варити Making Workshop

Lady & Blogger travelled to the far east to be graciously welcomed by Empress and her special buttermilk and bran muffins.

The occasion - a Ukrainian style Pyrohay (Perogies) making class.

A very easy to make dough recipe was the highlight of the class. Unfortunately, I was sworn to secrecy and my life may be in danger if I share the dough recipe.

We let the dough rest as we prepared the filling.

First, lots of potatoes were peeled, cut in small chunks and set to boil on the stove.

Many onions were then chopped into small pieces and began to cook in butter. The wise Empress repeated how the simple tasting perogie dough needs a flavourable filling to balance it out.

As such, the onions were seasoned generously with lots of salt, pepper, spices and Hungarian paprika. That amazing spiced and fried onions' smell filled the kitchen as we continued with our production.

Lots of cheese was shredded and put aside.

Once the potatoes were cooked, they were drained and the cooked onions, chopped cooked bacon, shredded cheese and even some crushed garlic were added to them and mixed.

So tasty, I would have been happy just spreading this filling into a baking dish, sprinkling it with bread crumbs, baking and eating it.

But Empress kept all on track and the perogie making lesson begun.

We learned the art of stretching the dough, filling, and pinching.

It was all so fascinatingly easy, fun and tasty even before being cooked (yes, i did try one or two uncooked - I couldn't resist).

Boiled in salted water for a couple of minutes, sprinkled with butter, onions and bacon, those beautiful babies were ready to indulge in.

Some were tasted on site, others were bagged to take home.

Thank you Empress for all your hospitality, your art of perogie making lesson and your secret dough recipe.

(I am sure Empress will share her recipe with you if you ask politely and send me some cookies to pass on to her).

I will also remember to serve them with chopped green onions and sour cream as per your direction.

As the Lady says - Life is Good. Thank you both!