If you’re familiar with Serbian culture, then you’ll know the importance of Slava. If you’re unfamiliar, each family celebrates a Patron Saint and on that day an integral part of the ritual is the cutting of the Slavski Kolač, or Slava bread translated. The most important component is definitely the […]
If you know anything about Balkan cuisine, then you know it can definitely be meat-heavy. In fact, some older generations often joke that it’s not a meal unless there’s meat on the table. And even though I enjoy eating meat, I don’t necessarily need to have it for every meal. […]
Sometimes nothing beats an old-fashioned pogača to warm the soul. Soft, pillowy, and in this case stuffed with tasty deli meats and cheeses, this recipe is simple and delicious. Across the Balkans, but especially in Serbia, a pogača is very symbolic. Used in rituals for events like weddings, and baptisms, […]
Notice the absence of an appropriate translation for this recipe. Yeah, I had no idea how to go about even attempting to translate it. It’s not a stew and it’s not a gravy. It’s not a sauce. It’s literally its own thing – a Muckalica! By the way, am I […]
When Fall rolls around, it’s a pumpkin bonanza everywhere you go. Back home, fields are littered with bright pumpkins in various shapes and sizes and it’s quite a sight. I’m from a small village so whenever I’m visiting as summer slowly transitions to fall, all of the preparations for winter […]
There are some cookies that are just staples, and Lešnik Gnezda/Hazelnut Nests are just that. Found on most cookie platters, these are identifiable by their chocolate-filled center (ganache is traditional, Nutella is preferred). They’re so iconic across the region, that I’m surprised I haven’t shared them with you yet! Did […]
Nothing is more refreshing in the summer than not having to slave away next to the stove all day. The simpler the better, preferably with as little cooking as possible. Even better if one cooking session can result in multiple meals that can be stretched for 2-3 days. Today I’m […]
All cuisines have staple, tried and true recipes and the Balkans are no exception. Granted, a lot of our most traditional recipes were heavily influenced by the Ottoman occupation but I guess that’s what happens when a region is occupied for hundreds of years. Šampita, a very familiar sight in […]
When you are served coffee at a Balkan home, you’ll most likely be offered Turkish coffee. It’s the preferred coffee type and is widely consumed across the region. Children are started young, being served Bela Kafa before they’ve even started school and up until they start drinking the real stuff. […]
There’s nothing like waking up to a mountain of Piroske on a warm summer morning back home. Warm, soft, and bursting with feta cheese, these are one of our favorite breakfasts. I remember when my brother and I would go back home for summer break and would grab one of […]
