Šumadija, the land of fruitful fields and pastures, mountains and valleys, and delicious and hearty food and drink. One of those specialties is Rakija, a fruit brandy, and national drink of Serbia. While it’s not only made in this region (it’s made all over the Balkans), the symbolism and deep-rooted […]
If you’re a fan of Gibanica, then you’re going to appreciate this recipe oh so much. Let’s face it, eating Gibanica can be messy. It’s so much easier to eat when pieces are individually baked or can be pulled apart. Enter Ružice sa Sirom. This recipe was given, or rather […]
I’ll start off by saying this: I’m not a fan of posni kolači/vegan cookies. I like to use milk, eggs, and butter when I make sweets. And I especially love creamy desserts, preferably with fruit, that aren’t too sweet. But sometimes for certain holidays, we make posni kolači, and one […]
Šumadijski Čaj, a winter specialty in Serbia roughly translates to Šumadija Tea…except its not technically tea at all. Oh yes, it’s much much stronger than tea. Also referred to as Grejana Rakija, Šumadijski Čaj is warm plum brandy heated with caramelized sugar and enjoyed piping hot. This traditional drink is […]
During the winter months, sauerkraut or pickled cabbage is consumed regularly in Balkan households. It’s used to make many different traditional dishes such as Sarma, Kiseli Kupus sa Mesom, and Podvarak, a simple sauerkraut baked dish that is accompanied by delicious smoked meats that are also widely available in the […]
With New Year’s Eve just a few days away, I decided to share with you an easy but delicious appetizer to enjoy while counting down the end to this interesting year: Urme u Slanini or Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates. With restrictions in place all over the world, millions of people will […]
When I was little, the “it” cake to make for special occasions was the Panj Torta. I remember at one point in time everyone made this cake, year-round, and for all kinds of occasions. It was the most popular cake and amateur home chefs took time to make sure their […]
During the holiday season, one of my favorite treats is Terry’s Chocolate Orange. If you’ve never had one and enjoy the combination of chocolate and orange you’re seriously missing out. I usually buy a couple and enjoy them during the holiday season. Orange is definitely my favorite flavor combination with […]
A few years ago, I had Sarma sa Orasima for the first time. I really enjoyed it but never got around to asking the host for the recipe. Since then, I’ve made regular sarma with meat, but with the winter chill definitely settling in and with Christmas just around the […]
When a special occasion or holiday rolls around, Balkan families prepare a pogača, a savory yeasted bread made with milk, eggs, and lots of butter or margarine. A pogača also plays a key part in ceremonies such as weddings, christenings, and the birth of children. A pogača is presented as […]
