Cinnamon sticks

Apple sbiten with black currant is a fragrant hot drink rooted in ancient Russian traditions of warming infusions. Its deep fruity flavor, complemented by spicy ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, envelops you in coziness and warmth. Black currant adds a slight tartness while mint brings fresh notes. Honey softens the rich flavors, creating a balance between sweetness and spices. This sbiten not only warms in cold weather but also boosts immunity thanks to its natural ingredients. It can be served as a cozy evening drink or as part of traditional Russian feasts. The deep, rich, and slightly tart taste of this sbiten is a true delight for lovers of hot fruit infusions.

The recipe is taken from the magazine "Culinary Workshop".

Recipe taken from the magazine "Culinary Workshop".

Pastrami from tongue is a true masterpiece of Romanian cuisine, combining the tenderness of veal tongue with a deep aroma of spices. Historically, pastrami originated in Eastern European and Balkan traditions of preparing meat delicacies, where salting and smoking served as a way to preserve products. This dish captivates with its rich flavor: sweet notes of honey and sugar balance the spiciness of coriander, pepper, and cinnamon, while smoking on alder chips adds a soft woody smoke. The finished tongue impresses with its silky texture and richness of taste, perfectly complementing a meat platter or becoming the star of a sandwich with mustard and rye bread. This exquisite treat is for true connoisseurs of gastronomic mastery.

Pancakes with apples and rum-soaked raisins are a refined dish of Russian cuisine that embodies the coziness and warmth of home gatherings. Delicate thin pancakes envelop a fragrant filling of caramelized apples infused with a hint of rum and the sweetness of raisins. A light spiciness of cinnamon accentuates the fruity notes, creating an exquisite balance of flavors. The history of this recipe traces back to ancient Russian traditions when pancakes were considered symbols of the sun and prosperity. This dish is perfect for both festive breakfasts and cozy family tea times. Serving it with sour cream or airy whipped cream makes it even more tempting, with each bite being a true gastronomic delight.

Carrot cake is the embodiment of tenderness and coziness, a dessert with a rich flavor and expressive aroma. Its history begins in Europe, where carrot was used as a natural sweetener. Moist, fragrant layers soaked in the rich taste of spices, walnuts, and orange zest harmoniously blend with airy cream made from cream and cream cheese. This treat not only delights with its delicate texture but also offers a light spicy note of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Carrot cake is versatile: it is perfect for family tea gatherings, celebrations or cozy evenings. Its decoration—crumbled nuts, cinnamon sticks and orange slices—makes it not only delicious but also aesthetically appealing.

Recipe from Yuri Goloperov, chef of the Lark Café restaurant.

Recipe from Max Bradarsky, head bartender of the Russian Pub.

Mulled wine with honeysuckle and orange is a fragrant warming drink from German cuisine, perfect for cold evenings. This recipe combines the richness of red wine with spicy notes of ginger, cinnamon, anise, and clove, while honeysuckle adds a delicate fruity tartness. Orange juice adds a light citrus freshness, and honey softens the taste, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and spices. Mulled wine is prepared by simmering the ingredients over low heat, allowing all the aromas and flavors to unfold. It is best served hot while enjoying the rich bouquet of spices. This drink not only warms the body but also creates a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of Christmas traditions in Europe where mulled wine is an essential attribute of winter holidays.

Mulled wine with apples and oranges is a cozy winter drink that comes from German cuisine. Its history dates back to medieval Europe, where spiced hot wine was used for warming during the cold season. This version of the drink features fresh fruits, making its taste softer and richer. The aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise intertwines with the citrus notes of orange and the sweetness of apple, creating a warming and invigorating effect. Mulled wine is perfect for cozy home evenings, winter holidays, and friendly gatherings. It not only warms but also fills the atmosphere with the scents of a winter fairy tale. It is served hot in glass cups or mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange.

A recipe from Eduard Pynzaru, head bartender of the Lark Café restaurant. This liqueur made according to the author's recipe has a fresh and spicy aroma. The bright taste of the drink with the characteristic spiciness of horseradish, the freshness of celery, the sourness of lemon, with a warming hint of cinnamon and a light sweetness of honey, which ennobles the whole bouquet.

Pumpkin with orange is a harmonious blend of the sweetness of pumpkin and the bright citrus freshness of orange, complemented by spicy notes of cinnamon, clove, and allspice. This recipe has roots in Russian cuisine, where the combination of natural flavors and health benefits is traditionally valued. Cooked in aromatic syrup, the pumpkin becomes soft yet retains its shape while being filled with the tartness of citrus and a light acidity from apple cider vinegar. This appetizer perfectly complements winter tea gatherings and is great as a dessert or side dish for meat. Jars of this delicacy can be stored for a long time, allowing enjoyment of the autumn harvest's flavor year-round.

Peruvian donuts made from sweet potato and pumpkin are a magical combination of tender dough and aromatic syrup. This traditional dessert, known as 'Picarones', originated during the colonial era when local ingredients were mixed with Spanish traditions. Its unique flavor—a soft sweetness of sweet potato and pumpkin complemented by warm notes of anise, cinnamon, and clove—makes it a beloved treat. Golden, crispy on the outside and airy on the inside, the donuts are dipped in a thick spiced syrup rich in cane sugar and citrus notes. They are enjoyed hot, savoring the contrast of textures and richness of flavor. They are perfect for cozy evenings and festive gatherings, filling the home with warmth and aromas of Peru.

Pickled grapes are an exquisite blend of sweetness and spicy notes that unfold on winter evenings, offering comfort and warmth. This recipe comes from Russian cuisine, where the art of preservation has always been an important part of culinary traditions. Cinnamon, anise, ginger, and chili pepper give the grapes a piquant aroma and deep flavor, creating a perfect balance between sweet and spicy. White wine vinegar and red wine enhance the fruity freshness, making pickled grapes not only a great addition to meat and cheese dishes but also an original ingredient for salads and appetizers. This preparation will be a true decoration of the festive table.

Pork with plums is an exquisite dish of Pan-Asian cuisine that combines the sweetness of fruits, the spiciness of spices, and the tenderness of meat flavor. The origins of this recipe trace back to Eastern gastronomy traditions where meat is often cooked with fruits to create complex and rich flavor combinations. The aroma of anise, cinnamon, and ginger fills the dish with warmth and depth while rice wine and soy sauce provide a refined balance of sweet and salty. Long baking makes the pork incredibly tender, and the plums added at the end infuse the meat with rich fruit juice giving it a slight tanginess. This dish should be served in a deep plate generously drizzled with aromatic sauce—an ideal treat for a festive dinner or a cozy family evening.