danielgremme

This is a wonderful story about an immigrant family and their blending into America, their close relationships with their neighbors and the love that comes from a close extended family. I love that the building in which Catherine lives is a virtual melting pot and an interesting mix of the cultures who settled in her area. I also love the idea of a No Present birthday, where Grandma Catherine is given presents of a person's love and their time, not mere items in a wrapped package. And I love the warmth between Catherine and her granddaughter, Sara. I hope someday to have the same kind of relationship with my grandchildren (but not too soon!) And finally, I had some wonderful Borscht on my recent trip to the Ukraine and Russia and I am putting the Borscht recipe from the back cover here. We have some beets in my fridge - perhaps it's time to try this recipe out. Catherine the Great's Russian Borscht 2 cups shredded raw beets 1/2 cup shredded carrots 1 cup chopped onion 1 tbsp butter 2 cups beef stock 1 cup finely shredded cabbage 1 tbsp vinegar 1 bay leaf Freshly ground pepper Sour cream Grated cucumber In a large saucepan, simmer gently for twenty minutes the beets, carrots, and onion in just enough boiling water to cover. Stir frequently. Add butter, beef stock, cabbage, vinegar, bay leaf, and pepper to taste. Simmer fifteen minutes longer. Serve the borscht hot or cold, adding 1 tbsp sour cream mixed with grated cucumber to each bowl. Russian borscht is delicious with fresh pumpernickel bread.

2023-07-13 11:58