Ciorba de Varza (pronounced “CHOR ba duh VAR zuh”) is a traditional cabbage soup with meatballs, very typical of the Bulgaria/Romania region, and uses both fresh and fermented cabbage (sauerkraut). Hearty and filling, this soup absorbs the richness of the beef meatballs as they cook in the chicken broth, developing complex flavors and depth.
Surprise your friends with this savory macaron, a twist on the traditionally sweet cookie with its mild crust and tangy center of feta, fresh tomatoes and basil. When you assemble them, be sure to spread the filling gently or even use a piping bag to prevent damaging the delicate meringue cookies.
This traditional Russian dish is somewhat like pancakes or crêpes, but made with a yeast dough that is allowed to rise. Buckwheat, a staple flour of colder climates, is typically incorporated. Often, the blini are made bite-sized and served with a variety of toppings from savory caviar and smoked salmon to sweet cream and fruit for a dessert.