This is a classic dish that has a strong affiliation to Czech cuisine, and reflects the long history we shared as peoples of one republic - the former Czechoslovakia. Despite living in two independent states now, the Czechs have remained faithful to our Halushki with Bryndza Cheese or traditional Slovak cheeses, and we, in turn, can't live … Continue reading Roast Pork with Steamed Dumpling & Red Cabbage
You may have seen similar posts highlighting Slovak specialities on other websites, and surely some of them will suggest a slightly different choice, but there are Slovak dishes that will unfalteringly appear in all 'to try' lists. You're very likely to find these frequent flyers at the top of my selection, while there might be … Continue reading 10 delicacies to try in Slovakia
Although it wasn't my top Christmas present this year, the message that landed in my inbox a couple of days ago made my heart sing with joy. Here is what it said: 'The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards are delighted to announce that A Taste of Slovakia is the winner selected to represent Slovakia in the … Continue reading A Taste of Slovakia shortlisted for 2018 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
We in Slovakia use white icing mostly to decorate our honey cookies at Christmas and Easter time, but white icing can be applied to practically all cookies, so if you want to experiment with this versatile material, here is a simple recipe and a few useful tips to help you achieve the best result. To … Continue reading How to make white icing
It's sometimes very difficult to translate the names of our most traditional cakes into English, and the one below is no different. I've spent more time trying to find the best possible name for this recipe than actually writing it. Gingerbread didn't sound right because it's closer in taste and texture to what we call perník in Slovakia … Continue reading Crispy Ginger Cakes or Zázvorníky
My first experience of drinking mead (or medovina in Slovak) was years ago at a small Christmas party organized by the local music school staff. My children were taking piano lessons at the school and I was invited as a member of the teachers-parents board. It was a family-style event; the tables were laid with honey cookies … Continue reading Včelovina – Slovakia’s deluxe mead
The best place to see traditional Slovak cheeses being made is definitely Zázrivá Salash. There are quite a few salashes (or kolibas) around Slovakia, but none of those I have been to provided such a complex experience of our folk culture and cuisine as the salash between Zázrivá and Terchová - two villages well-known for their … Continue reading How traditional oštiepok cheese is made
We have an abundance of forests, woods and meadows in Slovakia that are not only a home to flowers, berries, bears, wolves and other wildlife, but they also fill with a great variety of mushrooms every year. It's fair to say that Slovakia is a mushroom paradise. Mushroom picking has become a national sport, so … Continue reading Wild Mushroom & Tomato Risotto
This year's shepherd's season is drawing to a close with days getting shorter and nights palpably colder. Summer greens are still a prominent colour in our countryside, but they are slowly giving in to a rich array of autumnal hues. It's a wonderful time to be out and about, especially when the weather is as … Continue reading At Zázrivá Salash
When I was a child, I never questioned the origins of a strange, non-Slovak sounding name my Mum used for the delicious spread she often made for our snacks or evening meals. All I knew about šmirkas at that age was that it was made with bryndza. We would spread šmirkas on slices of fresh rye bread, crowned … Continue reading Piquant Bryndza Cheese Spread
