The foundations of Russian cuisine were laid by the peasant food of the rural population. This developed in an often harsh climate, with a combination of poultry, fish, game, mushrooms, berries and honey. Rye, wheat, barley and millet provide the ingredients for breads, pancakes, beer and vodka! Yep, like the picture above!With the apple cake, press the crust down and start laying the apples in. I used red delicious because they were what I had on hand. I think I'd really like this made with granny smiths.
After you get all the apples on top of the crust (I must tell you that I only used 3 apples because I had hurkin' big ones) sprinkle on the topping and bake. I actually had to bake a little longer than the recommended 25 minutes...more like 40-45 minutes...
But this is what it come out looking like, and, yes...it was rich and delicious!
The Ukraine Baked Potato Salad...I thought this would be really bland after reading some of the reviews, but really, it wasn't. I added pepper to each layer, but not salt. I only salted the top, about a teaspoon of coarse sea salt. My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed this.
Russia had a great expansions of territories during the 16th-18th centuries which brought more refined foods and culinary techniques to the country. France was one of the bigger influences.
The Russian Style Marinated Mushrooms were a dish that I couldn't stop eating. I have bought the jars of marinated mushrooms from the supermarket and wasn't really impressed, so I thought these were going to be similar...I couldn't have been more wrong! Delicious!
The Russian Style Marinated Mushrooms were a dish that I couldn't stop eating. I have bought the jars of marinated mushrooms from the supermarket and wasn't really impressed, so I thought these were going to be similar...I couldn't have been more wrong! Delicious!
Russia is officially known as the Russian Federation. Russia shares borders with (from NW to SE): Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania/Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and North Korea...whew! I'm outta breath after that!...and it also has maritime borders with Japan and the USA. In otherwords, it's the largest country on the planet and the 9th largest population.
Oh...Glorious Marinated Mushrooms....
And last, but not in the least...Chicken Kiev! I've never tried this before. I've seen them for sale in the meat counter at the store for like $5.99 a pound. Why would I buy that when I can do this myself?!?!
Oh...Glorious Marinated Mushrooms....
And last, but not in the least...Chicken Kiev! I've never tried this before. I've seen them for sale in the meat counter at the store for like $5.99 a pound. Why would I buy that when I can do this myself?!?!
Russia spans 11 times zones. It has the world's largest reserve of mineral and energy resources. It also has the world's largest forest reserves and it's lakes contain about 1/4 (WOW!) of the world's fresh water....
Look at that! I used a mixture of panko and Italian bread crumbs...and rather than deep frying (I don't have room for my deep fryer out here...and I was not so inclined to heat oil in a pot, because I needed it for the potatoes) I drizzled with olive oil, put it on parchment paper and baked at 375 degrees for about 25-30 minutes.
Look at that! I used a mixture of panko and Italian bread crumbs...and rather than deep frying (I don't have room for my deep fryer out here...and I was not so inclined to heat oil in a pot, because I needed it for the potatoes) I drizzled with olive oil, put it on parchment paper and baked at 375 degrees for about 25-30 minutes.
And dinner was served!
My supplies this week came to $8 even...I wonder how often that'll happen? So I was able to put $12 into my Beach Bag and the total after 8 weeks is...insert drumroll...$50.19. That's enough for 1 night so far!
My supplies this week came to $8 even...I wonder how often that'll happen? So I was able to put $12 into my Beach Bag and the total after 8 weeks is...insert drumroll...$50.19. That's enough for 1 night so far!
Again, I would like to thank each and every one of the 39 people who voted on the recipe exchange for next week's blog country. Bob picked Haiti and I chose Egypt and by a landslide, I guess you all want to see Egypt! I'm game...at least it looks warm there!
Update on Bob...his biopsy has been rescheduled until Tuesday, March 2nd...so I'll post as soon as I find something out...
Until next week, cook Russian and drink Effen vodka!
