I don't have a recipe for these cookies that I made with Andrei's mom in Belarus, as I was too busy deciphering Russian--trying to decide if she was talking about child-rearing or a visit to the dentist. Nonetheless, they were delicious and gave us a reason to tinker in the kitchen together. What I can say is that they contain flour, margarine (I think?), a pinch of salt, and tvorg (Russian cottage cheese). They're light and tasty, especially with tea and a bit of jam.
I wasn't having tea with the Queen, but I was having tea with a woman who comes from a line of Russian aristocracy, and who gave Andrei and I two silver spoons for our apartment--with strict orders to use them every day because "every day is a celebration."
These cookies are the perfect thing to have with this sort of woman, while she tells you why "we" is the best word, why a woman needs to take good care of herself first before she can take good care of her family, and why Jackie O. is her favorite American. A pair of gloves she gave me (roughly this color) sealed the deal. This is a start to a long (and colorful!) friendship.
So here's to Belarus--its thick dairy, bountiful sunflowers, gentle sunlight, and for being a place to look forward to visiting often.
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5 comments:
Very interesting!
What a sweet picture, Melinda! You guys look like you belong together. I'm so happy you had such an amazing trip (and with such amazing cookies to boot)!
I just stumbled upon your blog and I'm smiling as I tink about this post. So fun that you went on a trip. So fun to hear "advice" from a different culture :) I know the feeling.
Maddie, funny thing is - they look pretty similar to my own parents who are of Scandinavian stock!
Damaris, I love getting 'advice' from older women, especially from other countries. Sometimes it seems to feel just as good for them to give it as for us to receive it. Life's funny like that, huh?
Lovely, it's just so sweet to meet lovely people :D
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