Vanilice (pronounced va-nee-lee-tseh) are the kind of cookies that instantly transport you to someone's grandma’s kitchen. These tiny, tender Serbian sandwich cookies are traditionally served around the holidays, but once you taste them, you’ll want to make them year-round. This particular version—filled with rich, slightly tart chokecherry jam—is a cozy twist on the classic, bringing […]
There's something timeless and comforting about traditional red currant kisel, a dish that’s been passed down through generations across Eastern Europe and Russia. Somewhere between a silky fruit soup and a light jelly, this nostalgic dessert balances tartness and sweetness with a stunning crimson hue that makes it as beautiful as it is delicious. If […]
There’s something about the aroma of citrus and berries swirling through a warm kitchen that makes it truly feel like the holiday season. This Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake with Glaze is a cozy, citrusy, and tangy-sweet delight that deserves a front-row seat on your dessert table this Christmas. Bursting with tart cranberries and bright orange […]
If you’re anything like me, holiday baking kicks into high gear the moment the calendar hits November. Among the many Christmas food ideas that rotate through my kitchen, these chewy, buttery cranberry white chocolate blondies have earned a permanent spot on my list of easy Christmas desserts. They're everything you want in a holiday sweet […]
If you’ve ever craved dumplings but didn’t want to roll out dough, fill, pinch, and fold like you're prepping for a dumpling-making marathon, Russian lazy dumplings might just become your new favorite comfort food. These dumplings—called "lenivye vareniki" in Russian—are essentially a pillowy soft mix of ricotta (or cottage cheese), eggs, semolina, and flour, gently […]
If you're craving a dessert that captures the warmth and richness of old-world baking, the Traditional Russian Hazelnut Layer Cake is a must-try. This is not just a cake—it's a celebration. With layers of airy hazelnut sponge, delicately sweetened cream, and the unmistakable aroma of roasted nuts, it stands tall as a shining example of […]
When the scent of warm spices and citrus begins to waft through your kitchen, you know the holidays have truly arrived. These Orange Cardamom Shortbread Cookies are everything you want in a Christmas treat—fragrant, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. The delicate floral notes of cardamom paired with the brightness of orange zest […]
There’s something irresistibly cozy about baking during the holidays, and this Chocolate Hazelnut Tart with Toasted Nuts is exactly the kind of dessert that feels luxurious yet homey. This tart brings together a buttery crust, a rich chocolate ganache filling, and a crown of toasted hazelnuts and almonds. It’s the kind of treat that disappears […]
There’s something incredibly nostalgic and cozy about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking during the holidays—like the sweet hug of a warm kitchen on a frosty morning. But when you take those cinnamon rolls and turn them into a rich, custardy bread pudding topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze? You've created something that’s not […]
Few things say “Christmas is here” quite like a tray full of tender, melt-in-your-mouth almond snowball cookies blanketed in powdered sugar. These little snow-dusted gems are a nostalgic favorite in many households, and for good reason—they’re simple, elegant, and pack a rich almond flavor with a delightfully crumbly texture. Whether you're planning your lineup of […]
