These Belarusian fried pirozhki are a true family treasure. In our home, Mom always made a huge batch, because once they hit the table, it was almost impossible to stop eating them. Dad used to say they were so delicious that you’d reach for “just one more” again and again. They weren’t an everyday meal — making them takes time, patience, and care — but Mom made them often enough for the smell of frying dough and savory meat to become one of the most comforting memories of our kitchen.

"Only the pure in heart can make a good soup." - Ludwig van Beethove

Potatoes, carrots and eggs can be cooked ahead of time.

Draniki with meat — those golden, crispy potato pancakes with a savory twist! This dish is a staple in Belarusian cuisine. Typically made from grated potatoes, onions, and eggs, draniki becomes even more delicious when filled with ground meat. The meat mixture often includes pork or beef, seasoned with salt, and pepper, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures.The greens in the minced meat are optional. You can add any other greens you like or not add them at all.

Croissants, though famously French, actually trace their roots to Vienna, Austria! Their ancestor is the kipferl, a crescent-shaped pastry that dates back to at least the 13th century. Legend says Viennese bakers created it to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Turks — the crescent shape imitating the symbol on the Ottoman flag.