Honey cookies also known as mézeskalács are a traditional Christmas treat in Hungary and are often sold at festivals and markets. Similar to gingerbread, these cookies are made with honey and spices and are decorated with white sugar icing. This recipe is an adaptation from Nora Papp’s recipe, who is the creator and editor of Wise Lady, a [...]
Fritule is a traditional Croatian pastry that is most commonly made for Christmas. Although very similar to a doughnut these fluffy pastries are actually much smaller in size and are shaped into round balls. In this recipe, sour cream and grated apples are used to give it a richer taste. They make an excellent accompaniment to [...]
During the colder months in Eastern Europe, its common to find soups made from vegetables such as cauliflower, as it tolerates frost well and can be stored for a long time. This version of cauliflower soup includes paprika which gives it a nice flavor. Although, every family has their own version, my grandmother cooked cauliflower soup with paprika, [...]
A new project by Israeli-Hungarian food writer Ofer Vardi offers up his Grandma’s cuisine, but not in a traditional cookbook format. “Going Paprikash” is a new app for iphone and ipad users that features 120 Kosher Hungarian recipes. The app includes photos, personal stories, a streamlined search engine, shopping lists, a timer for cooking and baking, and [...]
Fruit soups are a very common dish in Hungary and Romania. This savory soup is meant to be served hot with a side of crusty bread. Ingredients 1 potato 3 medium carrots 2 celery sticks 1 green pepper, seeded 2 tomatoes 3 tbsp butter 10 cups (2 1/2 litres) chicken stock 6 green apples, peeled and finely chopped [...]
Pflaumenkuchen is a very popular plum cake in Germany. It makes an excellent dessert with coffee or tea. Ingredients Cake 1 cup (200 grams) plums, pits removed and sliced into small wedges 1 tsp lemon juice 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsalted butter 1 egg 11/4 cups (150 grams) all-purpose flour Streusel Topping 1/4 cup (55 [...]
Ingredients 6 large potatoes, peeled and shredded 2 eggs, beaten 1 onion, finely chopped 1-2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 cup (115 grams) flour 4 tbsp (50 grams)butter 4 tbsp (50 grams) oil salt and pepper to taste Directions In a large bowl, add the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix in the potatoes, onions, and [...]
Pretzels can easily be made at home. You can shape them into knots or just roll them into sticks. Just don’t forget the mustard and beer! Ingredients Dough 1 cup (250 ml) warm water 1 package (8 grams) active dry yeast 2 3/4 cups (420 grams) bread flour, plus extra for kneading 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature [...]
Chestnut puree also known as gesztenyepüré is very popular throughout Hungary. It is most often made into a sweet dessert with whipped cream, rum, and cherries. A real culinary delight! You may choose to use your own chestnut puree mixture or you can purchase it canned from most grocery stores or farmer’s markets. Ingredients 2 cups (400 grams) fresh chestnut puree or from [...]
Poppy seed filling is used in many foods throughout Central and Eastern Europe including sweet rolls, pancakes, strudels, cakes, tortes, cookies, and breads. Ingredients 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) ground poppy seeds 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk 1/4 cup (50 grams) superfine sugar 6 tbsp (60 grams) raisins 1 tsp grated lemon zest 1 tbsp rum [...]
