About

I learned to cook at Mama’s elbow, studying every step with determination to replicate. She was young, adventurous and full of energy. She was always on the lookout for new recipes and, come to think of it, still is! I definitely followed in her foot steps and haven’t outgrown my fascination with cooking.

Growing up in Belarus (a small country that used to be part of the Soviet Union, located near Poland,Ukraine), I was first introduced to the Eastern European kitchen. We moved to America when I was six and since then, we have grown to enjoy many other cuisines. As the oldest of six, I certainly had many opportunities to practice.

Today, I try out all my new creations on my husband, Sergi. He hasn’t ever been adventurous with food. In fact, he ate the same exact “charbroiled chicken sandwich with tomato and provolone cheese” for lunch for several years, without getting tired of it. He is very supportive and has grown to enjoy and even look forward to trying new meals. Something that most people don’t know, is that Sergi finished pastry school in Belarus. He is a phenomenal cake decorator. Most of the cakes featured here will be decorated by Sergi. If you see simple chocolate shavings on top of a cake, it’s probably me:).    

My favorite way to cook is to use fundamental cooking techniques to cook favorite family recipes and classic recipes, putting my twist to them. I read cookbooks like novels and love new challenges. Join me in my small, Floridian apartment kitchen, as I cook up all our Slavic favorites along with so many other cuisines that are just as wonderful.

I would love to hear from you, so feel free to leave comments and ask questions.