Ground ginger

Just imagine a Maslenitsa table decorated with lacy pancakes that look like lace napkins, each piece of which literally melts in your mouth. And the apple-lingonberry sauce adds a bright, refreshing taste. The author is Alena Kovalenko, the owner of the <a href='https://ok.ru/mamacookok' target='_blank' style='color:blu

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

Recipe taken from the magazine "Culinary practical course".

The recipe was shared with us by the chef of the Modus restaurant Andrey Zhdanov.

Oven-baked croutons from white bread with spices are a simple yet incredibly tasty European recipe that perfectly complements soups or serves as a great snack. The history of croutons dates back centuries when people began seeking ways to preserve bread longer. Cubed pieces of white bread soaked in aromatic spices—paprika, ginger, a mix of ground peppers, and salt—acquire an appetizing crispy texture after baking. Adding vegetable oil gives them a golden hue and rich flavor. They pair perfectly with hot dishes and can also be a great addition to beer or light snacks. Their crunch, rich spicy notes, and warm aroma make them a beloved treat that is easy to prepare and enjoyable to savor.

Duck breast with mandarin chutney is an exquisite dish of European cuisine that combines the rich flavor of duck meat with a delicate sweet-sour citrus note. Duck roasted in its own fat with a sprig of aromatic rosemary acquires a crispy crust and juicy texture. The mandarin chutney with a spicy hint of ginger adds brightness and pleasant sweetness. Historically, fruits were often used in European dishes to balance the richness of meat, and this recipe is a great example of such harmony. It is best served with a light garnish, such as fresh green salads or root vegetable puree. This dish is perfect for a festive dinner or romantic evening, turning the meal into a gastronomic delight.

Juicy duck breast is an exquisite dish reflecting the skill of the recipe's author. The duck, tender inside and crispy outside, gains a special flavor from aromatic rosemary, garlic, and pickled green pepper. First, the skin of the duck is scored to allow the fat to render evenly, filling the dish with a rich aroma. Searing in a dry hot pan gives a golden crust while butter with ground ginger adds depth to the flavor. The final roasting in the oven completes the symphony of textures, turning the meat into a culinary masterpiece. It pairs perfectly with berry sauces or fragrant sides. The dish is served in thick slices, conveying rich taste and warmth of home cooking.

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.

Gingerbread cookies are one of the coziest and most aromatic treats in European cuisine. Its history dates back to medieval Europe, where spices brought from Eastern countries became the basis for sweet pastries. The rich flavor of the cookies is created by the combination of honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, which adds a slight spiciness. These cookies not only delight with their spicy taste but are also perfect for decorating with icing, turning each piece into a small culinary masterpiece. They are most often made during winter holidays as the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the home with warmth and coziness. They pair well with tea or hot chocolate, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and enjoyment.

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

Pumpkin roll is an autumn treat that fills the home with the aromas of spices and warming pumpkin. This dessert, originating from Russian cuisine, combines the softness of airy sponge cake with the tenderness of cream cheese frosting. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom adds depth to the flavor, making it cozy and slightly spicy. Pumpkin puree gives the dough juiciness and natural sweetness, while the cream cheese frosting creates a pleasant contrast, offering tenderness in every bite. After cooling, the roll achieves a perfect texture that allows for enjoyment of a balanced combination of sweetness and spicy notes. Ideal for cozy family evenings, festive gatherings, and those who appreciate classic homemade desserts with a touch of seasonal inspiration.

Fish under marinade is a classic dish of Soviet cuisine that combines tender cod fillet with a rich sweet-and-sour marinade. Its origin is linked to the tradition of preserving food by covering fish with a fragrant vegetable sauce to enhance flavor and improve storage. Fried fish absorbs the marinade, which blends the sweetness of jam, the acidity of tomato paste, and the spicy aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. The result is a balanced dish with depth of flavor that can be served hot or cold. It pairs perfectly with rice or mashed potatoes, revealing a full range of tastes. This is not just a fish dish but a true memory of past feasts filled with the warmth of home dinners.

Pumpkin muffins with filling are a cozy treat from American cuisine that combines the tender texture of airy dough with the rich flavor of pumpkin and spices. The origins of this dessert trace back to autumn traditions when pumpkin becomes the main ingredient in baking. The muffins are complemented by a creamy filling based on cream cheese with a light lemon hint that adds freshness. Nuts and seeds add a crunchy texture, making each bite special. These muffins are perfect for a cozy tea time on cool evenings, and their rich aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom creates an atmosphere of home warmth. They can be served with coffee or tea, enjoying the harmony of flavors and the contrast of soft pastry with velvety filling.

The recipe is taken from the book "Holiday salads and appetizers. Very simple.

The recipe is taken from the book "Holiday salads and appetizers. Very simple.