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.

Schi is a centuries-old Russian soup, beloved for its simple ingredients and flavor that deepens over time. Traditionally enjoyed over several days, it gets tastier as the flavors meld. With Hungarian paprika, this version adds a modern twist to a classic comfort food.

This green Greek-style salad highlights ingredients that have been staples in Mediterranean kitchens since antiquity. Dill and feta were commonly paired in Greek home cooking long before tomatoes became widespread, making this fresh, herb-forward salad closer to the oldest forms of Greek salads.

The word “barbecue”—often linked to grilled chicken—comes from the Taíno word “barbacoa,” which described a wooden rack used by Caribbean Indigenous peoples to slowly cook meat over fire. Early explorers brought the idea to Europe, and it eventually evolved into the backyard grilling tradition we love today!

If you eat the whole cake without cutting it, it turns out that you ate only one piece. :)