Classic(ish) Deviled Eggs

This is yet another one of those 'I've made this forever, but I don't want to forget my favorite way of doing this' recipes. Deviled eggs were a childhood favorite that I don't eat every day solely because I hate peeling hard-boiled eggs - if it weren't for that they'd probably feature at most of my meals! I love the flavor the vinegar, dill, and smoked paprika bring to the end result, but if you're tired of this general variety of deviled eggs, then definitely give my Asian(ish) version a try instead!

Dill Chicken Salad

This recipe is a quick 'n easy, light meal for two - in my family anyways! - and a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. I've adapted Spend with Pennies' great recipe, so feel free to carry on to the source, especially if you like your chicken salad to have a bit of a crunch. (I do not like crunchy chicken or tuna salad, hence my modifications below.) Whatever you do, enjoy!

Green Borscht

Green borscht is a much less well known part of the borscht family, one I've long wanted to give a try! I wasn't able to source all the authentic ingredients where I live, so I've written my recipe with the necessary substitutes. If you want to check out original recipes from actual Ukrainian cooks (Ukraine is the home of borscht after all!), then check out Nataliia or Iryna's great recipes!

Ukrainian-style Braised Beef and Potatoes

This braised beef and potato dish - жаркое (zharkoye) - is a beautifully hearty, delicious taste of Eastern Europe. My recipe is a blend of Tatyana's lovely recipe and Catalina's version. I hope it warms your stomach and heart the way it does mine!

Unstuffed Peppers

As anyone who's taken a look through my recipes know, I'm all about keeping things easy. (Life's busy enough as it is!) This past weekend I found myself with plenty of time...for a nap. After that nap I rummaged through the pantry to see what we had on hand for lunch, and realized I could make two stuffed peppers...or try unstuffing them to make a proper meal.

Cabbage Roll Soup

This is another of those recipes whose flavors and smells bring back so many beautiful memories! As far back as I can remember - which admittedly is not very far! - I've loved eating cabbage rolls, but haven't much enjoyed making them. On the rare occasion I've attempted them on my own the cabbage leaves have either been too firm or too soft, cracking or tearing with abandon and leaving me with quite the mess afterwards. By contrast, my godmother and Ukrainian, Russian, and Romanian friends' cabbage rolls are always so beautifully perfect, a feast for the eye as well as the mouth.

Mushy Peas with Dill

This is another of my random home cooking recipes that developed on its own independent of any recipes. I'm sure there are plenty of recipes out there - it doesn't feel like a revolutionary combination to me! - but what follows is just what's evolved over the years when I've had a craving for peas. It's a lovely vegetarian dish, and is easily made vegan with a couple of substitutions. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Zupa Ogórkowa

This creamy dill pickle soup is an old Polish favorite from this wonderful blog that I've long enjoyed, especially in the wintertime.  I've made minor modifications based on my own preferences, so feel free to adapt from here or follow the link to give the original a try!

Creamy Potato Soup

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted anything! In my defense, life picked up pace just before old style Nativity and has remained somewhat hectic since as I prepare to move. That plus the end of the Advent Fast has meant I haven't been so much cooking as slathering cream cheese on things and pouring eggnog ;-).

Dill Pasties

I both love and hate to travel, but I have to do a fair amount of it irregardless of how I feel because of how spread out my family and friends are. (That's what happens when you're born of generations of immigrants to missionary parents in Africa - there was just no chance of a settled life from the get go.)