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Pumpkin Carrot Muffins

Tender and moist Pumpkin Carrot Muffins with apples, walnuts and a sandy crumb topping, they are perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Pumpkin Carrot Cake Muffins

Pumpkin Carrot Muffins are perfect to make in the autumn and fall months when pumpkin puree is in season. These muffins are soft and tender, but also very moist, even several days after baking them.

I created this recipe to be a combination of pumpkin muffins with a twist on morning glory muffins. They are a combination of so many ingredients that are in season in the glorious autumn months. The addition of the grated carrots, grated apple, applesauce and walnuts definitely gives them more texture and crunch. The buttery crumb topping pairs really well with the muffins and gives them an iconic "bakery" touch.

You can also add some chocolate chips, raisins or other dry fruits, grated coconut flakes and use any kind of nuts instead of the walnuts to customize these muffins to your taste.

They are so simple to prepare, no mixer required, and I love how soft they stay even a few days after baking them.

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Ultimate Steelhead Trout Recipe (VIDEO)

Baking a whole steelhead trout fillet is so simple but looks very impressive. Topped with shallots, garlic, lemon and fresh herbs - it's so juicy and flavorful. Salmon can be used instead of steelhead trout too.

The ultimate steelhead trout recipe. It's the most flavorful way to cook this fish.

This is the ultimate steelhead trout recipe, because after trying it, this is the only way I've been making it for more than a decade. The fish is perfectly juicy, flaky and full of flavor. Shallot and garlic are great flavor buddies in this dish, that are mild with just the right amount of aroma. I love the addition of lemon zest, which also perfumes the fish and the freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a bright note of acidity.

If you're on the lookout for an impressive holiday dish that can take center stage, this is it. A whole side fillet of fish is always so extraordinary and looks beautiful when you serve it. It couldn't be any easier to make either. I've made this trout when entertaining guests, but it's simple enough (and delicious enough) that I make it for weeknight dinners for just our small family.

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Salmon Melts

Craving a warm, juicy sandwich with a burst of flavor? These Salmon Melts are the perfect combination of crunchy, garlicky bread, a savory salmon filling, and fresh toppings like tomatoes and avocados. Topped with gooey, melted cheese, these sandwiches are SO tasty.

Salmon Melts - appetizer sandwiches with salmon, tomatoes, avocados and cheese

Salmon Melts are a great appetizer or lunch. In most cases, I make Salmon Melts when I have leftover salmon from some other dinner - Baked Steelhead Trout Fillet, Cheesy Baked Salmon, Broiled Salmon, or this Poached Salmon. You get the picture. Not only is it quick to prepare and tastes phenomenal, it's a great way to repurpose leftovers into something delicious.

The salmon filling is full of hearty and aromatic flavors. I really like the bright acidic note in here from the lemon juice, mustard and capers. With the addition of fresh parsley and a juicy slice of tomato or avocado, the sandwich isn't blah and boring, but fresh and exciting. It has everything you could want in a sandwich - crunchy bread, scrumptious filling, juiciness and freshness and it's all topped off with melted cheese.

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Russian Carrot Salad - Koreiskaya Morkovka

This Russian Carrot Salad is very popular in the Slavic cuisine. The crunchy grated carrots are dressed with oil from caramelized onions and seasoned with coriander and garlic.

Russian Carrot Salad, aka Korean Carrot Salad Koreiskaya Morkovka

This Russian Carrot Salad is most often called Koreiskaya Morkovka, literally translated Korean Carrots and has been a popular dish in the Slavic cuisine since the 80s. Some say that it is a Korean recipe and others say it is Slavic. I'm not a nutritional anthropologist, so I don't know for sure, but this recipe is really delicious and has certainly been adopted by Slavic people and becoming a favorite with many.

It is often served as an appetizer for the holidays and special occasions, like weddings and parties. Although there are many variations to this recipe, most use a similar approach. Today I am sharing my Mom's recipe and the way we like to make it in our family.

The wonderful thing about this salad is that is is made in advance, which makes it really convenient for parties. The carrots are shredded into thin matchsticks. I like using a fine julienne grater. With the flavors of caramelized onions and garlic, the flavors of the carrots get more and more pronounced when it has a chance to "marinate" in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or up to days in advance.

You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like and adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. In our family, we like using ground coriander, paprika, ground black pepper and some cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

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Swiss Apple Pie (Easiest Apple Pie Ever)

This Swiss Apple Pie is generously filled with sweet and tart apples and topped with the easiest crust ever. You’ll whip it up in just one bowl in a matter of minutes—simply mix, pour it over the apples, spread it out, and pop it in the oven. This crust has a lovely cakey texture, almost like a tender cookie, making every bite simply irresistible. Perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Swiss Apple Pie Easiest Apple Pie Ever

Apple pie has that wonderful way of feeling homey, cozy, and full of nostalgia, doesn’t it? While we all know that homemade apple pie is the absolute best, it can seem like a daunting task. But guess what? You absolutely can make it from scratch, and this is probably the EASIEST pie recipe you’ll ever come across! Seriously, the most time-consuming part is peeling and cutting the apples—and if you have kids, let them join in on the fun!

The crust? It takes less than 5 minutes to whip up—are you surprised? This recipe was shared with my mom by one of her coworkers, and it quickly became a family favorite. I’ve added a little twist to the filling with some lemon zest and vanilla extract for an extra burst of flavor. And the crust? It’s a delightful surprise! In my opinion, it tastes and feels way better than a traditional apple pie—light, crisp, and just a tad cakey in those thicker layers. You’re going to love it!

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Kale Beet Salad

A kale salad with roasted beets, tender honeyed apples, crunchy walnuts, golden raisins and a cider vinegar, honey and mustard vinaigrette to tie it all together.

Kale Beet Salad made with roasted beets, honeyd apples, walnuts, golden raisins and cider vinaigrette


Most people indulge in salads during the summer more than any other time of the year. Let's not forget that autumn and winter have some incredible salad options to offer too. This kale salad is the perfect example of some of the glorious fruit and vegetables that are so abundant this time of year - kale, beets, apples and walnuts. It's definitely unique in both taste, texture and visually too.

I'll teach you a little secret to make your kale tender and full of flavor. I love the addition of roasted beets to the salad. They are so flavorful when roasted in the oven, they become even more sweet and have a wonderful "earthy flavor". The caramelized apples are juicy, sweet and slightly tart. The combination is wonderful and with the addition of some crunchy walnuts, sweet raisins, a zesty dressing, and nutty Parmesan cheese, your mouth is in for a roller coaster ride. 

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Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup is soothing, comforting and a favorite in almost every cuisine. Onions, carrots, celery and garlic provide the aromatic flavors to the rich, concentrated and golden broth, and tender chicken pieces and potatoes make it hearty and filling. 

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Chicken noodle soup is comfort in a bowl. It all starts with a rich, concentrated and flavorful broth that is perfectly clear and golden. The onion, carrots, celery and garlic permeate the soup, and add more phenomenal taste. Tender morsels of juicy chicken are in each spoonful. I also think that potatoes are a wonderful addition and you can use any form or pasta or noodles that you like. My personal favorites are fusilli or angel hair broken into 2 inch pieces. In our family I make a variation of this a few times a month.
There is nothing more soothing than a pot of Chicken Noodle soup to share with your family. My boys and my husband all love it and will devour it anytime. It's perfect for cold, rainy days, in the middle of the summer, when you are under the weather or when you need a taste of home. 

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Frontega Chicken Panini Sandwiches

Juicy chicken sandwiches with gooey mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, basil and red onion - these panini sandwiches are golden and crunchy on the outside and packed with so much flavor.

We have loved Panera's Frontega Chicken Sandwiches for years so recreating them at home was obviously a great choice. These panini sandwiches are so delicious and satisfying.

In Panera, they use focaccia bread for the sandwiches, but I prefer using my homemade sliced Crunchy No Knead Bread, which makes it extra crunchy, like a really great grilled cheese sandwich. The cooked chicken pairs so well with fresh tomatoes, basil, red onion and mozzarella cheese. The chipotle mayonnaise gives is a smoky flavor with just a bit of heat.

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Pear Dutch Baby

A Dutch baby aka a German pancake is so puffy, golden and crisp on top and custardy in the center. It's perfect with the soft and juicy pears.

This pear Dutch baby is a special treat for breakfast or brunch. It looks incredibly effective as it puffs up in the oven, with crisp golden edges and soft and tender in the center. The juicy pears are cooked with butter, brown sugar, lemon juice and vanilla, so they become soft and saucy, complementing the pancake perfectly.

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Baked Cheesy Tomato and Herb Stuffed Chicken Rolls

The most incredibly juicy chicken rolls made by stuffing chicken breasts with tomatoes, garlic and herbs, topped with cheese then baked in the oven. The chicken is so tender, cheesy, aromatic and perfect for any special occasion.

Baked chicken breast can be a little boring and dry, but stuff it with tomatoes and mixture of sour cream, garlic and herbs and it is transformed into something incredibly delicious and so juicy.

The chicken is so flavorful throughout since the sour cream mixture has both fresh garlic and fresh herbs and is spread in the center of the chicken and then also on top. Topped with cheese, it gets melted and golden brown as it bakes, which makes it even more decadent and comforting.

When I make this for company or even for a family dinner, I like to prep the chicken breast ahead of time, which makes it really easy to put together after that point.

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Velveted Chicken Stir Fry

This recipe is a simple and nutritious homemade stir fry with velveted chicken, which makes it both juicy and saucy. The abundance of vegetables makes this an all in one meal, perfect for a busy weeknight. All you have to do is cook some rice or noodles on the side and everything else is done in one skillet.

I love serving stir fries for dinner. Since I'm cooking the protein and the vegetables at the same time, it's an easy option and everything cooks at the same time. Prepping the ingredients takes the most amount of time and once you have everything sliced and chopped, the cooking goes really quickly.

This particular recipe is so good because the chicken is extra flavorful and so tender. Using boneless skinless chicken breast makes this a much healthier option but the velveting technique makes the chicken incredibly soft and tender.

Stir fries are also a great way to use all your favorite stir fry vegetables, so it can be as simple as just broccoli and carrots or add a whole assortment of vegetables. You can also mix things up and use this as a base for many different stir fry variations.

We love serving stir fry with rice, most of the time I make long grain basmati rice and other times brown rice. You can of course make some noodles instead of rice. The delicious and flavorful stir fry sauce will coat the chicken and vegetables and soak into the rice or noodles, making the perfect saucy dinner.

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Plum Coffee Cake

This plum coffee cake is a tender and fluffy sponge cake, packed with juicy and sweet plums. It's quick and easy to make and a perfect treat to go along with a cup of coffee. 

plum coffee cake

Plums are wonderful to use in baking. The juicy plums add just the right amount of moisture and tartness to this sweet and tender cake. Whipping up eggs with sugar  gives  so  much lightness  to  the  cake  making  it  really fluffy and  airy. The  sour  cream  is  a  great  addition,  making  the  cake  the  perfect  texture.

You can also use so many other fruit and berries in this cake instead of the plums. Peaches, apricots and nectarines are an excellent choice, because they are very similar in size and texture to plums. You can also use any kind of berries or a variation of berries in the cake. 

This cake has a very similar texture to Apple Sharlotka, so if you have apples, I have a family favorite recipe that you can try as well. 

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Fisherman's Soup - Ukha (Уха)

One of the easiest and healthiest fish soups is the Russian Ukha. Prepared by cooking a fish broth from a whole fish, you then add a handful of additional vegetables, such as onions, carrots, celery, potatoes and fresh dill and parsley into that clear and flavorful broth.

Russian Fish Soup made from whole fish trout Ukha Easiest and healthiest fish soup

Ukha has been part of the Russian cuisine for hundreds of years. It's a simple, rustic soup that is delightfully light and flavorful. Made after a successful fishing trip with the catch of the day, either back in the kitchen of your home or right over the fire on the banks of the river. My husband doesn't fish, so we usually use store bought fish in our household:).

One summer, when we went on a mission trip to Siberia, we took a group of boys from a juvenile detention center for a day spent in the beautiful Russian outdoors. It was a wonderful day filled with soccer, singing, running and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Fishing was also part of the day and our picnic lunch included this fisherman's soup - Ukha, prepared with the help of the boys themselves. 

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Sour Cream Spring Garden Salad

This refreshing and crunchy salad is made with the first garden vegetables - tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce and fresh herbs dressed with sour cream.

Sour Cream Spring Vegetable Salad with tomatoes, cucumber, radishes and lettuce

In our family, we serve variations of this salad all spring and summer long. My parents had a large garden almost every year and as soon as the radishes, lettuce, fresh herbs, tomatoes and cucumbers started growing, we would have this delicious sour cream salad many times a week. For me, it symbolized the arrival of spring and was always such a happy occasion.

There is such a wonderful combination of refreshing vegetables and fresh herbs. I also love the variation of textures - the tomatoes are sweet and juicy, the cucumbers are wonderfully crisp and crunchy. The radishes are also crunchy and have a bit of a bite. The lettuce, dill and green onion give this salad that extra flavor of spring.

Sour cream is a very popular ingredient in Slavic recipes and it pairs so well with all the veggies and herbs. It's such a simple way to dress a salad and is a perfect combination of creaminess and tanginess.

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Barbecue Chicken Cutlets

Barbecue Chicken Cutlets are one of the simplest and most delicious ways to prepare chicken breast. The tender and juicy chicken, sautéed until it's golden brown and then baked with sweet barbecue sauce, is so tender and definitely a family favorite.

Barbecue Chicken Cutlets

Chicken cutlets, or Куриные Отбивные, as we called them in Russian, were one of our family's go-to dinners that my Mom and later on my sister and I made quite often.

It's one of the easiest ways to transform chicken breast, make it more tender and easier to eat. Sometimes we would serve the chicken cutlets without any sauce and other times we would bake it with many kinds of barbecue sauce.

The sauce makes the chicken even more tender and flavorful. It's such a versatile recipe that it can be served with just about any side dish and vegetable and it pairs perfectly with just about anything - mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, salads, green beans, broccoli, roasted zucchini, braised carrots or even some crunchy pickles or sliced up tomatoes.

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Bacon, Onion and Chive Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes get a serious flavor upgrade with the additions of crunchy bacon, caramelized onions and fresh minced chives. These are the ultimate mashed potato side dish that will go with so many main courses and make the meal a special occasion.

Mashed potatoes are one of the best side dishes and we serve them with so many different meals. This version makes them extra flavorful and indulgent.

When we still lived in Belarus many years ago, we sometimes served this as the main meal with a simple salad on the side. My favorite memories associated with this dish is eating this after a long afternoon foraging for mushrooms or picking berries in the forrest with my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

The adults would cook a large pot of mashed potatoes, sauté some bacon (or salo - salt pork) with onions and then add it in to the potatoes with some fresh herbs and make a quick salad to go on the side. If we had been foraging for mushrooms, they would brown some fresh mushrooms too:). It was so delicious, especially after spending hours in the fresh air.

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Shchi in the Instant Pot - Russian Cabbage and Sauerkraut Soup

Shchi is a hearty cabbage and sauerkraut Russian soup or stew, with potatoes, onions, carrots and dry mushrooms. Making it in the Instant Pot makes the process much faster.

What is Shchi?

Shchi is one of the most popular soups in Russia that has been enjoyed by Slavic cultures for hundreds of years. Made with just a few humble ingredients - cabbage, sauerkraut, onions, carrots and potatoes, it is so delicious and satisfying. Adding dry mushrooms adds an even deeper and more delicious flavor to the soup and for me, it's the most important ingredient, after the cabbage, of course.

Shchi was the very first recipe I tried when I first bought my Instant Pot a few years ago and it quickly became one of my favorite appliances. I love this rich and flavorful soup. The sauerkraut gives it a tangy flavor, but the fresh cabbage tones it down a bit as well as adding the fresh flavor to it. If you don't have an Instant Pot, no problem. I have a stovetop recipe for this delicious soup as well. Stovetop Shchi Recipe

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Ricotta Crumb Bars

These Ricotta Crumb Bars are really tender, creamy and soft. They have a sandy, buttery crust and topping, with a sweet cheese filling.

Ricotta cheese is an excellent filling in desserts and in this case, makes these Ricotta bars taste very much like cheesecake. The sandy, super tender crust just melts in your mouth and the cheesecake-like center is much more delicate and soft than a traditional cheesecake made with cream cheese. The crumb topping gives these simple treats a "bakery" finishing touch. Altogether, this dessert is SO quick to put together and then all you have to do is cut them up and serve.

As an introvert, I’ve always loved to spend time at home. There is nothing more comforting to me than relaxing in our "humble abode”, no matter what I might be doing - housework, cooking, cleaning, reading a good book while curled up on the couch, spending time with my husband or sipping a cup of tea while watching all the deer and turkeys paying us a visit in our yard.
Even though I love spending time with people, I’m definitely more comfortable in my bedroom slippers than in party shoes.

I think this dessert is just like me, very simple, homey and quiet. It doesn’t call attention to itself and isn’t very complicated or fancy. The delicious aroma of dessert baking in the oven adds another dimension of coziness to the atmosphere. It's perfect anytime of the year, any day of the week.

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Creamy Chicken Salad Bites

Creamy Chicken Salad bites served on crunchy crackers are such a simple and satisfying appetizer, lunch or snack. Put your leftover chicken to good use and make this delicious chicken salad with some eggs, cheese, tomato - all staple ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen already. The crisp and juicy cucumber tops it all off perfectly. 

Creamy Chicken Salad Bites on Crackers


Do you like late night snacks with your sweetie? How about getting cozy on the couch with a movie and a tray of these scrumptious, creamy chicken salad bites on crackers? This is also a great option for an easy appetizer to serve guests.

My sister-in-laws, Inna and Ulyana, make this treat and it's always duly appreciated by all our male family members and of course, the ladies too. This is the perfect snack since the ingredients are pantry staples and can be available any time of day. It takes just a few minutes to mix it up and to assemble.

Not only is this perfect as an appetizer, but it's also great as an easy lunch to enjoy at home or pack up and take with you to work or school.

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Breakfast Quesadillas

Breakfast Quesadillas are a perfect way to enjoy a crisp and crunchy quesadilla in the morning. Soft and fluffy eggs encased in a crispy tortilla and filled with any variation of your favorite breakfast ingredients - sausage, bacon, ham, gooey cheese, peppers, tomatoes, fresh herbs, etc.

Breakfast Quesadillas filled with eggs, cheese, bacon and green onions.

One morning I had to use up a few leftover flour tortillas and since I am a frugal gal, I decided to create a new way to enjoy eggs - and it worked! The breakfast quesadillas are also easy to carry, so you can eat them on the go. I love how crunchy the tortilla becomes when cooked in the skillet and the eggs in the center are so fluffy and really puff up as they are cooking.

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Instant Pot Yogurt (Cold Start Method)

Making homemade yogurt in the Instant Pot has become a routine weekly task for me. With the cold start method, you don't have to heat up the milk, it takes 5 minutes to get it started, making it the easiest possible way to make yogurt. Best of all, it result is perfectly creamy, smooth and tangy yogurt.

Instant Pot Yogurt cold start method easiest way to make yogurt

Homemade yogurt is the perfect snack any time of day. Ever since I discovered the cold start method of making yogurt in the Instant Pot, it has made the process incredibly easy. If you make yogurt using the traditional method, it takes quite a while to heat up the milk, then to cool it to the proper temperature before adding the culture. And that's all before you even start the hours of incubation time! With this method, you just pour the cold milk right into the Instant Pot, add the live cultures and turn the Instant Pot Yogurt function on and let the machine do the rest for you. SO easy!

The yogurt turns out so thick and creamy. I never even have to strain it; there's hardly any whey at all. If you haven't tried making homemade yogurt, this is the recipe to try.

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy the yogurt. You can add different flavorings and sweeteners to it, like jam, fresh berries, fruit, honey, maple syrup, granola or nuts. It's also really nice to have on hand for baking and can be substituted for sour cream.

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Homemade Hash Browns

Crisp and golden grated potatoes are one of the most indulgent breakfasts or quick dinner options. Homemade hash browns are so easy, inexpensive and freeze perfectly too.

Homemade Hash Browns

We love hash browns for breakfast in our family and make them quite often. You can buy them in your grocery store in the freezer or refrigerator sections, but you can easily make them yourself too.

You can prepare hash browns from raw grated potatoes or cooked grated potatoes. If you use cooked potatoes, they freeze perfectly too, so you can prep them in advance and it will cut down on your work in the future and it's a good staple to have in your freezer.

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Working From Home With Children - Productivity Tips

With the Coronavirus keeping many of us closer to home these days, our children's schools are canceled, many people are working from home and in general, we are all staying home much more than usual.

It can get a bit overwhelming keeping everyone occupied, staying in good spirits, taking care of everyone's basic needs and still get some things accomplished.

Things are really out of the ordinary, we are coping as best as we can, but I know that it's a challenge to navigate this time in our life with so much uncertainty and our normal routines broken.

I have been working from home while taking care of my two boys at the same time for a few years, so in this video, I would like to share some tips of what works for our family and ways that I have found to get SOME things done, even while trying to juggle my role as a wife, mom, homemaker and business owner all in one day.

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Ham and Cheese Bruschetta

Need a quick appetizer or simple meal? This Ham and Cheese Bruschetta, with its crunchy garlicky bread, melted cheese, and fresh tomatoes, is perfect for any occasion.

Ham and Cheese Bruschetta

I have been making these sandwiches for my family ever since I was a teenager. They were really popular with my siblings and with our group of friends too. We would often make them with my girlfriends when we all got together for tea.

I absolutely love Bruschetta - toasted Italian bread with garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and fresh herbs. Adding ham and cheese makes it even more delicious and filling. These sandwiches are the perfect combination on crunchy toasted Italian bread that is rubbed with garlic, so it has it's flavor, but isn't too powerful, the ham and cheese make the sandwiches really scrumptious, but the fresh tomato and herb topping keeps them so fresh, sweet and juicy.

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How To Grill Steak

The perfect recipe for how to grill a juicy and flavorful steak. You can have a steakhouse worthy steak made right at home.

Grilled Steak, sliced, on a plate

With this recipe, I hope to walk you through how to prepare the perfect steak right in your own kitchen or backyard.

The perfect steak for me has a great sear but is still juicy and tender. You can cook it to whatever your preferences doneness is, from rare to well done, but that is easy to achieve with different timing.

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Porcupine Meatballs With a Cream Sauce

Juicy and plump meatballs made with beef, pork and rice are baked in a creamy tomato sauce. The carrots, onions and garlic make the sauce even more flavorful and is the perfect gravy to serve over mashed potatoes, rice or pasta.

Porcupine Meatballs - beef and pork meatballs with rice and baked in a creamy tomato and vegetable sauce.

In Russian, these Porcupine Meatballs - Тефтели "Ёжики" are called this way because of the rice that is used in them, that pokes out from the meatballs in little "quills". Baked in a scrumptious sauce that's flavored with carrots, onions and tomato paste and just a bit of cream, it is so comforting and delicious. I have been eating these my entire life, a recipe passed down through the generations.

Thy are wonderful served as a leftover, and in addition to that, they freeze perfectly too. You'll get twice the benefit from your effort of making them once.

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Marinated Mushrooms

Marinated mushrooms are such a great appetizer and can be served with just about any menu. With the addition of onion, carrots, bell peppers and garlic, these mushrooms are so flavorful.

Marinated Mushrooms

Zesty and flavorful, these marinated mushrooms have the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness and acidity. The mushrooms are still firm and not slimy at all. I love the addition of the vegetables - onion, carrots, bell peppers and garlic. They pair so well with the mushrooms.

They are the perfect appetizer, either served on their own, part of a charcuterie board or even added to other recipes, like many Russian salads, pasta salads, or even cooked with chicken, pork or steak.

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Fluffy Honey Layer Cake With Fruit and Almonds

This incredibly tender Fluffy Honey Layer Cake is perfect for any occasion. The creamy sour cream frosting pairs so well with the honey cake and the fresh fruit and almonds make it classically beautiful.

Fluffy Honey Layer Cake With Almonds and Fruit


Words don't do this cake justice, so I'm going to keep it short. This honey cake is perfect any time of year and is relatively simple to prepare. The honey gives the cake a sweet and caramelized flavor, which is so magical and pairs so well with the tangy cream cheese and sour cream frosting.

Decorating with fruit is a great choice always. Fruit is beautiful, and no matter how you arrange it, you know it will make a gorgeous presentation. It also adds so much fresh and juicy flavor to the cake. 

This cake has been a family favorite for decades. I hope you will enjoy it too.

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Storage Containers For Food

Storage containers for food are great to help keep your food organized but they also keep food fresh longer. I use a variety of different storage containers in my kitchen - in my pantry, freezer, refrigerator, meal prep and also when packing lunches.

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Vertical Roasted Chicken

Vertical roasted chicken is able to cook evenly on all sides, the skin gets golden brown and crisp all around while the meat on the inside stays perfectly juicy. The delicious garlic spread all over the chicken during the last few minutes of roasting make it extra tasty.

Vertical Roasted Chicken

This method of roasting a chicken is very simple but creates amazing results. My favorite part of roasting a whole chicken is the crunchy chicken skin, and this way of cooking roasts the chicken evenly on all sides, creating that perfectly golden exterior.

There is a Russian/Belarusian recipe called Chicken on a Can - Курица на Банке, that uses this exact method. This is the first recipe that I was familiar with. A whole chicken is placed on top of a small jar and roasted upright in the vertical position until golden all around . In America, this recipe is known as Beer Can Chicken because the chicken is roasted or grilled while placed on top of a beer can.

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Marinated Shrimp Appetizer

One of the best appetizers for a party are these Marinated Shrimp. With a refreshing and zesty marinade, the lemon, garlic, shallots and fresh herbs give the shrimp so much incredible flavor.

The shrimp are are so well seasoned that they are perfect served on their own, but you can also prepare a Creamy Avocado Dipping Sauce to go along with it.

A cold and refreshing appetizer is a great way to start a meal. It's especially convenient when you can do all the work in advance, even the night before, like this recipe.

Not only is the shrimp cooked in a flavorful liquid, it's also marinated with really bold ingredients that are refreshing, bright and very impactful. Lemon, red wine vinegar, shallots, garlic and fresh parsley and basil permeate the juicy shrimp all the way through.

Each shrimp is a burst of flavor in your mouth. Whenever I serve this for guests, it is one of the first things to disappear to the happy exclamations of my friends and family.

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Blueberry Lemon Muffins

Tender, fluffy Blueberry Lemon Muffins are filled with juicy sweet berries and have the aroma of lemon. This is a great staple muffin recipe to have that you can use as a base for many other muffin creations.

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry Muffins are a perfect treat all year long. They are easy to make, delicious as a dessert with coffee or tea, or a quick breakfast option. I love that they are made with simple pantry staple ingredients, so as long as you have frozen blueberries in your freezer, you can whip some up anytime. This is really convenient if you have unexpected company or want to make a quick treat for your family.

The consistency of these muffins is so tender and fluffy, with lots of juicy berries throughout. They actually remind me of cupcakes:). I also love adding some lemon zest to the batter, which really ups the flavor. Lemon and blueberries pair so well together, so this is a natural combination.

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Perfect Pumpkin Pie

This perfect pumpkin pie recipe features a buttery, tender, and flaky all-butter crust, paired with a smooth, creamy pumpkin filling. Baked in a deep-dish pie plate, it offers an extra generous serving of that rich, spiced pumpkin goodness. It's ideal for holiday gatherings or any fall occasion!

A slice of perfect pumpkin pie

When it comes to a perfect pumpkin pie, homemade is always so much better than anything you’ll find at the store. The flavor is fresher, the texture smoother, and it’s made with real ingredients. By making it yourself, you can control everything from the spices to the amount of sugar and more. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about creating a dessert from scratch.

A few simple tips can help you achieve pie perfection. You'll have a homemade pumpkin pie that’s truly a showstopper!

For the pumpkin pie, I always reach for a deep-dish pie plate. Why? Because it gives you more of that creamy, spiced filling we all crave! The pumpkin filling is a luscious blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg, creating that cozy, warm flavor that screams fall. The texture is extra smooth and velvety—just the right balance of creamy and custardy. When paired with a golden, flaky all-butter crust, it’s pure pie perfection. And don’t forget the finishing touch: a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

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Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies with tender dough and a juicy apple filling. The taste and flavor of apple pie in cookie form, so convenient to take to work, pack in a lunchbox and enjoy with coffee or tea.

Apple Pie Cookie - tender and flaky cookie dough with a juicy apple filling

Apples are a very dependable fruit. Even though they are in season in the fall, you can buy them all year long. Whenever I feel like having a fruity dessert, apples are always my go-to treats - Apple Upside Down Cake, Apple Sharlotka, Apple Galette and these Apple Pie Cookies.

This recipe was handed down to my Mom by a friend and our family has been enjoying them for years. In the fall, when we would have an abundance of apples, we would make these cookies all the time. The dough is tender and flaky and the sweet, tart and gooey apple filling satisfies my sweet tooth and my love for simple treats that aren't too sweet or complicated.

One of the huge advantages of these cookies is that you can make the cookie dough and the apple filling ahead of time. It's a great option for the days when your craving for something sweet hits. The dough can be refrigerated for a few days or kept in the freezer for up to a month. You can also make the apple filling ahead of time. Then it's as simple as rolling out the dough, adding the filling, and baking. 

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Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta

The creamy and cheesy pasta dish made all in one skillet has the taste of a cheeseburger - with an abundance of ground beef, onions, tomato sauce and cheddar cheese. Serve some pickles on the side and this Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner.

Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta - an easy dinner made in one skillet with cheesy pasta, ground beef and tomato sauce

Skillet dinners are some of my favorite. Why? Less dishes to wash, very easy to prepare and most importantly, you'll have a meal on the table in half an hour. What's not to like? 

Even better, this particular recipe makes use of the ingredients that you probably already have in the house, so you can avoid an unnecessary trip to the grocery store. Bookmark this one, busy mamas! It really does remind me of a juicy cheeseburger, all beefy and cheesy. The smooth and silky sauce brings it all together and fresh herbs always add freshness to any dinner. 

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Apple-Pear Kompot (Fruit Drink) Яблочно-Грушевый Компот

Apple Pear Kompot is a refreshing Russian drink made from cooking fruit in water. The delicate flavor of apples and pears makes a most perfect autumn beverage. 

Apple Pear Drink - Russian Kompot

Apples and pears complement each other so well, and a kompot made with both is one of my favorites. Kompot is a traditional Russian drink, which is made by cooking fruit and then drinking the liquid. It can be made from just about any combination of fruits or berries - fresh, frozen or dried. 

Drinking the cool, refreshing beverage is so satisfying and it's really easy to make. I make Apple Pear Sauce from the cooked fruit, so there are two delicious treats from one cooking job.

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How To Make Homemade Applesauce + Apple Pear Sauce

Sweet, tart and smooth, homemade applesauce is such a great snack and is so easy to make. You can also cook pears along with the apples and make the most incredible Apple Pear Sauce, which makes the sauce even more delicious.

Homemade Applesauce / Apple Pear Sauce

Homemade applesauce is so easy to make and I really like that you can control the sweetness and add any flavor to it that you like, such as lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.

When I was growing up and still lived with my parents, we had dozens of apples trees on our property, so every autumn we used apples in so many different ways - we made apple chips out of them, Apple Sharlotka, apple cookies, apple pies and applesauce was a definite must.

I love cooking pears along with the apples to create an Apple Pear Sauce. It tastes so good and is great to use in other recipes but mostly to enjoy as a snack on its own. Applesauce can be canned or frozen, which is really great.

You can use this same recipe to make applesauce, pear sauce or a combination of both, which is my favorite. Plus I made a refreshing drink from the cooking liquid, Russian Apple-Pear Kompot. Two for the price of one is never a bad idea.

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Creamy Shrimp Chowder

This Creamy Shrimp Soup is one of the easiest seafood soups to make. Shrimp, potatoes, onions, carrots, celery and fresh herbs are cooked in a creamy and cheesy broth.

Creamy Shrimp Chowder a ladle of soup going into a bowl

On busy nights, this Creamy Shrimp Chowder is one of the recipes that you can quickly prepare and have a satisfying dinner ready in no time. One of my friends shared this recipe with me many years ago, and she said that this was her secret to having a meal ready just 30 minutes after walking in the house.

It's so satisfying, with the creamy and cheesy broth, the starchy potatoes and juicy shrimp. The onions, celery and carrots give it a nice flavor and the fresh herbs are the best finishing touch. You can also add some corn to the chowder for additional flavor and texture.

Most chowders are made with a roux, that is prepared with a butter and flour mix that thickens the soup. This version uses a spreadable cheese product that melts right into the broth, creating a creamy texture. A few years ago, I started adding cubes of brie cheese. The brie softens but it doesn't melt completely, so there are delicious tiny morsels of brie cheese interspersed in the chowder. It is such a treat!

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Easy Apple Lemon Bread

This simple Apple and Lemon Bread is a quick bread, made with fresh grated apples and has the flavor of lemon giving it the most delicious aroma. It's so easy to prepare and the perfect treat with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

My favorite desserts involve as little work as possible. Preferably mix, dump out and bake. It can't get any easier than that. The aroma of baking sweets is so cozy and inviting, no wonder there are candles dedicated to recreating the smell.

There are some ingredients that I ALWAYS have on hand, and as soon as I start to run out, they go on my shopping list immediately. Two of these irreplaceable ingredients are apples and lemons. If you come to my house, you will most likely find them in my big fruit bowl that sits on my kitchen cupboard.

This sweet apple bread recipe combines the delicious flavors of apple, lemon and vanilla. The grated apple makes the bread even more moist and tender. Of course, the apples, lemon zest and vanilla create the most amazing flavor and smell. The verdict - absolute perfection. Note to self - lemon zest with apples is a glorious combination!

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