Olivier - Russian Salad

Most of the potato salads served in American Restaurants under the name "Russian Salad", are simplified variations of this 20th century Russian classic. In Russia this salad is most commonly called Olivier Salad, and no self-respecting Russian feast can go without it. Where I come from, we call it simply the Winter Salad. Indeed, every ingredient was accessible even during the scanty Soviet winters.
Satisfying, rich, abounding in taste and texture, this is a time-tested favorite. Trust me, your guests will love it and ask for a second helping, and maybe even third... If that doesn't scare you, read on.

Vinegret - Jazzy Holiday Salad

Without vinegret, a winter vegetable salad, Russian traditional table is missing one of its important  components. As far as I remember my precious self, vinegret (please do not confuse it with vinaigrette - a dressing made of oil and vinegar)was always in my mama's festive winter menu, especially on New Year's eve. Colorful, refreshing and tasty (at least to Russian palate :), vinegret was a focal point among many other viands. Let's get started...

Butter Cookies

These cookies definitely belong to sinful food. Not your everyday food, as Julia Child would say. So if you are scared that your arteries will be suddenly clogged with fats, and your waist will expand unexpectedly, please don't bother to read the recipe.
But those of you who sometimes give in and let your desires rule (just a little, just once in a while :) will certainly enjoy these cookies. Cookies that are crumbly and tender and literally melting in your mouth.
This recipe has been in my now shabby recipe notebook since I was 20+ (where are those times?..), they go under the name Liuda's Pastries (but I have no clue who Liuda is...:).  I baked these cookies  in Russia using local products. Here in the US I got a little different but even better result. Now, let's get to the kitchen ...

Fresh Stuffed Peppers

Kholodets - Meat Jelly

Mazurka - Dried Fruit Cake

Beef Liver Patties

Pea Soup

Traditional pea soup with pork hocks, perfect for warming body and spirit, but requires some patience...

Apple Turnovers

Rassolnik - Chicken Soup with Pickles

Kulesh the Warrior Food

Ox Tail Stew

Buttermilk Pancakes

Pickled Mushrooms

The Best Biscotti

Sugar Cheese Cookies

Cauliflower with Slow-Cooked Garlic

Beef and Mushrooms Stew

Quick Pickled Cucumbers

Classic Beets Salad

Lamb Pilaf

Every home chef has his or her own recipe for lamb pilaf. Different ways to cook rice, different spices, different fats and oils, etc. ... My recipe is a compilation of many and my own experience put together. I like to cook pilaf: standing over the range, stirring meat, and breathing in this wonderful aromatic blend of spices and lamb. This makes me feel I'm in an exotic place somewhere in the Middle East cooking for a sultan ready for his next night of exciting tales. Maybe he would cut my throat if he doesn't like my pilaf, maybe not if he likes a new story and his heart would be softened. And if he likes my pilaf, maybe he would go that far and make me his favourite wife. Imagine yourself there for a moment, and then quickly escape to reality. :)

Cheater's Green Tea Ice Cream

Fish Rissoles

Savory Zucchini Muffins

Portobello Salmon

Red Shchi

Jilo

Chicken Livers Pate

Poppy and Pear Lemon Cake

Beef Stroganoff

Soup with Puff Klezki

Poor Man's Caprese

What Is This?..

What do you think you are seeing? Raw pork? No. Pink peach wedges? No! Unripe watermelon? No!!

Bigos

Squash Pancakes

Goulash

Classic Borsch

A staple of East European kitchen, this bright beet soup is healthy, delicious, and worth every bit of trouble...

One Very Nutty Coffee Cake

Zucchini with Wasabi Cream

Heavenly Chicken Noodles

Japanese Eggplant

Tomato Herring Salad

Cucumber & Crispy Bacon Salad

Nutty Fish

Curried Daikon Salad

Trip to Maine - Three Pines B & B

What a glorious feeling to leave one's beloved home to discover new captivating places. Acadia National Park became one of them for me and Alex, when in June we endeavored so anticipated trip to Maine. It took us about 6 hours to get there, and at first I was a little disappointed by the shabbiness of the environment. Tiny worn-out huts, typical of Maine near Acadia area, popped up everywhere on our way. I couldn't figure out how an average person could manage to fit in a space like that... What a dreary place are we going to, I thought... Here and there we saw peculiar buildings and also spotted a few restaurants on the way to our sleeping quarters -  Three Pines Bed & Breakfast, where our impressions changed immediately.

Spiced Swordfish

Beef Bourguignon - My Variation

Farmers Cheese Pancakes (Syrniki)

Fresh Berry Tart

Gigantic Potato Pancake