wine and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
  4. Add the reserved cooking juices and the remaining chicken stock to the flour mixture. Bring the liquid to a boil and reduce to a simmer . Cook until the mixture is the consistency of thick gravy, about 10 minutes. Taste and season with salt if needed.
  5. Carve the turkey and serve with the gravy and mashed potatoes.

 

 

Yellow Split Pea Soup

yellow split pea soup
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yellow split pea soup

This yellow split pea soup is one of many traditional Russian soups.It’s very tasty,light,and healthy.

Yellow Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken beasts cut in to strips or cubed
  • 2 cups dried yellow split peas
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 8 cups water or chicken/vegetable stock*
  • salt and pepper
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
  • * you can add up to 2 extra cups if you prefer more thinner type of soup.

Instructions

  1. Heat oil over medium heat in a dutch oven or stockpot.Add the chicken and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown.
  2. Add onions and carrots.Cook,stirring, until onion is soft.
  3. Add in the peas,salt and pepper.Stir.
  4. Pour in water or stock.Bring to boil over high heat.Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer,covered for 1 hour or until peas are tender.
  5. Throw in fresh dill and give it a stir.
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Lentil soup

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I love to cook lentil soup for several reasons.My family loves it,Kids love it,it’s hearty-yet healthy,filling,and most of all its tasty.This recipe is light,flavorful and delivers your body with good stuff.

Lentil soup

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup lentils(I used green)*
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 2 celery ribs diced
  • 1 small mexican squash or zucchini diced
  • 1/2 red pepper diced
  • 8 0zs.tomato sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
  • 2 quarts water,chicken or vegetable broth.
  • 1-2 potatoes diced(optional)
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley and/or cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • *For lentils to cook faster, soak them in cold water for at least one hour.

Instructions

  1. Heat a dutch oven or pot on medium heat.
  2. Add onions,carrots,celery,and bell pepper.
  3. Saute vegetables until soft and tender.
  4. Throw in mexican squash or zucchini.
  5. cook for a minute and add tomato sauce,salt,smoked paprika,cumin powder,dry parsley,dry basil and bay leaf.
  6. Cook for 3-5 minutes stirring occasionally.
  7. Add lentils.
  8. Pour in water or broth.
  9. Bring it to boil on high heat.
  10. When starts to boil,reduce heat to low and continue to cook covered for about 30 minutes.
  11. If adding the potatoes,throw them in and continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
  12. Add in fresh chopped parsley and/or cilantro.
  13. Enjoy!
  14. Note-Soup will thicken as it sits.You might need to add more water or broth if you dont prefer it to be on the thicker side.
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Poppy seed Walnut Cake with Dulce de Leche

poppy seed walnut cake with dulce de leche frosting
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If you’re a poppy seed lover like me,then this cake is for you.The cake is very scrumptious and consists of lots and lots of poppy seeds and walnuts.Dulce de leche frosting enhances the cake and makes it divine.I tried making this cake using different flours,and my best pick  considering the taste and health wise is spelt and almond flour( or spelt by itself).You can use regular white flour or whole wheat pastry flour also.

To make the process quicker,I like to bake meringue layer a day before Im baking the cake.

Ingredients:

6 eggs

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoon baking soda + 1 tablespoon vinegar combined

1 3/4 cups poppy seeds

1 cup walnuts

1 cup pastry whole wheat flour*

* you can substitute for all-purpose white flour or spelt flour

 

1  can dulce de leche

12 ozs. cream cheese (1 1/2 package cream cheese)

1 stick butter room temperature.

1 cup heavy whipping cream or 8 ozs cool whip ( I prefer heavy cream )

1 teaspoon vanilla

Syrup:

1/2 cup boiling water

2 tablespoons sugar

(mix together,let it cool)

Meringue:

3 egg whites

1 cup sugar

a pinch cream of tartar

Frosting:

 

Direction:

Meringue-

Prepare a lined 10 inch springform pan.

Heat oven to 200 degrees.

Beat egg whites with sugar and cream of tartar on high speed until the peeks are stiff and glossy.

Transfer to the cake pan. Spread meringue evenly. Bake for 3 1/2 -4 hours. leave it to cool and continue drying overnight in the oven ( best results)

 

Pre heat oven to 325 degrees.

In a mini blender,pulse and chop walnuts together with poppy seeds.

Beat eggs with sugar until fluffy and pale in color.

Sift flour and combine poppy seeds and baking soda with vinegar.

Gently mix in flour poppyseed walnut mix.

Line the bottom of the 10 inch pan with parchment paper.

Grease or spray the sides and bottom of the pan.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out dry and clean.Let cool.

Dulce de Leche frosting:

Beat cream cheese with butter.

Add dulce de leche and beat until well combined.

Gradually Pour in heavy whipping and vanilla, beat until cream thickens.**

**Or replace with cool whip

Assembling:

Slice the cake in half.

Moist (a little) the cake layer with syrup using spoon or spray.

Spread dulce de leche frosting.

Place the meringue layer on top. Add more cream and spread.

Moist ( a little) and place third layer on top of the meringue layer.

Spread frosting on sides and top of the cake.

Decorate as desired.

poppy seed walnut cake with dulce de leche frosting

 

DSC_4279

You can use this flour,regular white flour ,or spelt and almond flour.

Poppyseed Walnut Cake with Dulce de Leche

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoon baking soda + 1 tablespoon vinegar combined
  • 1 3/4 cups poppy seeds
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup pastry whole wheat flour*
  • * you can substitute for all-purpose white flour or spelt flour
  • 1 can dulce de leche
  • 12 ozs. cream cheese (1 1/2 package cream cheese)
  • 1 stick butter room temperature.
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream or 8 ozs cool whip ( I prefer heavy cream )
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Syrup:
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • (mix together,let it cool)
  • Meringue:
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 cup sugar
  • a pinch cream of tartar

Instructions

  1. Direction:
  2. Meringue-
  3. Prepare a lined 10 inch springform pan.
  4. Heat oven to 200 degrees.
  5. Beat egg whites with sugar and cream of tartar on high speed until the peeks are stiff and glossy.
  6. Transfer to the cake pan. Spread meringue evenly. Bake for 3 1/2 -4 hours. leave it to cool and continue drying overnight in the oven ( best results)
  7. Pre heat oven to 325 degrees.
  8. In a mini blender,pulse and chop walnuts together with poppy seeds.
  9. Beat eggs with sugar until fluffy and pale in color.
  10. Sift flour and combine poppy seeds and baking soda with vinegar.
  11. Gently mix in flour poppy seed walnut mix.
  12. Line the bottom of the 10 inch pan with parchment paper.
  13. Grease or spray the sides and bottom of the pan.
  14. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out dry and clean.Let cool.
  15. Dulce de Leche frosting:
  16. Beat cream cheese with butter.
  17. Add dulce de leche and beat until well combined.
  18. Gradually Pour in heavy whipping and vanilla, beat until cream thickens.**
  19. **Or replace with cool whip
  20. Assembling:
  21. Slice the cake in half.
  22. Moist (a little) the cake layer with syrup using spoon or spray.
  23. Spread dulce de leche frosting.
  24. Place the meringue layer on top. Add more cream and spread.
  25. Moist ( a little) and place third layer on top of the meringue layer.
  26. Spread frosting on sides and top of the cake.
  27. Decorate as desired.
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Zapekanka

tvorog cheese cake
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tvorog cheese cake

 

Zapekanka is a russian style cheese cake consisting of tvorog(farmers cheese) or ricotta cheese.This recipe is delicious and perfect for breakfast or for a dessert after lunch or dinner.It has only three ingredients which makes it very easy to make and serving it with strawberry or raspberry sauce is optional.

Zapekanka -Творожная запеканка

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups tvorog or ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 can of condensed milk (14 ozs can)
  • 5 eggs
  • sour cream
  • sauce-
  • strawberries or raspberries
  • sugar

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line and grease the bottom of 9 inch springfoam baking pan with parchment paper.
  3. Using a hand or stand mixer,beat eggs with tvorog.
  4. Add condensed milk and beat well to combine.
  5. Transfer the batter to the baking pan and bake for about 1 hr and 15min.
  6. Let it cool completely.
  7. Sauce-
  8. Combine strawberries or raspberries with little sugar using a hand or stand blender.
  9. Pass through a fine mesh sieve.
  10. or bring the pureed strawberries or raspberries to a slight boil , then pass it through fine mesh sieve.
  11. Serve with sour cream and sauce if desired.
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Crepes with Three Cheeses

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DSC_3198

 

Crepes or “blinchiki”are very popular in Russian/Ukrainian cuisines.They are very versatile with variety of fillings and are perfect for breakfast,brunch or  served as a dessert at parties or any type of gatherings.

 

 

Crepes with Three Cheese Filling

Ingredients

  • Batter:
  • 2 1/2 cup sifted flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 stick butter melted (1/2 cup or 4 oz.)
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Filling:
  • 8 ozs. cream cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup farmers cheese (tvorog)*
  • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • *you can substitute with mascarpone cheese or cottage cheese(drained)

Instructions

  1. Batter -Combine all the ingredients using a hand blender/mixer.Place the batter in the fridge for at least an1 hour and up to 48 hours.
  2. Filling- In a mixing bowl,beat all the ingredients using a hand/stand mixer.
  3. Heat a non-stick pan on medium-low heat.
  4. Spray with cooking spray or coat with butter.
  5. Pour about half of ladle to the pan and swirl around the pan evenly.
  6. Cook for about 30 seconds and flip.Cook for another 10 seconds.
  7. Spread the filling all over the crepe.
  8. Roll it up and cut it in half.
  9. Melt about 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet.
  10. Add rolled crepes to the skillet.
  11. Saute them until well browned on both sides.
  12. Serve with dollop of sour cream or fresh strawberry sauce.
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Mashed Potato Pancakes with Chives and Cheese

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These potato pancakes are delicious! And with just few ingredients it’s really simple and easy to make.This recipe is perfect to use left over mashed potatoes or you can cook up fresh mashed potatoes.I like to make them with fresh chives and cheddar cheese, coated with breadcrumbs for crispiness,pan fried and served with a dollop of sour cream.

Mashed Potato Pancakes with Chives and Cheese

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 egg
  • 5 tablespoons flour
  • (4 ozs.) or 1 cup cheddar or Colby jack cheese shredded
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
  • breadcrumbs or flour.
  • oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Combine egg,flour,chives,and cheese with mashed potatoes.
  2. Shape the potato mixture in to patties.
  3. Dredge patties in breadcrumbs or flour.
  4. Heat a skillet.
  5. Add oil about 2-3 tablespoons.
  6. Fry potato pancakes on both sides for about 3-4 minute or until well browned and crispy.
  7. Fry in batches and add more oil as needed.
  8. Enjoy with dollop of sour cream.
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Lagman – Beef and noodle Soup

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DSC_3627Lagman is a beef (lamb) vegetable noodle dish. Its one of the several Uzbeks signature dishes along with plov,manty, samsa and kebobs.There are different varieties of lagman ranging from using different kind of vegetables, meats and noodles.It’s one of my favorite childhood dishes that passed on to my family.

Lagman – Beef and noodle Soup

Ingredients

  • 2lbs of beef(lamb) cut in very small cubes
  • 1 big or 2 small onions diced
  • 3 carrots diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • ½ red bell pepper diced
  • 2 potatoes cut in small cubes
  • ½ eggplant cut in small cubes
  • 15 oz. Tomato sauce
  • 3 Tbls. Cilantro
  • 3 Tbls parsley
  • 5 Tbls dill
  • 2 tablespoons basil chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1-2 bay leafs
  • 1 teasp. Cumin powder
  • ¼ teasp. Chilli powder (optional)
  • 12 cups water
  • ½ thinly sliced onion
  • Cooked spaghetti or Udon noodles
  • Optional; red pepper flakes or whole dry chilli pepper
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. In a heavy pot, heat oil on high heat.Add meat.Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook until meat is well browned.
  3. Add the onion, cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add peppers and carrots.
  5. When the veggies are softened, add potatoes cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add tomato sauce and bay leaf.stir and cook for 5 minutes.
  7. Throw in eggplants,cumin,chilli pepper, salt and pepper.stir, cook for a minute.
  8. Add water and close the pot with a lid and bring to a boil.
  9. When boiling reduce heat to low and cook for 12-15 minutes.
  10. Throw in the fresh herbs and garlic.
  11. Close the lid and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  12. How to serve lagman:
  13. Place spaghetti on the bottom of a bowl
  14. Add thinly sliced onions on top and pour the soup over the spaghetti and onions.
  15. Add a pinch of chilli powder or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
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Meringue Cake with Berries

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Lovely clouds of meringue layered with smooth whipped cream and colorful sweet berries. This cake tastes light and heavenly.It’s always a hit at parties and perfect for spring and summer.

Meringue Cake with Berries

Ingredients

  • Meringue:
  • 6 egg whites (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar*
  • *It's fine with out it too.
  • Cream:
  • 3 cups Heavy whipping cream
  • 8 0z. cream cheese
  • 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange liqueur*
  • * you can substitute vanilla extract
  • Choice or mix of:
  • Sliced strawberries
  • blueberries
  • raspberries
  • blackberries
  • sliced kiwi
  • sliced peaches/nectarines

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
  2. Beat egg whites with sugar.
  3. Add cream of tartar and continuing to beat until meringue is stiff.
  4. Trace 3 -9 inch circles on a parchment paper.
  5. (I use the bottom part of spring foam baking pan lined with parchment paper)
  6. Spread or pipe meringue evenly over the circles.
  7. Bake for 2 hours.
  8. Turn off the oven and keep it in the oven for another 2 hours or overnight.
  9. Meringues can be made a night or two before.
  10. Cream:
  11. Beat cream cheese.
  12. Gradually add sugar.
  13. Add in orange liqueur/vanilla extract.
  14. On med-low speed, add heavy whipping cream.Increase speed as the cream gets thicker.
  15. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  16. Assembling (Maximum of two hours before serving)
  17. Spread a generous amount of cream on the meringue layer.
  18. Arrange fruits and berries.
  19. Place the second layer on top of the fruits and berries and repeat the steps for the rest of the layers.
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Tomato and Eggplant salad

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DSC_3163Combination of tomatoes and eggplants is very popular in russian and Italian cuisine.They go perfectly together.This salad is delicious and simple to make consisting of  few ingredients.

Tomato and Eggplant salad

Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant diced (large)
  • 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella or colby jack cheese
  • 4-5 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • salt
  • fresh dill chopped
  • oil for frying or baking

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle eggplants with salt and set aside for 30 minutes.
  2. Fry or bake eggplants until you get a nice golden brown color.
  3. Let them completely cool down.
  4. In a bowl,combine eggplants,tomatoes,cheese,garlic and mayonnaise.
  5. Transfer to a salad bowl and sprinkle with dill.
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Prune Cake “Chernosliv”-Торт Чернослив

Prune Cake "Chernosliv"-Торт Чернослив
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Prune Cake "Chernosliv"-Торт Чернослив

This cake is one of the Russian classics.Slightly spongy cake layers are soaked in a sweet syrup,then the layers are spread with delicious sweet buttery sour cream and prune cream filling with a little crunch from walnuts.Then the top and sides of the cake are topped with a light and creamy whipped cream and sour cream topping.I added shredded chocolate to the sides and made a chocolate grid from melted truffles and mini meringues drops from left over egg whites.

Ingredients:
Batter-
1 stick butter (118 grams)room temperature.
4 egg yolks(reserve egg whites for meringues)
1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
11/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
+ 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Cream-
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 stick butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup crushed walnuts
225 grams(8 oz.) prunes soaked in boiling water and drained.

Topping:
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Syrup:
1 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cognac or brandy(optional)

Directions:
Total of 3 sheets (2 white and 1 chocolate)
Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Line bottom of  2 (9 inch round) spring foam pans with parchment paper.
Spray with non stick cooking spray or use oil.
In a mixing bowl using stand or hand mixer beat together butter and sugar.
When the butter becomes light and fluffy and egg yolks one at a time.
Add salt.
Combine sour cream with baking soda and vanilla and add to the bowl.
Gradually add flour.

The batter should be thick.
Spread the batter in the 2 baking pans.(reserve some batter for the third  cake)
Bake 2 cakes for about 15 minutes.
Add cocoa powder to the rest of the left over batter and mix well to combine.
Bake it when the other two cakes are done.
Let it cool.

Now you can bake the meringue drops.
Whip egg whites with 1 cup sugar until stiff peeks form.
Bake at 250 degrees for about 1 1/2.

Syrup:
Boil water with sugar.Add cognac or brandy(optional). Let it cool.

Cream:
Crush walnuts and prunes using a blender.
Beat together butter and sugar.
Add walnuts,prunes,sour cream, and vanilla to whipped butter with sugar.

Cream Topping:
Beat heavy whipping cream,sour cream,vanilla and powdered sugar together.

Assembling:
Spray or pour syrup using a spoon on the first white layer.

Spread a generous amount of prune cream filling.
Place chocolate layer on top .
Spray or pour syrup.
Spread prune cream filling.
Place white layer on top.
Spray or pour syrup.

Spread the rest of the prune cream filling on the sides of the cake.
Spread whipped cream and sour cream topping on the sides and top of the cake.
Decorate as desired.
I used shredded chocolate on the sides,melted truffles for the grid, and meringue drops for the top edges.

 

Russian Potato Piroshki

Russian Potato Piroshki with Moms famous dough recipe-Пирожки
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Traditional potato Piroshki with caramelized onion and fresh dill are authentic Russian food that is still celebrated the most.Its a hand pie out of fluffy soft dough and potato,caramelized onion, and dill filling.

This soft and fluffy dough recipe for piroshki comes from my mom. When making food like piroshki,pelmeni,manti or vareniki, we like to get together with mom and sisters at her house and make them together and just talk and drink some tea or coffee. The time runs much faster especially with pelmeni and vareniki and it brings so much childhood memories when we always used to make them with mom when growing up.

Dough recipe:
2 cups warm milk
4 cups + 8 heaping tablespoons flour
2 eggs
2 tablespoon sour cream
2 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon yeast
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar

Directions:
In a medium bowl whisk together 1 cup warm milk,1/4 teaspoon salt,sugar,yeast, and 8 tablespoons flour.

Cover and set a side for about 10 minutes.It should rise and be foamy.

While it’s rising, In a large mixing bowl whisk or use a hand mixer to mix 1 cup warm milk,sour cream, oil, eggs,salt.
Add 2 1/2 cups flour and mix/whisk.
Add the foamy yeast mixture.

Mix/whisk and add the rest of the flour and mix carefully.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the warmest area. I like to cover it with a blanket on top to keep it warm and rise quicker. It should double in size.( about 1 hour)

Potato filling with mushroom:
5 potatoes peeled and cooked in salted water
1 med or 2 small onions chopped
1 stick butter (118 grams)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups dry shiitake mushrooms soaked in boiling water,drained and cut in pieces.
salt and black pepper
2 tablespoon finely chopped dill(optional)

Directions:
Heat a saute pan on med-high heat.
Add olive oil and butter.
When butter melts add onions.
Saute onions until they will have a caramel color.
Add mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
Add salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
Add dill if desired.

* Omit mushrooms if you don’t like them.

Steps in making Piroshki:
Note: The dough will be sticky, I like to apply oil on my hands so the dough won’t stick to them.

Cut a piece of dough in size of tennis ball and place it on well floured board or surface.
Using your fingers stretch the dough a little.
Place about 1 1/2-2 tablespoons of filling.

Carefully pinch the sides together.

Place it on well floured board or baking pan seam side down. Continue with the rest of the dough.

Heat a frying pan with lots of oil on med-high heat.

Place piroshki seam side down and deep fry piroshki in batches turning them over once.
Line a large plate or a bowl with paper towel and place fried piroshki to drain.

If you like garlic then here is another step for you;
Melt about 2 tablespoons salted butter with 7-8 crushed garlic.
*You can also use olive oil or a combination of both.
And either dip your pirozhok in the garlic and butter or
mix piroshki in a bowl with garlic and butter.
I know it’s much more calories but it’s so good!

Russian Potato Piroshki with Moms famous dough recipe-Пирожки

Ingredients

  • Dough recipe:
  • 2 cups warm milk
  • 4 cups + 8 heaping tablespoons flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoon sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 tablespoon yeast
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • Potato filling with mushroom:
  • 5 potatoes peeled and cooked in salted water
  • 1 med or 2 small onions chopped
  • 1 stick butter (118 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups dry shiitake mushrooms soaked in boiling water,drained and cut in pieces.
  • salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon finely chopped dill(optional)

Instructions

  1. Directions for dough:
  2. 1.In a medium bowl whisk together 1 cup warm milk,1/4 teaspoon salt,sugar,yeast, and 8 tablespoons flour.
  3. 2.Cover and set a side for about 10 minutes.It should rise and be foamy.
  4. 3.While it's rising, In a large mixing bowl whisk or use a hand mixer to mix 1 cup warm milk,sour cream, oil, eggs,salt.
  5. 4.Add 2 1/2 cups flour and mix/whisk.
  6. 5.Add the foamy yeast mixture.
  7. 6.Mix/whisk and add the rest of the flour and mix carefully.
  8. 7.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the warmest area. I like to cover it with a blanket on top to keep it warm and rise quicker. It should double in size.( about 1 hour)
  9. Directions for Onions and mushrooms:
  10. 1.Heat a saute pan on med-high heat.
  11. 2.Add olive oil and butter.
  12. 3.When butter melts add onions.
  13. 4.Saute onions until they will have a caramel color.
  14. 5.Add mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
  15. 6.Add salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
  16. 7.Add dill if desired.
  17. * Omit mushrooms if you don't like them.
  18. Steps in making Piroshki:
  19. Note: The dough will be sticky, I like to apply oil on my hands so the dough won't stick to them.
  20. 1.Cut a piece of dough in size of tennis ball and place it on well floured board or surface.
  21. 2.Using your fingers stretch the dough a little.
  22. 3.Place about 1 1/2-2 tablespoons of filling.
  23. 4.Carefully pinch the sides together.
  24. 5.Place it on well floured board or baking pan seam side down. Continue with the rest of the dough.
  25. 6.Heat a frying pan with lots of oil on med-high heat.
  26. 7.Place piroshki seam side down and deep fry piroshki in batches turning them over once.
  27. 8.Line a large plate or a bowl with paper towel and place fried piroshki to drain.
  28. If you like garlic then here is another step for you;
  29. Melt about 2 tablespoons salted butter with 7-8 crushed garlic.
  30. *You can also use olive oil or a combination of both.
  31. And either dip your pirozhok in the garlic and butter or
  32. mix piroshki in a bowl with garlic and butter.
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Eggplant capresse appetizer

Eggplant capresse appetizer
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Eggplant capresse appetizer

Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant sliced 1/2 inch thick
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese sliced 1/2 inch thick
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • 5 crushed garlic cloves
  • fresh basil leaves
  • salt and fresh ground pepper
  • Olive oil (better if fresh and cold pressed)
  • balsamic vinegar ( good quality)
  • Oil for frying eggplants

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat a frying pan and add plenty of oil.
  3. Fry the eggplants on both sides.
  4. Let them cool.
  5. Spread a little of fresh crushed garlic on the eggplant.
  6. Add the sliced tomato on top of the eggplant.
  7. Then one whole leaf of fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella on top of the basil and tomato.
  8. Sprinkle with salt and fresh pepper.
  9. Drizzle Olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the cheese.
  10. Serve with fresh rustic bread or crostinnis.
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Salmon Cakes with creamy dill sauce

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Ingredients:
2 lbs fresh wild salmon
1 onion chopped
1 egg
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
salt to your taste
2 tablespoon fresh finely chopped parsley ( I used Italian)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup oil
panko bread crumbs

Directions:
Saute onions with 3 tablespoon butter in a saute pan.
Grind fish,sauteed onions and parsley by using a meat grinder.
Add all the spices,hot sauce,mustard,mayonnaise and egg to the fish.
Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Form the fish mixture into patties and coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat a skillet with oil and 3 tablespoon butter on medium heat.
Fry the fish patties on both sides. 5-7 minutes per side.
Add more oil and butter if needed.

Sauce:
3/4 heavy whipping cream
3 pieces laughing cow swiss cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt
1 teaspoon franks hot sauce (optional)

In a small sauce pan on medium heat, bring heavy cream and cheese to simmer.Always stirring until cheese is completely melted. ( about 5 minutes)
Turn off the heat and add salt,lemon juice,hot sauce and dill.Mix well and serve immediately over salmon cakes.

Pasta “Navy style” – макароны по-флотски

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This is very simple and delicious dish for everyday cooking. It got its pasta”Navy style” name from when they served this dish to seamen at marines. It does have a lot of variations, so you may add or omit anything that you like. I use a basic recipe, but if you like you can add more spices like cumin, cayenne or chili.Also you can add bell peppers,herbs and omit tomato sauce.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 onion chopped
8 0z. tomato sauce
16 0z. fusilli ( or any other pasta of your choice) cooked
1/3 cup oil
salt and pepper
bay leaf
1/2 cup water (or beef broth)

Directions:

Heat a large skillet or pan on medium-high heat.Add oil.
Add meat,season with salt and pepper and cook until all liquid is gone.
Add onions, stir and brown the meat.
Add tomato sauce and bay leaf.
Cook for about 5 minutes and add water or broth.
Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Transfer the cooked pasta in the skillet and mix well.
Turn off the heat and serve.

 

Shrimp canapes

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These Shrimp canapes are perfect for appetizer for any party or get together.They are my families  all-time favorite.

 

15-20 pieces of large raw shrimp cut in to pieces.
8 oz. cream cheese at room temp.
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
4 cloves crushed garlic
Shredded  colby jack or any other of your choice.
sliced baguette

Heat oven to 500 degrees.

With a hand mixer, combine cream cheese,mayo,seasoning salt, and garlic.
Spread the mixture on the baguette slices.
Place about 6-7 pieces of shrimps on top.
Sprinkle cheese on top of the shrimps.
Arrange prepared canapes on a baking sheet and place it in the oven.
Bake in the oven for about 8 -10 minutes.

Russian Honey Cake “Medovik”

honey cake
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honey cake

This multi layer cake is fairly sweet and soft from the luscious amount of sour cream and condensed milk cream. The layers are baked to a perfect  golden colour. This cake does take sometime to make,but it’s not difficult at all to make it.It’s better when you make it day ahead.
There is two different variations for the cream.Sour cream with sugar or condensed milk with butter.I like them both,so I use them both in my cake.The sour cream and sugar will make it more softer then the condensed milk and butter.If you decide to make condensed milk cream, then don’t place it in the fridge. Let it sit for 6 hours at room temperature.

Prepare a pot with hot water for water bath.
For 5-6 layers (I doubled for 10 layer cake)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoon honey
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 stick butter + 1 tablespoon
2 eggs
3- 3.5 cups flour

Cream #1 for 10 layers:
3 1/2 cups sour cream
1 cup sugar (add more if you like it sweeter)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream #2:
1 can condensed milk
3 sticks butter (softened at room temp.)

Directions for the cake:

Heat oven to 375 degrees

In a mixing bowl (that can be placed on top of a water bath)Combine sugar and eggs with a whisk.
Add honey and place the mixing bowl over the water bath. Mix until all the sugar is dissolved.
Add butter and 1 tablespoon of flour.Mix well.
Remove the mixing bowl with honey mixture from  the water bath and add baking soda and flour gradually mixing it well. Start with 3 cups of flour and add more if needed.(remember it will thicken as the dough cools down). Divide the dough it to 6 equal balls. You can let it cool down for a little or you can start rolling.

Sprinkle flour on the surface where you will roll the dough.
Roll the dough very thin.( sprinkle with flour in between when you flip the dough to other side,so it doesn’t stick to the surface)
Transfer to an upside down cookie sheet(well floured or greased)
and bake 3-4 minutes or until it will nice and golden in colour( be careful,It can burn fast)
As soon as you take it out from the oven place a round dinner plate (upside down) and cut out the circle leaving the edges for later use on the topping.
Repeat with the rest of the layers.

Combine eggs,sugar and honey
Mix on top of water bat (double boiler) until sugar is dissolved
Add butter and 1 tablespoon of flour
Add the rest of the flour

Cream #1: Beat sour cream,sugar and vanilla with a mixer for about 4-5 minutes.

Cream #2:
Beat butter for 1 minute. Slowly add condensed milk while still beating.

leave 1(or two if the recipe is doubled)layer for the topping

Add Generous amount of cream to each layer: 2 layers sour cream,1 condensed milk cream and so on.
Add cream to the top and sides of the cake.

Crumble the leftover pieces and layers of the cake.( I use mini blender for this)

Add the crumbs to the top and sides of the cake. For best results leave in a fridge for 12 hours.Enjoy!!!