Cherry Verenyky

 These Babushkas were selling flower crowns at the bazaar yesterday when Ella and I ran down to pick up supplies for our first Ukrainian cooking lesson. You can't buy from one and not the other - plus, we knew Anne would want to wear one when she woke up from her nap. So, we bought one from each.

Then we went home and made these: Cherry Verenyky.

Here's the process we went through -

Have a local help you find the right seller - thank you Egor. As a side note, I should mention, Egor has complained to Benj multiple times that I should never be allowed to shop by myself because I don't know how to pick out good produce. This lady assures me there are no bugs in her cherries.

Next, weigh, purchase and wash the cherries. 

Have a Ukrainian (Ira, our friend, is from a village outside of Lutsk) show you how to make dough: flour, salt, and HOT water.

 Add the pitted and sugared cherries to rolled out dough.

Seal the dumpling (use extra flour if necessary) and twist or pinch the edges to add shape.

Boil (keep them in the water for 3-5 minutes once they begin to float) and serve with honey or a syrup reduction sauce.

food fun

Yes, it's true, I love Metro and Ashan in Lviv, just like I loved Costco and Safeway in California ...

And, just like in CA, my favorite place to shop is the food Bazaar (or farmer's market).

The difference, of course is, we would go to the SF farmer's market as an outing, and maybe pick up a couple of specialty items to try ... but it was many times more expensive than a conventional grocery store. Here, the Bazaar (farm fresh, and organic:)) is less expensive. It's the best of both worlds ... like nutella on fresh bread, or ponies in the park, it's just great!

It's fun to go from here 

to here.

 And, lucky for me, Allyson loves to cook - so we get to try new things, and eat her creations- like strawberry, apricot, prosciutto, brie tart

 and fresh spinach, caramelized onion, prosciutto, and cheese quiche - in a square since we don't have a round baking dish.

I really think shopping at the Bazaar is more fun - certainly more entertaining, inspiring, and interactive.

Of course, as great as it is, we don't buy everything at the bazaar.

In-Door and Out-Door Fun

We went to a local amusement park - and actually paid 75 cents each to ride this rusty ferris wheel that (before we arrived) was not even on. Great view of the city, and a lot of fun. Fortunately we all made it down safe and sound.
And yes, thanks to Ally and a pair of kitchen scissors, I now have bangs. Brings back memories of fourth grade when Ammie Hecht and I skipped recess and cut our hair in the bathroom ...

We continued our morning of amusement and went on more rides ... 3 rhp a person a ride ... about 40 cents. 

 Notice the buckles ... not exactly what I'm used to - but they appear to get the job done.

 Today we went to an in-door play structure. Ella was darling and helped Anne up and down the parts that were difficult for her. They ran, jumped, slid down slides, had fun, and got out energy.

Swan Stuff

We attended Swan Lake Saturday at the Opera House. It was fantastic - second row seats, we could literally look into the orchestra pit, and see the make-up on the dancers. 

The conductor was incredible, the music inspiring. 

The dancers were mesmerizing ... and I'm pretty sure the prima-ballerina swan is part bird because a human biped can't move, or float, that way. 

Ella and Anne were captivated.

Here are a few more photos from inside the Opera House - appropriately there was a swan on the ceiling. I love the ornate details, and gold finishings throughout the building.    

As great as the show was, we somehow missed dinner before it began, and thus we were all a bit hungry. So when the first act ended (an hour and 20 minutes), we snuck out to find something to eat.

Good news is, Swan Lake is playing throughout the summer, so we'll go again ... and catch the rest of of the program.

Anne was most touched and took the show to heart. On her own, while we walked to dinner, she began twirling down the cobble-stone street - arms in fifth position! I see a future for little Anne Catherine.

Yesterday we went to a real swan lake and fed the swans. Interestingly there was a fence around the lake, but our driver insisted it was okay to hop the fence to get closer to the swans - when in Rome...

Back to the night of the swan lake ballet ... on our way home we passed the book bazaar. I would perhaps love this used book sale even more if I read/spoke Ukrainian - but even as illiterate as I am in this country, I couldn't help but appreciate the charm of old used books for sale in suitcases.

Our next ballet - Coppelia!