My kitchen smelled divine when I baked kleicha: the irresistible, faint scent of the proofing pastry exploded in the oven and filled the house with the velvety, comforting smell of spices. I thought cinnamon was the ultimate comfort spice, but now, I think, I have to adjust my opinion. Cardamom is beautiful!
When maple syrup is out of reach, this apple, orange and ginger compote is ready to save your morning pancakes.
Introducing strucla makowa, probably the most beloved (if not always realised) cake in Poland, which - if made well - will steal your heart immediately.
Life is all about simple pleasures, isn't it? And what's more pleasurable than some good cheese? Indulge, people!
Did I say I took a few of my babcia's sodzioki, neatly vacuum-packed, to Japan with me once? Yes, I like them that much. Crazy, no?
Did you know that ‘once upon a time, everything baked in an oven that was not bread, was pie’? 'Pie. A Global History' by Janet Clarkson recommends itself for a read.
It takes less than an hour to whip up these little cushion-like dumplings. Served with a bit of melted butter, some sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon, they are a foolproof mood lifter. At least for me.
A story of cocoa beans, Valencian bollet and the Chocolate Factory and Museum in Sueca.
How much is there to know about cod? Quite a lot, it turns out. Cod by Mark Kurlansky recommends itself for a read.
Kluski śląskie are one of the foods that you either love or hate, but in this case, it's down not to the flavour, but texture. A bit gummy, a bit chewy, I have always thought of them as pretty fun: they are quite bouncy for a dumpling!
Bringing edible souvenirs gives one a chance to share a little bit of the journey, allows one to paint a picture of the place and reinforce it with flavour. A story of Džiugas, a famous cheese from Lithuania.
This humble chocolate-layered wafer cake is a staple in many Galician households, loved for both: its flavour and simplicity.
As long as there are people who care enough to commit a good few hours of their time to prepare foods that, apart from sustenance, are there to bring smiles on the faces of their loved ones, the life is worth living.
