Daniela – thank you for your lovely comment – so kind! What brought you to Central Asia – that’s quite a different world, isn’t it? My grandmother grew up in Uzbekistan (Samarkand) so I wound up eating lots of manty and plov and other Uzbek traditional dishes. I’ll be definitely posting more Russian things – it’s on my to-do. Mmm.. unpasteurized butter – lucky you!! Enjoy ricotta – super easy and delicious!! On Pushkin – I sadly had to give him back as I developed terrible allergies :( I miss him so. And happy Thanksgiving to you as well – cute greeting, esp in Russian.

Amanda – same to you, girl!! I need to get on my holiday card project :)

Aside from the just-plain-delicious recipes, pictures, etc…while obsessively searching your archives, I was struck by a few things. The venigret recipe. The appreciation of dill. The fresh ricotta and the reference to farmer’s cheese (something most Americans, having no idea where their dairy products come from, would even think to make). The kitten named Pushkin. The love of root vegetables. And then there it was: you were born in Russia. It all makes sense :o)

I’m an American, living in Kyrgyzstan. The Russian influence still runs strong here (and so, unfortunately, does the lack of imported/luxury food items). This has had a huge influence on my culinary activities. Making my own cheese has become standard (but I haven’t tried ricotta yet – so excited!); I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to go back to pasteurized butter after this; and beets have become one of my all-time favorite foods. So your blog struck a special little note in my heart.

Keep up the amazing work, and more Russian-influenced creations are always welcome. I’m forever trying to find new ways to use the endless root veggies, nuts/spices, pumpkins and fresh dairy that come from a trip to the рынок.

P.S. И, конечно, поздравляю с ‘Thanksgiving’ом :о)

Thanks for the great ideas!