Category Archives: Holidays & Parties

Madeleine Cookies with Lavender

Posted by
No comments
Another option for Madeleine cookies, this time with lavender flowers. Usually I don't make large portions of these cookies but if you have left overs, just warm them up in a microwave the next day. Or just cook half and cover the rest of the dough and leave in the refrigerator until the next day....
Read more

Boquerones, Spanish Tapas with Anchovies

Posted by
No comments
Boquerones is a type of Spanish appetizer (tapa) and the main ingredient is anchovies, small fish marinated in vinegar and olive oil. The first time I tried boquerones tapas was in Barcelona, you can find them everywhere in south of Spain, any bar or restaurant. This appetizer can be made with the addition of red marinated peppers, for example piquillo...
Read more

Sunflower Kozinaki

Posted by
No comments
Another Slavic sweet and easy recipe from my childhood that can be prepared quickly from sunflower seeds or nuts. Kozinaki (Gozinaki) are Georgian and Armenian sweets with walnuts and honey, traditionally prepared for the New Year and Christmas. Instead of walnuts they can be made from hazelnuts, sunflower seeds or sesame seeds. It's definitely kid's favorite!...
Read more

Buns with Poppy Seeds and Raisins

Posted by
No comments
I baked similar buns with my mom and grandmother on holidays or just for breakfast. We also made poppy seeds pirozhki and rolls so if you do not want to mess with each bun, you can roll out the dough, add poppy seeds and raisins for the filling and wrap the roll. Buns can be stored for...
Read more

Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Nuts

Posted by
No comments
This appetizer can be cooked two ways, with or without the puff pastry. If you decide to cook without puff pastry, then cut the cheese lengthwise into two parts, spread the jam with walnuts and thyme in the middle of the first part, wrap cheese tightly on all sides with foil. Cook in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Serve...
Read more

Banana Bread with Pecans and Orange Zest

Posted by
No comments
Hello! Its me, Nikita, with another great homemade recipe: Banana Bread. But while regular banana bread is great, it’s still missing something. Nuts go great with bananas, and who says we need just bananas? Thats why I added Pecans and Orange zest to this great classic. This follows the same recipe with any regular old banana bread recipe, except...
Read more

Empanadas

Posted by
No comments
Empanadas need no introduction - popular especially in Latin America and Europe, as well as southwest United States and southeast Asia. Empanadas like pirozhki are little pies with different fillings such as cheese, potatoes, carrots and other vegetables, minced or chopped pork, beef or chicken, shrimp, zucchini blossom, fruits, etc., the fillings are endless but generally...
Read more