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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

Recipe from Alexander Anoshkin, chef of Lark Café.

Pizza dough is the base of a classic Italian dish originating from Naples, where thin flatbreads with toppings were first made. It has a soft, elastic texture that turns into a crispy crust with a tender airy center after baking. The light sweetness of sugar enhances the rich flavor, while vegetable oil makes the dough more elastic. This dough is perfect for making pizza, whether it's traditional 'Margherita' or more exotic variations. It is also used in making calzones or focaccia. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it accessible, and the preparation process is engaging and creative, allowing everyone to feel like a true master of Italian cuisine.

Chicken pancakes made from beetroot and oats are a vibrant and healthy dish of Russian cuisine, combining the tenderness of chicken mince with the natural sweetness of beets. Oats add softness and richness to the pancakes, making them nutritious and filling. Historically, such dishes emerged as a way to maximize the use of available ingredients, creating tasty and balanced recipes. The pancakes turn out golden brown, aromatic, and have a pleasant texture. They can be served as a standalone dish with sauces or sides. A great option for those seeking a healthy alternative to traditional meat patties.

Tuna pies have a tender dough, airy inside with a crispy crust and juicy filling where the rich taste of tuna perfectly combines with the spiciness of onion and creaminess of cheese with mayonnaise. This recipe comes from Russian cuisine, where hearty and aromatic homemade pies are traditionally valued. It is based on yeast dough made with kefir, giving the pastry softness and lightness. The uniqueness of these pies is their versatility: they are suitable for both festive tables and cozy family dinners. They can be served hot, complemented with greens or a light salad. Due to their balanced flavor, such pies will appeal to lovers of simple and heartfelt home cooking.

Blueberry muffins are a delicate and aromatic treat that comes from Russian cuisine and captivates hearts with their delightful taste. The lightness of the batter, enriched with butter and sour cream, combines with the refreshing tartness of blueberries and subtle citrus notes of lemon zest. During baking, the berries turn into small islands of sweet juicy flavor, creating a contrast with the airy texture of the muffins. These muffins are perfect for a cozy tea time or breakfast, and their appetizing aroma wafting through the kitchen awakens the desire to try them as soon as possible. They provide a sense of warmth and home comfort, reminiscent of classic recipes passed down through generations.

Chef Ilya Cherkashin shared a recipe from the Saviv restaurant menu with us.

Recipe by Andrey Zhdanov, chef of the Modus restaurant.

IKEA's meatballs with mashed potatoes are a classic dish of Swedish cuisine, symbolizing home comfort and warm family gatherings. It originates from traditional Scandinavian recipes but became globally popular thanks to IKEA's restaurant menu. Tender meatballs made with onions, cream, and spices are fried until golden brown and then baked to retain juiciness. They are complemented by velvety mashed potatoes with cream, while a refined sauce based on meat juice adds a rich flavor with a hint of creaminess. This combination transforms simple food into a gastronomic delight. Served with cranberry sauce or pickled vegetables, it adds a balance of sweetness and acidity, making each forkful truly delightful.

Recipe from the Moscow Georgian Cuisine Restaurant "Ojakhuri.

The recipe is taken from the book "Geography to taste. Latvia" by Nika Ganich. For vegetarians, you can replace the pork cheek with mushrooms and the butter with vegetable oil.

There aren't many soups in Italian cuisine, and those that do exist usually compete with pasta for the right to be the first dish on the table, and most often lose to pasta. "Thunder and Lightning" is one of those soups that Italians themselves love , it contains both beans and pasta, so there's nothing to compete for. Don't get the wrong idea, the name doesn't come from the consequences that legumes can cause in the stomach. On the contrary, it's a very nutritious and almost lulling dish. There is a version that the recipe has Jewish roots, but the Italians have long appropriated it and made it their own to such an extent that "Thunder and Lightning" is packed in tin cans and sold to go, just like Cambell's in America.

Recipe from Nino Graziano, chef of the Semifredo restaurant.

Fluffy fried syrniki are a true delight of Russian cuisine, easy to prepare yet surprisingly delicious. Their roots trace back to the traditions of village breakfasts when housewives made tender cottage cheese pancakes for the whole family. Syrniki have a soft, slightly moist texture inside with a crispy golden crust outside. The sweet taste of cottage cheese, accented by a light vanilla note, pairs perfectly with jam, sour cream, or honey. These aromatic syrniki are not only great for morning tea but can also serve as an excellent dessert or light snack throughout the day. Their main advantage is simplicity and versatility: they cook quickly and always delight with their softness and rich creamy flavor.

Recipe by Vadim Kurnavkin, pastry chef of the restaurant "Dr. Zhivago".