Ukrainian Christmas is just around the corner – January 7 to be exact. My love of cooking, and ultimately this blog, was inspired by the two ladies that are in the photo above with me (I’m the one in the middle). The one on the left is Claudia, and the one on the right is my Baba, Claudia’s Mom. And yes, we’re wearing the same sweater but in different colours. This photo was taken almost 10 years ago on Christmas Eve. It is one of my favourite photos in the world. Claudia and Baba were cooking up a Ukrainian food storm in the kitchen and I was trying my best not to get in their way – hence why they are wearing the aprons and I’m not. Food, especially Ukrainian food, is such a big part of my life. A lot of the memories I have of growing up or the holidays has to do with Claudia and Baba cooking in the kitchen.
It gives me great pleasure that the most popular recipes on this blog are the ones that are Ukrainian. I also love hearing all the stories and comments that you, my followers, post here about your childhoods and how these recipes remind you of your family. It really does bring me to tears at times because this was truly a huge part of why I started this blog.
After a long and tough fight, we lost Baba this week. She was by far the strongest lady I have ever met in my entire life and I will miss her dearly. She left behind a legacy of love, humour, and most of all – zest for life and cooking. This post is dedicated to her and the delicious Ukrainian dishes she passed on to Claudia and to me.
Nothing beats Holopchi. I mean, nothing. They are the most amazing comfort food ever. Rice, ground beef, and onions all wrapped up in a cabbage leaf. Cabbage is healthy, right?
Find the recipe on our blog here —–> Cabbage Rolls
My Baba used to stand in her kitchen and make dozens upon dozens of perogies in one day for coworkers, family and friends. Claudia makes a ton of different fillings for perogies. Some of our favourites are potato and cheese, sauerkraut, prune and raisin. Blueberry is also amazing as well.
Find the recipe on our blog here —–> Perogies
I actually eat more Borscht in the summer months than I do any other time of the year. Reason? Garden fresh beets make the most amazing Borscht in the world. I am so thankful for my parents huge garden in Saskatchewan where they plant tons of beets for this delicious soup.
Find the recipe on our blog here —–> Borscht
Dill, cheese and butter. I don’t think I need to say anything else. Nalysnyky is rich, savoury and dreamy. This was my very first recipe post on this blog! Again, total comfort food.
Find the recipe on our blog here —–> Nalysnyky
The attachment that I have to Kutia is not because I love it. I actually don’t like it at all. It’s because my entire family adore this dish and rub it in my face every Christmas. Guilt trip central. I get such a kick out of it. This dish is very traditional and different. It’s almost like a sweet grain pudding. Tradition is that you eat this first before your other courses on Christmas.
Find the recipe on our blog here —–> Kutia
Pyrizhky are little balls of sunshine to me. The dough is so incredibly soft, and the sauerkraut has just the right amount of tang to cut the richness of the dough. I could eat a plateful of these any day of the week. They’re very addicting.
Find the recipe on our blog here —–> Pyrizhky
Enjoy and Kristos Razdayetsya!
9 Comments on Ukrainian Christmas 2014…And a Tribute to Baba
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Sabrina
January 16, 2014 at 3:29 PM (11 years ago)Wow… I have never tried one single thing in these pictures!!! Its amazing how different things are from place to place! You are so companionate about them that I for sure feel like I’m missing out!!! If I had to try one.. What one would be the best way to represent your families version of comfort food? – thanks Sabrina
Claudia's Cookbook
January 16, 2014 at 4:36 PM (11 years ago)Hi Sabrina! Oh my that’s a tough question. I honestly think if you had to try just one, it would be the perogies. Cheddar and potato is the classic filling! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 🙂
Kayla
January 18, 2014 at 4:12 PM (11 years ago)Omg ur so amazing and it would mean the world to me if u commented back but I was wondering if u can post a picture of kompote with a recipe or add some recipes
Claudia's Cookbook
January 20, 2014 at 10:00 AM (11 years ago)Hi Kayla! I’m actually not familiar with kompote? Can you describe it at all?
Tanya
October 11, 2017 at 3:54 PM (7 years ago)Kompot is a home made juice from boiled fresh fruit, such as apples, pears, berries etc.
Kayla
January 18, 2014 at 4:12 PM (11 years ago)Omg ur so amazing and it would mean the world to me if u commented back but I was wondering if u can post a picture of kompote with a recipe or add some recipes
Victor Pluznyk
March 30, 2015 at 1:18 PM (10 years ago)I love this page, makes me sooooo hungry!
Deanna
November 6, 2016 at 12:00 PM (8 years ago)I do not know how I came across your website but for me it is like home. I am Ukrainian, both sides, and had to learn how to make perogies and cabbage rolls on my own. My mother passed away only when I was learning how to cook and everyone in my family enjoys my perogies and cabbage rolls. I didn’t find a good recipe for borscht till I came across yours. It is just like my mother used to make. I am serving this dish on Christmas Eve. As I am married to a Frenchman I’ve learned to make Tourtiere the way his family made it so after Church, we have Borscht and Tourtiere and it works out well.
Claudia's Cookbook
November 13, 2016 at 7:06 PM (8 years ago)Thank you so much, Deanna! I’m so happy it reminds you of your family and your Mother’s recipes. That means so much. I’d love Tourtiere and should make it myself one day soon!