How “Russian” this recipe is I don’t know, but it’s one that has been given to my father by his friend and he’s been making it for as long as I can remember. Despite how it may seem, this cake is actually not overwhelmingly chocolate, the sour cream does a good job of bringing the [...]
Posts under ‘Holiday’
Russian Vinaigrette Salad
This one is a common dish in Eastern Europe but it is not at all what is known as “Vinaigrette” in the west. This is actually a variation of a potato salad with the addition of beets. Very popular in the former soviet states, and there are many variations of this from region to region. [...]
Kartoshka (Potato) Pastry – Rum Balls
This one is definitely not native to Russia but is quite popular there year round. I’ve only recently realized how easy these are to make and require absolutely no baking or prep work. Ingredients 1 package (~7oz) of sweet tea biscuits ½ cups of pecans or walnuts ½ cup cocoa ½ cup powdered sugar ¼ [...]
Golubtsi – Meat Stuffed Cabbage rolls
This is a very common household dish in Russia and other Eastern European countries that goes back quite a while. As with most other household dishes, there are many different recipes having different fillings, sauces, etc. This recipe is the one that is prepared in my family and the results are quite good. Ingredients 1 [...]
Russian Mushrooms in Sour Cream
What do you get when you take the beef out of beef stroganoff? Very simple and can be served as an appetizer for a party. Ingredients 1-2lbs baby portabella or white mushrooms 1 onion butter for cooking 2-3 tbs sour cream Wash and thinly slice the mushrooms. Heat some butter in a pan and add [...]
Sprats Appetizer
European sprats are a type of small fish commonly, smoked, salted, and canned. Similar to sardines, they are primarily served as appetizer. You can serve them on a plate to compliment some vodka or dress with some lemon juice. The way my parents usually serve them is to make little sandwiches with them. You’ll need [...]
Russian Special Occasion Menu
My dad celebrated his 51st birthday just a little over a week ago and we had a few guests over at our house for dinner. I have tried to compile a list of all the essential dishes at the dinner including their recipes. They’re not as detailed as they usually would be, but I have [...]
Lekah – Jewish Honey Cake
This is a simple Russian recipe for a Jewish honey cake that my grandmother and aunt call “Lekah” though it’s hard to find any reference for that name online. Ingredients 1 cup honey 1 cup kefir (buttermilk) 1 cup sugar 3 eggs 3-4 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda + 0.25 cups vinegar Combine the [...]