Shelled hazelnuts

The recipe was shared with us by Khatuna Kolbaya, owner of Saperavi Cafe.

Recipe from Saperavi Café chef Irakli Dondua.

Lenten apple strudel with cranberry is a true embodiment of Russian culinary tradition, combining simplicity and sophistication of taste. The light, airy filo dough gently envelops the fragrant fruit filling, where the sweetness of apples intertwines with the tartness of cranberries and subtle notes of nuts. Breadcrumbs add a pleasant texture, while raisins bring natural sweetness that perfectly balances the flavor. This strudel is ideal for a lenten menu, preserving richness and depth of flavors without using animal products. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of warm tea or herbal infusion, creating a cozy atmosphere of home hospitality. This dessert is not just a treat but a piece of history reflecting the love of Russian cuisine for natural ingredients and harmonious combinations.

Dietary muffins are a delicate treat from American cuisine designed for those who watch their diet but don't want to miss out on pleasure. The recipe is based on oats and cottage cheese, making the baked goods not only tasty but also healthy. Spicy notes of cinnamon and ginger give the muffins a warm aroma, while dried apricots and hazelnuts add light sweetness and a crunchy texture. These muffins are perfect for morning coffee, a light snack, or cozy tea time. Their softness, rich flavor, and tender structure make every morning special. Try them fresh from the oven to experience the full depth of flavors and textures!

Oatmeal with cinnamon and dried fruits is a warm, cozy breakfast that fills the morning with the aroma of spices and the natural sweetness of fruits. The origins of this dish trace back to American kitchens where oatmeal holds an important place as a source of energy and benefits. Cinnamon adds a warming, slightly spicy flavor to the mix, while dried fruits contribute notes of sweetness and textural variety. The overnight soaking makes the oats soft, and honey adds a light caramel depth. The dish is finished off with the crunch of hazelnuts, making it even richer. This breakfast is perfect for a lively start to the day, energizing you and providing a moment of morning harmony.

Farro spaghetti with mushrooms and hazelnuts is a refined dish of Italian cuisine that harmoniously combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms, the nutty richness of hazelnuts, and the light acidity of lemon zest. Spaghetti made from the ancient farro wheat has a unique texture and depth of flavor. The nut sauce based on hazelnuts and vegetable broth adds creaminess to the dish, while white wine contributes a sophisticated aroma. This recipe is a true delight for lovers of natural ingredients and rich flavor combinations. Perfect for a cozy dinner accompanied by a glass of white wine. Garnished with grated hazelnuts and fresh lemon zest, it offers warm and rich notes with every bite.

Pancakes with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds are a fragrant treat that embodies the warmth of home cooking. This recipe, inspired by Russian traditions, combines crunchy seeds, the tender texture of oat flour, and the sweetness of dried fruits. The pancakes require no oil when frying, making them lighter and healthier. They are perfect for breakfast or a cozy family tea time. Spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla fill them with a deep flavor that pairs wonderfully with honey or sour cream. Thanks to the nuts and fiber, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing energy and good mood. Historically, such recipes were often prepared in rural homes where simple yet rich flavors of nature were cherished.

Apple and hazelnut pancakes are a delicate treat born from European culinary tradition, where cozy home recipes were passed down through generations. Crunchy hazelnuts add a refined nutty note to the texture, while apples provide fresh fruity sweetness. These pancakes have an airy and soft structure thanks to buttermilk, making the batter especially tender. They are traditionally served with maple syrup, enhancing their caramel undertone. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast or a cozy family tea time, they can be served as a standalone dessert or complemented with a spoonful of yogurt and a handful of fresh berries. This recipe highlights the balance between rich nutty flavor and light fruity freshness, making each serving a delight.

Baci di Dama is a delicate Italian cookie whose name translates to 'lady's kiss.' This dessert originated in the Piedmont region and has become a symbol of sophistication and exquisite taste. Two fragile halves made from a mixture of hazelnuts and rice flour are joined by a drop of dark chocolate, creating a perfect blend of texture and aroma. The light sweetness of the dough and rich chocolate accent make it a favorite treat with tea or coffee. Due to its miniature shape and elegant appearance, baci di dama is often served at formal events or as a gastronomic gift. Each cookie offers tenderness and warmth, like a small kiss that lingers on the lips after the first bite.

Semifreddo with hazelnuts and chocolate is an elegant Italian dessert that combines an airy creamy texture with the rich flavor of nuts and chocolate. Its history begins in traditional Italian cuisine, where semifreddo means 'half-frozen' — a refined alternative to classic ice cream. This dessert delights with layers: creamy hazelnut, soft chocolate-hazelnut mousse, aromatic Nutella, and whole crunchy hazelnuts. The tenderness of whipped cream and egg whites creates lightness, while nutty-chocolate notes fill the flavor with depth. Semifreddo is served chilled and sliced, allowing for a play of textures — from melting softness to pleasant crunchiness. A wonderful choice for gourmets and lovers of exquisite desserts!

Lazy ice cream cake with hazelnuts and red currants is a refined dessert that combines the tenderness of ice cream, the nutty crunchiness, and the sweet-sour freshness of currants. This dessert likely emerged in search of a quick yet impressive treat where simple ingredients transform into a sophisticated delicacy. The crunchy hazelnuts create a strong base contrasting with the soft texture of the ice cream, while the red currants add bright notes beautifully woven into the overall pattern. Such a dessert is perfect for summer evenings, festive dinners, or simply for those who want to indulge in something special. Easy to prepare yet elegant in appearance, it becomes a centerpiece on any table.

Banana muffins with chocolate spread and hazelnuts are a delicate treat from American cuisine, where sweet and nutty flavors are loved. Bananas provide natural sweetness and softness to the batter, while Nutella® and hazelnuts add rich chocolate-nutty notes, creating an exquisite balance of flavors. The muffins have an airy texture, slight moisture, and a vanilla aroma. They are perfect for morning coffee, family tea times, or cozy evenings. Their simplicity makes them a favorite recipe even for cooking beginners. They can be served warm when the chocolate spread slightly melts, enhancing the tenderness of each bite. This recipe is a true delight for banana and chocolate lovers!

A high-calorie dessert with nuts and dried fruits that requires eaters to have a sense of proportion. The composition of nuts and dried fruits can be varied.

The origin of the Italian Christmas gingerbread is also associated with a beautiful legend that one of the Magi brought figs and almonds as a gift to the baby Jesus, and this combination formed the basis of the recipe. The most famous panforte is made in Siena and sold before the holiday in the central square Piazza del Campo, which is round like the gingerbread itself. Traditional Sienese panforte must contain 17 ingredients, including nuts, dried fruits, honey, zest, and spices. Hence the name - "pan forte", rich or "strong" bread. This gingerbread is quite hard to the tooth - it has little flour, but a lot of honey syrup, which turns into caramel. But there is also a "female" version - panforte della dame - more tender due to the presence of chocolate.

Chocolate semolina porridge with banana mousse is a refined combination of tenderness and rich flavor. This dessert, based on traditional Russian semolina porridge, takes on a new form with the addition of Nutella paste, creating a velvety chocolate texture. The banana mousse with a hint of lemon juice and airy cream adds freshness and contrast, while crunchy hazelnuts provide an exquisite touch. The dish is perfect for a cozy breakfast or an elegant dessert, delighting with a pleasant balance of sweetness and creamy softness.