Spring in the kitchen! (весна на кухне!)

Technically it's dinner time right now and I really should get started... but first, a quick update from the kitchen. It's been so long since the last на кухне post, ой!

With the banishment of winter and the triumphant victory of spring, we're craving lighter, fresher fare. Mangoes, for example. They're bloody expensive at the market but they. are. perfect! Two days ago we had, I kid you not, the best mango ever! And the only one I've ever paid $10 for...

Cheaper than mangoes but equally suited for spring meals- avocados. Here's something quick I threw together one night.

The next dish looks like a hot mess but it was my first ever attempt at enchiladas (except that I went the lazy route and layered the tortillas instead of rolling them up).

Avocado Enchiladas from Fitness Magazine. Btw, does beer normally go in enchilada sauce? Cuz it went in mine!

I like bright colorful meals these days.

The Green Pea Salad with Radishes and Feta from Natasha's Kitchen was a hit with D.

Even pizza should be colorful!

Meanwhile, I wish I could say the craving for sweets is so last season but, haha. no. This sweet tooth is here to stay and there's no better country to indulge in desserts than Ukraine. Go on, tell me these cakes don't look rich!

"black prince" cake and "napoleon" cake from a local bakery

Back in the gloom of Feb/March I was still cooking some heavier meals, like this tasty Mushroom Stroganoff from Green and Lean, an Easy Creamy Curry Chicken and Rice Casserole from food.com, and, to D's great dismay, lots and lots of black beans  :p One thing he does like about the winter, though, is being able to find cranberries at the market. Here is one of his signature dishes-

My fav thing from the holiday season was a sweet, of course!

My dad's traditional holiday fruitcake, delivered safely to Ukraine and shared with some Ukrainian friends.

One more tidbit from the holidays: a half-consumed bottle of New Year's champagne sat in the fridge door for ages. Finally, I did a Google search and came up with the idea of making champagne vinegar. It took over 2 months, but it was a success!

While making the transition from heavy to light foods, we bought a big smoked salmon (about 80 uah) and devoured it over several days.

orzo, marinated zucchini, feta, smoked salmon, topped with dill

breakfast!

leftovers

Also in March, there was another great visit to SushiYa. The bright interior and kaleidoscope of sushi offerings were the perfect antidote to, ugh, March.

Spicy seafood soup, 49 uah

"Hit" set, 219 uah

Now it's even warm enough to enjoy meals on the balcony again!

tea break

started making muesli at home: oatmeal + dried fruits with yogurt or milk

A couple of quick shout-outs:

Wow, Laura, for this amazing edible care package!!!!

The first thing to go was the mac and cheese. When I saw the toxic orange glow of the cheese powder...yum...tastes like America!

Belated birthday package from my mom, including "Quick & Easy Indian Cooking" and that Elijah Wood movie about Ukraine.

Who knows, maybe there will be some Indian meals in the next на кухне! Until then, enjoy the fresh fruits, fresh veggies, and sunshine!