Rye Bread. BELARUS, EUROPE
A nice, dense crumb, with a mild rye flavor. The sugar and honey make this loaf wonderfully addictive.
Artisan French Bread (or diary of a bread-aholic). EUROPE, FRANCE
Flavor: Mixing the yeast with a little flour and water ahead of time gives a big flavor boost. This is called a poolish or preferment. Slow and cool yeast development is the secret to good flavor. Texture: Achieving a soft interior and thin, shattering crust. You do this by adding moisture while baking and using steady, high heat. A spray bottle and baking stone are the best we can do in our homes.
Potato Pancakes | Mushroom stuffed Draniki. BELARUS, EUROPE
Pan-fried until crispy and hot, mushroom stuffed draniki taste like pumped up hash browns. Really great comfort food. Belorussians eat these with sour cream, although Americans will like them with ketchup.
Green Beans with Speck | Schinkenspeck. AUSTRIA, EUROPE
Speck, technically called Schinkenspeck, is a dry aged prosciutto product. Bacon or ham can be substituted if your grocer does not carry this Austrian favorite. Enjoy Green Beans with Speck with chicken, fish, or pork.
Warm Spinach and Mushroom Salad. ANDORRA, EUROPE
Wild mushrooms give this spinach salad Andorran appeal. The crunch of slivered almonds and the sweet of the golden raisins add another dimension.
