I have always associated lavender with the Provence region in France. The iconic photos showing drifts of purple flowers were something I could only see in display windows of chic perfumeries or on labels of expensive cosmetic creams. When I got a sheaf of dried lavender from my friend recently, I was quite surprised to … Continue reading Lavender Cookies
Missy from the USA is a family keeper of her Slovak grandma's recipes. Unfortunately, she didn't manage to put down on paper a recipe for 'kipperskraut' her grandma used to make before she passed away a few years ago. Missy wrote in to ask about the recipe with a short description of the dish which … Continue reading Roast Sausages in Yellow Squash Sauce
It is called rice pudding or rice cake in English-speaking countries, although it would most likely be plain, with no fruit included. In Slovakia, it goes under the name of Ryžový nákyp, which translates as Rice Soufflé, and it always has some fruit inside. The most popular fruits are apricots, cherries, peaches, apples or plums. … Continue reading Rice Soufflé with Blue Plums
I have been planning to make zemiakový posúch for quite a while. The idea came from Kathy - an American lady whose Slovak grandma used to make it with extra bread dough. Kathy gave a more detailed description of the cake, and it immediately reminded me of the potato posúch my mother-in-law had sent me … Continue reading Potato Bread Cakes
An Englishman living in Slovakia once asked me why Slovaks eat bottled fruit and vegetables in the winter when there is raw produce available in our shops all through the year. True, we can now buy bell peppers, tomatoes, pears and grapes in December or January, but they are imported to Slovakia from the other … Continue reading Pickled Green Peppers
Pudding means different things to different people. I learnt it on my first visit to England years ago when we were served all sorts of sweet dishes 'for pudding'. My host family explained to me that this is how a sweet course after the main meal is often referred to in England. It was even … Continue reading Vanilla Pudding with Cherries and Whipped Cream
The season of fresh, locally grown vegetables is here again, and with it a penchant for a good summer salad. Although you can make one all through the year these days, I'm sure you know the difference between vegetables imported from far-away countries or grown in artificial conditions of big indoor farms, and those that … Continue reading Slovak-Style Salad with Parenitza Cheese
It's bryndza time again. The first bryndza cheese of the year comes to our shops in the month of May, a few weeks after the flocks of sheep have been put out on mountain pastures to graze the new grass. Their milk is turned into cheese by shepherds at salashes - wooden cottages close to … Continue reading Gluten-Free Halushki with Bryndza Cheese
What comes to your mind when you think of your kindergarten or school breakfasts? My daughter and I reminisced on these and other childhood related things during the lockdown imposed by our goverment after the first coronavirus cases had been reported in Slovakia. Despite the relatively mild course of the disease in my country, we … Continue reading My childhood breakfasts
Apart from various sweet pastries and cakes, the most typical ingredients on Slovak Easter menu are eggs, ham, sausages and bread. Of course, some Slovaks will go for healthier choices these days, but those who prefer good old classics might choose Veľkonočná baba (Easter Baba) - a dish that incorporates all the above-mentioned ingredients. Unlike … Continue reading Easter Petchka
