• Recipes

    The charm of open-faced sandwiches

    While growing up, open-faced sandwiches were the only type of sandwiches I knew. We all knew – my neighbors, friends, family. So, I thought there was nothing special to them. We had them for Saturday or Sunday breakfast, or second breakfast (similar to lunch), they were often prepared for family gatherings like birthday parties or holidays. Kids who were picky eaters usually enjoyed them so caring mothers used their imagination and created endless varieties. Once I came to the US, I learned that here, open-faced sandwiches were not very common. Instead a “sandwich” is mostly associated with different ingredients placed between two pieces of bread. While there are many varieties…

  • Experiences

    Reviving old practices ~ Part 1

    How often do you realize that certain behaviors of your mother or grandmother, which you made fun of when you were young(er), become your own? Suddenly they make a lot of sense, seem to be so clever, useful, or maybe simply bring peace to your daily hectic life. “Their time” does not seem to be so distant and backwards anymore… I often think of my grandmother, praising her stoic calmness, love she had for everyone, generosity, kindness, compassion, and faith in God. I recall the abundance of knowledge she had of herbs, wild berries, mushroom, gardening, baking, cooking, sewing, and realize how much of it is lost. What’s left are…

  • Recipes

    Wheat Bread

    I never thought I could bake a bread until we got struck by Covid, shopping habits changed, and I came across this recipe. I am sharing it here as I found it quite easy to use.