Date roulade (egg-free ma'amul cookies)

Makes 20-30 cookies

For the filling
2 & 1/4 cups  pitted dates (I prefer medjool, roughly chopped)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons water
1 tsp ground cardamom or finely grated unwaxed orange zest (optional)

For the dough
2 cups  plain flour, plus extra for dusting if needed
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
2 & 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
6 tablespoons very soft butter (not melted)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Icing sugar, for dusting

Preheat your oven to 350 F (190°C/170°C) and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
For the filling, blend all the ingredients until you have a smooth texture with no visible date skin.
For the dough, mix all the dough ingredients together in a mixing bowl until they have all combined to a soft and slightly sticky dough. There's no need to use an electric mixer - it's very easy to do by hand. The mixture will start off looking too wet, but keep kneading and the dough will absorb all the liquid.

Roll out the dough between two pieces of baking parchment to a thin rectangle about 10 x 16 inches (40 cm x 25 cm) in size, and 3 mm thick - dust the paper with flour if it sticks.
Take off the top sheet of parchment and spread the filling on to the dough. If it gets too sticky, dip your spoon in water from time to time. Starting from the one long side, roll the dough into a roulade, using the parchment to help you roll. Then simply lift the parchment and separate the dough from it, and roll the dough a little more to seal the seam underneath the roulade.

Transfer the roulade to the lined baking tray. Score it at 1.5cm intervals using a sharp knife - to make it easier to cut the roulade after baking. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and cool for about 15 minutes. Then dust with icing sugar and slice the roulade where you marked it before baking.

Струдель без яиц с финиковой начинкой

На 20-30 печений

Для начинки
2 и 1/4 чашки фиников, нарезанных
3 столовые ложки растительного масла
3 столовые ложки воды
1 чайная ложка кардамона или  мелко тертая цедра одного апельсина

Для теста
2 чашки муки, плюс для подпыления, если необходимо
1 чайная ложка разрыхлителя
Щепотка соли
2 и 1/2 столовые ложки сахарного песка
6 столовых ложек очень мягкого сливочного масла
1/4 чашки растительного масла
1/4 чашки молока
1 ч.л. экстракта ванили
Сахарная пудра для посыпки готового изделия

Разогреть духовку до 350 ° F (190 ° C / 170 ° C) и выложить противень пергаментной бумагой.
Для начинки смешать все ингредиенты в чаше кухонного процессора и провернуть до фладкой смеси.

Для теста смешать все ингредиенты теста вместе в миске и вымешать руками до тех пор пока мука впитает всю влагу.

Раскатать тесто между двумя кусками пергаментной бумаги для выпечки до тонкого прямоугольника размером около 40 см x 25 см и толщиной 3 мм .

Снинать верхний лист пергамента и выложить начинку равномерно на тесто. Если начинка слишком липнет, то помочите ложку в воде и продолжайте распределять начинку. Свернуть тесто с начинкой рулетом. Нижний слой пергаментной бумаги может помочь в скручивании рулета. Выложить рулет швом вниз на приготовленный противень.

Острым ножом нанести надрезы с расстоянием 1.5-2 см. Поставить в нагретую духовку и выпекать 30 минут до золотистого цвета.
Вынуть и остудить в течении 15 минут. Используя надрезы, разрезать рулет до конца на печенья. Посыпать сахарной пудрой

Recipe from "The Palomar Cookbook: Modern Israeli Cuisine"

Lemon Almond Torta

Serves: 8

For the lemon curd:
3/4 (150 g) cup sugar
3 large eggs
juice (~1/2 cup/125 ml) and grated zest from 2 large lemons
4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

For the torta:
2/3 cup (60 g) sliced almonds
1/2 cup (75 g) blanched almonds, lightly toasted
1 cup (140 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (120 g) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup (200 g) sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 large eggs, at room temperature
icing/confectioner’s sugar, for dusting cake

To make the lemon curd: In a non-corrosive heavy saucepan, combine sugar, eggs, lemon juice and zest. Whisk until thoroughly blended. Add the butter. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Don’t let it boil! Transfer the curd to a bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

To make the torta: Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Generously butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch (27cm) round springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with a circle of baking parchment. Gently press about half of the sliced almonds against the side of the pan, adhering them about 2/3 of the way up from the bottom.

In a food processor combine the whole toasted almonds, flour, baking powder and salt. Process for 10-20 seconds, until finely chopped. In a small bowl, beat the eggs lightly with a fork until frothy.

In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer at low speed, beat the butter for 30 seconds, until creamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating for 2-3 minutes, until light in texture and almost white in color. Beat in vanilla and almond extracts.

Using a rubber spatula, fold the almond/flour mixture into the butter mixture until blended (the batter will be stiff). Stir in the beaten eggs just until smooth. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer with the back of a spoon. Spoon 8 tablespoons of the lemon curd in an evenly-spaced ring around the top of the cake batter, about a 1/2-inch in from the side of the pan. Spoon 3 tablespoons evenly spaced into the center of the ring (it will all melt together into an even layer in the oven, but if you don’t want to bother counting just dollop the curd evenly all over the top). Sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds over the top of the batter. Lightly dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Bake the torta for 25-35 minutes, until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Cool the torta completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Run a thin-bladed knife around the edge of the torta to loosen it from the side of the pan before removing. Peel off the baking paper and dust the torta with more confectioners’ sugar before serving. Eat at room temperature.

Recipe come from Travelers Lunchbox

Gnocchi with Roasted Cauliflower and Lemon

Yield 4 servings

1 head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into small florets
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 17.5 package potato gnocchi
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Toss cauliflower with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast, stirring halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and lightly browned, about 25-30 minutes.

While the cauliflower is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the gnocchi to the skillet along with the garlic, breadcrumbs, almonds, red pepper flakes and remaining salt and pepper. Cook until almonds and breadcrumbs are lightly toasted. Add the roasted cauliflower, lemon juice capers and parsley.

If needed, add in some of the reserved cooking water to loosen the gnocchi. Season to taste with salt and pepper, if needed.

Recipe comes from Delish Knowledge

Chipo Latkes (Chicken + Potato)

Make 13 medium size latkes

2 large + 2 medium potatoes, peeled
1/2 medium sweet onion, peeled, cut into medium chunks
1 medium glove garlic
7 oz chicken breast
2 eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt, black ground pepper to taste
Oil for frying

Place, 1 medium potato, onion and garlic into food processor and process for 20 seconds. Add chicken, process more for 10 seconds and add eggs. Process until all ingredients are pureed.

Pour puree into a large bowl and add shredded on a large holes of grater rest of the potatoes. Mix well. Add mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Mix well.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve warm.

Дыруны с курятиной

На 13 блинчиков

2 большие + 2 средние по величине картофелины, очищенные от кожуры.
1/2 средней по величине головки лука, очищенного от кожуры и нарезанного на средние куски
1 зубец чеснока
200 грамм свежего мяса куриной грудки
2 яйца, комнатной температуры
2 столовэ ложки майонеза
соль и перец по вкусу
Масло для жарки

В чашу кухонного процессора складываем 1 среднюю картофелину, лук, чеснок и проворачиваем в течении 20 секунд. Добавлаем курятину и проворачиваем еще 10 секунд.

Добавляем айца и проворячиваем до получения пюре.

Выливаем пюре в большую посуду и добавляет натертую на крупной терке остальную картошку. Добавлярм майонез, соль и перец. Все хорошо перемешать.

Нагреть масло на сковороде и вылить дыруны. Жарить на обеих сторонах до золотистого цвета. Подать теплыми.

Baked cabbage blintzes

Excellent dough, might be filled with various veggies and meet fillings. Pastries stays fresh for a couple days in refrigerator.

Makes 12 large size blintzes

Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sunflower oil
1/2 cup water, room temperature

Filling
Sweet and sour cabbage from 1 pound of thinly shredded green cabbage
1 egg yolk

Egg wash
1 egg white, lightly beaten
sesame seeds for sprinkling

To make dough,  in a medium bowl, mix flour, salt and pepper. Make a well in the center of mixture. Add oils and water and form the dough.

To make filling, follow the recipe to make sweet and sour cabbage. Cool completely and add egg yolk. Mix well.

Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Prepare a large cookie sheet.

Divide dough into 12 equal balls.  Roll each ball  into a 5-inch wide stripe as long as possible. Place 2 teaspoons of filling by any of 5-inch side of the stripe, about an half of inch from the edge. Fold this short side of the rectangle up over the filling. Fold the long sides of the rectangle inward, as though you’re folding an envelope. Roll the blintz up and over the filling like a burrito, tucking the edges in as you roll. Place seem down on a cookie sheet. Repeat with all balls and filling.

Brush pastries with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake on lower shelf in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove blintzes from oven and cool completely on a cooling rack. They are ready to serve. You can keep them in a paper bag in refrigerator for a couple days. Warm up for 20-25 seconds in microwave.

Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe (Moqueca)

Serves 4

Soup

1 1/2 to 2 lbs of fillets of firm white fish such as halibut, swordfish, or cod, rinsed in cold water, pin bones removed, cut into large portions
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 Tbsp lime or lemon juice
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
1 cup chopped spring onion, or 1 medium yellow onion, chopped or sliced
2 ribs celery., chopped
1/2 yellow and 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded, de-stemmed, chopped (or sliced)
2 cups chopped (or sliced) tomatoes ( I used 2 cans - 14 oz each - chopped tomatoes)
1 Tbsp paprika (Hungarian sweet) (I used 1/2 tablespoon)
Pinch red pepper flakes (I used 1 teaspoon garlic-chili sauce)
1 large bunch of cilantro, chopped with some set aside for garnish (I added to soup in last 2-3 minutes of cooking)
1 14-ounce can coconut milk

Rice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup white rice
1 3/4 cups boiling water (check your rice package for the appropriate ratio of liquid to rice for the type of rice you are using)
1 teaspoon salt

Coat fish with garlic and lime juice: Place fish pieces in a bowl, add the minced garlic and lime juice so that the pieces are well coated. Sprinkle generously all over with salt and pepper.
Keep chilled while preparing the rest of the soup.

Make rice for serving with soup: If you are planning on serving the soup with rice, start on the rice. I served with mashed potatoes

Bring a couple cups of water to a boil. Heat one Tbsp of olive oil in a medium saucepan on medium high heat. Add the chopped 1/2 onion and cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the raw white rice and stir to coat completely with the oil, onions, and garlic.

Add the boiling water. (The amount depends on your brand of rice, check the package. If no amounts are given, add 1 3/4 cup of water for every cup of rice.) Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt.

Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and let cook for 15 minutes, after which, remove from heat until ready to serve with the soup.

Start cooking the onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, celery: In a large covered pan (such as a Dutch oven), coat the bottom with about 2 Tbsp of olive oil and heat on medium heat.Add the chopped onion and cook a few minutes until softened. Add the bell pepper, celery, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. (At least a teaspoon of salt.) Cook for a few minutes longer, until the bell pepper begins to soften.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, uncovered. Stir in the chopped cilantro.

Layer vegetables with fish, add coconut milk: Use a large spoon to remove about half of the vegetables (you'll put them right back in). Spread the remaining vegetables over the bottom of the pan to create a bed for the fish.

Arrange the fish pieces on the vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then add back the previously removed vegetables, covering the fish.
Pour coconut milk over the fish and vegetables.
Simmer, cook, adjust seasonings: Bring soup to a simmer, reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add  cilantro 2-3 minutes before end of cooking.

You may need to add more salt (likely), lime or lemon juice, paprika, pepper, or chili flakes to get the soup to the desired seasoning for your taste.

Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or with crusty bread.

Recipe comes from Simply recipes

Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Bread

Make 1 loaf

3 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (I used 1 1/2 cups flour)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (I used 1 cup)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin purée (I used leftovers of roasted butternut squash seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with oil, non-stick spray; set aside.

Place the chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth; set aside. (Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often.)

Place the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine and aerate; set aside.

Place the sugar and oil in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until well combined (it’ll look like wet sand), about 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle.

Turn the mixer to medium speed and add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce the speed to low, add the pumpkin and vanilla, and mix until just combined, about 30 seconds. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle.
Return the mixer to low speed, slowly add the reserved flour mixture, and mix until just combined, about 2 minutes total.

Remove the bowl from the mixer and drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the batter. Using a rubber spatula, fold the chocolate into the batter until it’s just swirled in, making sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl with each stroke, about 5 strokes total. (Be careful not to fully incorporate the chocolate into the batter.)

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake until the bread is browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (test several spots because you may hit a pocket of chocolate), about 60 to 70 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on the wire rack for at least 20 minutes more before slicing.

Recipe comes from Chowhoud

Cranberry Kissel

I found the recipe in "Vilna Vegetarian Cookbook", but measurements are off. So , I used my mom's measurements. It worked in Russia and it works in America.

Make 6 cups

12 oz (370 gram) fresh cranberries
6 cups water, divided
1 & 1/3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons potato starch

Puree cranberries in a food mill or food processor. Bring to boil 5 cups of water and add cranberries. Simmer about 12-15 minutes and strain through a fine sieve. Add sugar to a strained liquid and bring to boil again. Lower the heat. Dissolve potato starch in 1 cup of water and add to a strained simmering liquid. Simmer 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. Take off the heat and allow to chill.

Клюквенный кисель

На 6 чашек
12 унций (370 грамм) свежей клюквы
6 чашек воды
1 и 1/3 чашки сахара
2 столовые ложки картофельного крахмала

Пюре ягоды клюквы в кухонном комбайне. Довести до кипения 5 чашек воды и добавить клюкву. Варить 12-15 минут и процедить через друшлаг, вернув жидкость в кастрюлю. Добавить сахар в жидкость и снова закипятить. Уменьшить огонь. Растворить картофельный крахмал в 1 стакане воды и добавить в кипящую жидкость. Варить еще 5-7 минут, постоянно помешивая. Снять с огня и дать остыть.

Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Burekas

Makes 18 medium size pastries

2 sheets puff pastry (10” x 15”), defrosted in the refrigerator overnight
1½ lbs. butternut squash (1 large squash), halved lengthwise and seeds removed
1 large yellow onion, medium diced
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 big fat clove of garlic or 2 medium-sized, minced fine
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2-3 sprigs thyme, leaves removed from stems
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 large egg, separated (yolk for filling, white for egg wash)
Black and/or white sesame seeds, to garnish

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Drizzle the halved butternut squash with oil, then place it cut-side down on a sheet pan. You don’t need to peel the squash. Roast until the squash is fully cooked and tender, about 35-45 minutes.

While the squash is baking, caramelize your onion by putting a few tablespoons of butter with a drizzle of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium low heat. If keeping the dish non-dairy, use just olive oil. Add the diced onion to the pan, and sauté over low or medium low heat until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Season with a generous pinch of salt and then continue to let the onion cook and caramelize, stirring occasionally so the onion doesn’t burn; make sure to keep the heat fairly low.

Add the minced garlic to the caramelized onions, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant but not at all browned. Turn off the heat.

Once the squash is cooked and slightly cooled, scoop the inside of the squash into a bowl and discard the peel. Add the caramelized onion  and egg yolk to the squash. Mix together. The mixture should be soft and not too lumpy.

Mix in the ground coriander, thyme, and cayenne. Taste, and then season with salt and pepper as desired. Allow the squash mixture to cool before assembling the burekas. You can make this filling up to two days in advance and store in the fridge.

To assemble the burekas: roll out a sheet of puff pastry until rectangular and just slightly thinner than when it comes out of the package. Divide the dough into 9 squares. Put a spoonful of the filling into each square. Fold over the dough to form a triangle shape, and press the edges together. There’s no need to crimp or press too hard, the filling will stay put, and you want to ensure there are layers of flaky pastry.

Transfer the formed triangular burekas onto a baking sheet, place each bureka about an inch apart.  Place baking sheet in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Before baking, combine the egg whites with a small splash of water or milk. Beat well. Brush the tops of the burekas with the egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

 Set oven temperature to 400 F/ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky. Transfer to a wire baking rack, and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Burekas are best served warm or at room temperature.

Recipe comes from Salt and Zest

Vilna Vareniki (pierogi) Dough

I found the recipe in famous "Vilna Vegetarian Cookbook" and actually tried. Here's  the right recipe.


Serves 5

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 tablespoon sour cream
2 tablespoons water

Mix together eggs, sour cream and water very well. Make a well in a flour, add egg mixture and need the dough for 3-4 minutes.

Рецепт теста для вареников из Вильны

На 5 порций
2 чашки муки
2 яйца
1 столовая ложка сметаны
2 столовые ложки воды

Смешать яйца, сметану анд воду. Сделать углубление в муке и налить яичную смесь. Замесить тесто и месить 3-4 минуты.

Тесто прекрасно держит начинку при варке и прекрасно жарится при подогреве.

Chicken Carrot Salad with Marinated Onions (use meat leftovers)

Makes 1 large serving or 2 medium ones

1/3 cup yellow or red onion, diced
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 cup hot water
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 medium carrots, peeled and grated on a large holes of the grater
7 oz cooked chicken breast (you can use leftover holiday roasted turkey), chopped in medium chunks
1/3 cup canned peas, drained very well
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt, pepper to taste

To marinate onions, mix sugar, vinegar and hot water. Place onions in it and keep for 10-15 minutes.

While onions are marinating, heat the oil in a medium saute pan, add grated carrots, sprinkle with salt and saute on medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.

In a large bowl mix chicken chunks, peas, drained onions and soft  carrots.  Add mayonnaise and check for salt and pepper. Add, if you need it.

Serve immediately

Купеческий салат с курятиной и маринованным луком

На 1 большую порцию или 2 средних

1/3 чашки лука, нарезанного на кубики
2 столовые ложки сахара
2 столовые ложки уксуса
1/2 чашки горячей воды
2 чайных ложки растительного масла
2 средних моркови, очищенные и натертые на крупной терке
200 грамм отваренной куриной грудки (вы можете использовать оставшуюся праздничную индейку), нарезанной на средние куски
1/3 чашки консервированного горошка, без жидкости
3 столовые ложки майонеза
Соль и перец по вкусу

Смешать сахар, уксус и горячую воду. Выложить в раствор лук и мариновать его в течение 10-15 минут.

Пока лук маринуется, нагреть масло в средней сковороде, добавить тертую морковь, посыпать солью и тушитж, помешивая на среднем огне до мягкости, около 5 минут.

В большой миске смешать куриное мясо, горошек, отжатый лук и мягкую поджаренную морковь. Добавить майонез и проверить на соль и перец. Добавить, если это нужно.

Creamy Potato Soup

Serves 5

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup milk (add more if needed, I used only 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, for garnish
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Kosher salt, to taste

In a large stock pot, heat the oil , add onions and sauté until onions are being softened. Add potatoes and vegetable broth. Season with garlic powder and pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Transfer 2/3 potato mixture to blender with cream cheese and 1/2 cup milk. Vent lid on one corner to let steam escape, or cover with dish towel. Blend mixture until smooth, adding additional milk as needed until potatoes are smooth. Mash remaining potatoes directly in stock pot.

Pour blended soup back into stock pot and stir to incorporate. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add kosher salt and pepper, to taste.

This soup must be made in advance. I cooled off soup completely and kept in refrigerator overnight.
Next day I warmed up for lunch. Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish with cheese and parsley before serving. It was so good.

Картофельный крем-суп

На 5 порций

5 средней величины картофелин, очищенных и нарезанных на кубиками
1 головка лука, нарезанного на маленькие кусочки
4 чашки растительного бульона
2 чайных ложки чесночного порошка (garlic powder)
1/2 чайной ложки молотого перца
1/2 чашки (115 грамм) сливочного сыра (cream cheese), комнатной температуры
1 чашка молока (добавьте больше, если необходимо, я использовала только 1/2 чашки)
1/2 чашки острого сыра Cheddar, натертого на крупной терке
2 столовые ложки свежей петрушки, мелко нарезанной
Соль по вкусу

В большой кастрюле нагреть растительное масло, добавить лук и протушить лук до полного размягчения. Добавить картофель и овощной бульон. Посыпать чесночным порошком и перцем. Довести до кипения. Накрыть крышкой, уменьшить огонь до среднего и варить 10-15 минут, пока картофель не станет мягким.

Вынуть из кастрюли 2/3 картофеля, выложить в блендер со сливочным сыром и 1/2 стакана молока. Прокрутить смесь до однородности, если нужно добавить молоко, пока смесь не станет гладким. Вернуть смесь в кастюлю, взять картофелемялку и помятж весж картофель в кастрюле.

Варить еще 5-10 минут, помешивая. Добавить соль и перец по вкусу.

Этот суп должен быть приготовлен заранее. Я сварила суп, полностью охладила суп и поставила на ночь в холодильнике. На следующий день я подогрела суп на обед. Подала с сыром и петрушкой.

Idea for recipe comes from 12 tomatoes.com

Walnut Greek Yogurt Banana Bread (No Butter, No Oil)

Yields: 12 slices

1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 medium, ripe bananas (200 g or 1 cup mashed)
1/2 cup (115 g) plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar (If you plan to eat bread by itself, add more 1/4 cup of regular sugar)
1/3 cup walnuts, processed in food processor until small bits

Preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C), and lightly grease a 9 x 5 (23cm x 13cm) bread pan.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Lightly beat the eggs in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Add walnuts. mix but do not overmix.

Pour the batter into the loaf pan, spreading it out evenly, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Банановый  кекс с орехами и без масла

На 6-8 человек

1 1/2 чашки (180 г) муки
1 1/2 чайной ложки соды
1/2 ч.л. соли
2 больших яйца, слегка избитые
2 средних, спелых банана (200 г или 1 чашка пюре)
1/2 чашки (115 г) обыкновенного или ванильного греческого йогурта
1/4 стакана (60 мл) кленового сиропа
1/4 стакана (50 г) коричневого сахара (если вы нравится более сладкийкек, добавьте еще 1/4 чашки обычного сахара)
1/3 стакана грецких орехов, обработанных в кухонном комбайне до крошхки

Разогреть духовку до 350 F (180 C) и слегка смазать форму размером 9 x 5 (23 см x 13 см).

В большой миске смешать муку, пищевую соду и соль.

Слегка взбить яйца в миске среднего размера. Добавить пюре из бананов, греческий йогурт, кленовый сироп и коричневый сахар. Перемешать.

Смешать  яичную-банановую  смесь и мучную, осторожно перемешать. Добавить грецкие орехи. Аккуратно перемешать.

Вылить тесто в приготовленную форму, равномерно распределить тесто  и выпекать в течение 35-40 минут, или до тех пор, пока зубочистка, вставленная в середину, не станет чистой.
Вынуть из духовки и дать остыть около 10 минут. Вынуть из формы и дать полностью остыть на стойке.

Recipe comes from Running with spoons

Date, Feta and Red Cabbage Salad

I make this salad every 8-10 days. It goes really well and never boring.

Serves 4 to 6 as a side

1 to 1 1/4 pounds red cabbage (1 small head or half of a large one), sliced very thin
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice (I use lime)
Salt and red pepper flakes (I used the mild Aleppo variety) to taste
About 1/2 cup pitted dates, coarsely chopped or sliced
4 ounces feta, crumbled into chunks
1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons well-toasted sesame seeds

Toss cabbage with olive oil and first tablespoons of lime juice, plus salt and pepper, coating leaves evenly. Taste and add more lime juice, salt and pepper to taste. I do this a few times, making sure I really get this base well seasoned because it will be hard to do it as well later.

Toss dressed cabbage gently with half of dates and feta. Sprinkle with remaining dates, then feta, then parsley and sesame seeds. Dig in.

Салат из красной капусты, брынзы и фиников

На 4-6 порций

500-600 грамм красной капусты (1 маленькая головка или половина большой), тонкой нашинкованной
3 столовые ложки оливкового масла
2 столовые ложки лимонного сока
Соль и красный перец по вкусу
Около 1/2 чашки фиников, нарезанныч на небольшие кусочки
120 грамм брынзы, порезанной на средние кусочки
1 столовая ложка нарезанной петрушки
2 чайные ложки хорошо поджаренных семян кунжута

Перемешать капусту с оливковым маслом и соком лайма или лимона, а также добавить соль и перец, Всё хорошо перетереть и попробовать. Если нужно добавить больше сока лайма, соль и перец. Я делаю это несколько раз, чтобы убедиться, что капуста хорошо  заправлена.

Добавить в капусту  половину фиников и брынзы. Выложить в салатную тарелку и посыпать оставшимися финиками, брынзой, петрушкой и семенами кунжута.

Recipe comes from Smitten Kitchen

Veggie Rassolnik

Makes 4 servings

4  cups vegetable broth
2 cups water, room temperature
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium size yellow onion, chopped
2 medium size carrots, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 medium size potatoes, peeled and cut into medium cubes
4 medium size pickles from jar, diced or shredded on large holes of the grater
1/3 cup quick barley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon garlic chili sauce
Salt, sugar and black pepper to taste
parsley, chopped for garnish
Sour cream for serving

Pour broth and water into large soup pan and bring to boil over the medium heat.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add onion and saute, stirring often, until until soft and translucent. Add carrots, a little bit of salt and saute for 4-5 minutes. Add tomato paste and saute 1 more minute.

Add potatoes to a soup pan and transfer carrot mixture. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Add quick barley and cook more 5-7 minutes. Add pickles, lemon juice, garlic-chili sauce and check for salt, pepper and sugar. Cook through for 5-7 minutes.

To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sour cream.

Вегетарианский  рассольник

На 4 порции

4 чашки овощного бульона
2 чашки воды, комнатной температуры
2 столовые ложки растительного масла
1 среднего размера головка лука, нарезаннaя на средние куски
2 моркови среднего размера, очищенные и нарезанные кубиками
1 столовая ложка томатной пасты
4 картофелины среднего размера, очищенных и нарезанных на кубики среднего размера
4 средних соленых огурца из банки, нарезанные кубиками или натертых на крупной терке
1/3 чашки быстрой перловой крупы
1 столовая ложка лимонного сока
1/8 чайной ложки garlic-chili sauce
Соль, сахар и черный перец по вкусу
петрушка, мелко нарезанная
Сметана для сервировки

Налить бульон и воду в большую суповую кастрюлю и довести до кипения на среднем огне.

Между тем, нагреть растительное масло в сковороде на большом огне температуре. Добавить лук, уменьшить немного огонь, и жарить пока лук не станет мягким и полупрозрачным.

Добавить морковь, немного соли и жарить в течение 4-5 минут. Добавить томатную пасту и жарить еще 1 минуту.

Добавить картофель в суп-кастрюлю и морковную смесь со сковороды. Варить 8-10 минут.

Добавить перловую крупу и варить 5-7 минут. Добавить соленые огурцы, лимонный сок, garlic-chili sauce и проверить  нa соль, перец и сахар. Варите еще 5-7 минут.

Подать с мелко нарезанной свежей петрушкой и сметаной.

Pesto Grissini Ukrainian style from Valentina Khamayko

Makes 18-20 medium size grissini

Dough:
2 teaspoons sugar
180 ml lukewarm water
1 & 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
1 & 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (add more if you need)
1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt

Filling:
1 package fresh basil (about 30 gram), washed and dried
1/3 cup (around 50 gram) Parmesan cheese, grated (I used pepper jack)
3 gloves garlic, chopped
30 gram pine nuts
100 ml sunflower oil  (you can start to add 50 ml and see if you need more. I added 100 ml and had filling leftovers.)
1 tea spoon lemon juice

In the small bowl, combine water and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves and add yeast. Let sit until the mixture starts to bubble, about 20 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt and make a well in a center. Add yeasted mixture and knead a dough until dough is absolutely soft and elastic. Dough should no longer be sticky. Scrape the dough into a small bowl coated with very little of sunflower oil. Turn dough to distribute oil on all surfaces.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in bulk, about an 2 hours.

Make a filling, place all ingredients into bowl of food processor and process until smooth paste.

Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C) and line a large baking sheet (sized 14 by 16 inches) with parchment paper.

Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface. Divide it in half. Roll out first piece of dough into 13 x 14 inch rectangle and spread almost half of filling all over the dough. Fold the dough in half lengthwise and using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into 1/2 inch strips. Twist each strips and place on baking sheet. Repeat with second dough ball.
Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Serve at room temperature.

Хлебные палочки гриссини: рецепт от Валентины Хамайко

Ингредиенты для теста:
Мука – 250 г,
сахар – 2 ч. л.
дрожжи – 5 г
соль – 5 г
вода – 175 -180 мл

Для начинки (соус песто):
1 большой пучок зеленого базилика (Я использовала стандартную упаковку свежего базилика вессом 30 грамм. Этого было достаточно. )
тертый пармезан – 50 г
чеснок – 3 зубка,
кедровые орешки – 30 г
растительное масло – 100 мл
сок лимона – 1ч. л.

Дрожжи измельчить, перемешать с сахаром и в небольшой чашке развести теплой водой. Дать постоять в теплом месте 20 мин.

Муку с солью просеять в глубокую миску. Вливая воду с дрожжами, вымесить мягкое тесто. Накрыть тесто пищевой пленкой и оставить подходить в теплом месте без сквозняков на 1 ч 30 мин – 2 ч.

Приготовить соус. Базилик промыть, перебрать и обсушить, листики оборвать и в чаше блендера соединить с пармезаном, очищенными зубками чеснока и орешками. Вливая тонкой струйкой растительное масло, измельчить до получения однородной массы.

Тесто раскатать в пласт толщиной 5 мм и смазать соусом. Сложить пласт вдвое и с помощью острого ножа нарезать длинными полосками шириной 1 см. Каждую полоску свернуть в спираль.

Изделия выложить на выстланный пергаментом противень и выпекать до подрумянивания при 180С.
Recipe comes from Lisa

Raspberry and Beet Chèvre

1/2 cup fresh raspberries
2 ounces roasted beets (about 1 medium beet), quartered
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
4 ounces chèvre, softened salt

Place the raspberries, quartered beet, pomegranate molasses, and orange zest in a food processor or high-powered blender. Blend on high until a smooth slurry forms. Scrape down the sides with a spatula and add the chèvre and pinch of salt. Continue to blend until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Transfer to a bowl and chill for at least an hour before serving to encourage it to thicken. This dip keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipe comes from Food 52