Mlyntsi (Ukrainian thin pancakes) with Citrus Curd

No doubt that you have eaten a lot of fancy desserts in your life, but when I will ask you to name your favourite, I am almost sure it will be something from your childhood.  I have checked this theory not once,  and it works.

So, you must have guessed by now that my childhood wouldn't have been fully happy without mlyntsi. Kidding of course, but to be honest, mlyntsi were (and still are) the most respected dessert in our family. Mlyntsi are well known traditional food in Ukraine, which are similar to French-style crepes.  Our cuisine is pretty simple, it involves anything our ancestors had near at hand. Milk, eggs, butter and flour are exactly the foodstuffs that could be found in any home.

Star Anise, Cardamom & Cinnamon Buns

These buns were an experiment that turned out to be a revolution of flavours! I was planing for a long time to bake classic cinnamon rolls. But then one morning has changed my plans. We went to the Christmas fair and by pure accident (don't believe it!))) found ourselves by the desk with spices. There were all spices I know and even more of those that are still unfamiliar. Do I have to tell you what happened next? ;) I tried to keep myself in hand (and I did pretty well!), however I left the fair very cheered up . And the reason for that wasn't just the best mulled wine I have ever had that day (shh.... it might)).

Later that day when I got home, I was beyond excited to have a package of spices in my hands and the idea of using them in my head. This is how the recipe was born. For clarity, all of the buns were eaten during 1,5 days!  I think the fact speaks for itself . I wish I could put the smell of anise into photos! The technology hasn't gotten that far, so you have an excuse to make the buns and fill with this incredible smell your kitchen.

Christmas Fruit Cake

Tomorrow we celebrate Christmas! To be honest, I am totally confused with the fact how fast the week after New Year has flown by. Holidays make me lazy, especially after such a difficult term. But one of the pleasures of being on holiday is a freedom to loaf around without feeling guilty. And I do! I do nothing but watching How I met Your Mother day and night. At the moment I am in the middle of the 8th season! I just can not give up, it is only 1 and 1/2 season left (780 minutes, that are equal to 13 more hours of watching))). Hah, crazy, right? Tell me I am not the one crazy like that here!? But I really liked the series - jesting about situations that can happen to each of us in real life. So, for all of you who haven't yet watched this series (or if you just don't know with what to amuse yourself during the holidays), I highly recommend it.

Back to our Fruit Cake. I can't imagine Christmas without this cake. Usually we cook a lot of dishes and they can vary from year to year, but this cake is sort of a tradition. Three weeks before Christmas I bake a fruit cake and let it rest in the fridge, soaking it from time to time with alcohol. Actually I should have written the recipe much earlier, I know. I hope that you will keep it in mind and will be armed with the recipe the next year. 

And also you wouldn't have to worry about what to bake for Christmas, because the cake would be waiting for you in the fridge and you with a safe conscience would loaf away your time. Win/win!

Merry Christmas!!

The last 2014 Post - Chocolate Vanilla Mousse

This year seems to have flown by! I still can not realise that I have to sleep only this one night until New Year's Eve! 

As a rule, ahead of the upcoming year we sum up everything about the previous one. I think I have accomplished even more resolutions than I had planed. Well, if I was told one year ago, that I would become a food blogger...hah..I really never would  have believed it! However, it was the best decision I have ever made! I have told you not even once what a big step it was. Usually my hobbies do not last long, but blogging  became a part of my life, like breathing or eating (naturally!)). This year was all about cooking and I couldn't be happier!  And I am also so much grateful to all of you for reading ! 

Peanut Butter & Date Creamy Hot Cocoa

Tomorrow I am having my last but one exam. But instead of reading up for examinations I am writing this post (it will be short today)). Everyone who celebrate today is busy with setting the table, cooking a Christmas meal and making the last preparations. So, I just want you to take a break for a few minutes and drink a cup of hot cocoa, because what is a winter holiday without a warming drink!)) Especially when it is sugar-free!

And of course I am writing today, because I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas! Let it be full of peace, happiness and love!

(recipe after the jump)

Ginger Molasses Cookies with Candied Orange Peels

Actually we celebrate Christmas on the 7 of January. But with all these crazy awesome Christmas preparations going on around, I've caught a Christmas spirit way earlier than I expected. Seriously, my Instagram feed is just screaming in  my face about gingerbread men, candy canes and gift wrapping ideas! Anyway, it is already a holiday time (even thought it feels like spring outdoors! and I still have examinations until December 27!) . So, I can plunge into it without any feeling of guilt!

Chocolate & Espresso B-Day Cake

Am I the only one so excited about every new cake I make?  I always say that exactly this particular cake is the best I have ever made! There is something magical about making a cake. First of all, cakes are beautiful. Secondly, you never know exactly whether it all will go right. Sometimes it just doesn't work (especially on the stage of making a frosting - I own that frostings are my weak point). But the most thrilling part is assembling. Actually, I never know how my cake will look like. I can picture every detail in my head and live with it for a week. But when the time comes and I begin layering the cake, usually I end up with something completely different. Isn't it magic? Magic of creation.