My guest this week is Anna Voloshyna with her new book “BUDMO! – Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen.”
Celebrate the rich culture of Ukrainian cuisine with these traditional Eastern European recipes infused with a fresh, contemporary approach for today’s home kitchen, from one of today’s most exciting young chefs of Ukrainian cuisine.
With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, time-honored heritage, and warm hospitality, Eastern European cuisine is having a culinary moment, in addition to Ukraine being of great current interest.
Meaning “cheers!” in Ukrainian, Budmo! is the first cookbook to celebrate classic Eastern European recipes with a modern, creative twist. Presented by Ukrainian-born, California-based chef, blogger, and culinary instructor Anna Voloshyna, bright flavors and vibrant ingredients sing from each plate. A gorgeous magenta pkhali comes alive with roasted beets and a tangy pomegranate molasses. Borscht is reinvented with green sorrels and semi-soft eggs. And Voloshyna even shares a personal recipe for her Ukrainian grandmother’s duck—roasted to a delicious crispy-brown perfection. These are the dishes that are perfect for gathering your favorite people with, and each one is bound to uncover the mouthwatering flavors and traditions of this endlessly fascinating part of the world. Get a copy NOW!
Anna Voloshyna was born in southern Ukraine in 1990 and relocated to the United States in 2011. She is a chef, blogger, and culinary instructor who translates Eastern European cuisine and flavors into approachable dishes for the modern home cook, and is particularly known for her wildly successful pop-up dinners and workshops. She resides with her husband in the San Francisco Bay Area. Follow Anna on Facebook
“Ten Best Books About Food of 2022: In this colorful cookbook you’ll find recipes for dishes like cold borscht, dark cherry varenyky and sweet pumpkin rice kasha from Ukrainian native Anna Voloshyna, who moved to California in 2011. Known for hosting pop-up dinners and cooking classes, Voloshyna is also a food stylist, photographer and blogger. In her debut cookbook, she offers modern and American spins on the typical dishes she grew up with, and she also includes details like food origins, customs and traditions in each recipe’s headnote. Budmo, which is how Ukrainians say “cheers,” shares the country’s complicated history that has led up to the current war, while simultaneously celebrating its varied and vibrant cuisine.” —SMITHSONIAN.COM
Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2021 The Pairing Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County AVA, California
Low yields and cool days created a blend that is both bold and rich as well as chiseled and steely. Citrus and green melon and hints of baking spice. Ready to pop and pour, it shines immediately out of the bottle. Invigorating combination of ripe and silky fruit alongside a refreshing backbone of vibrant acidity. An inviting and delectable Chardonnay that offers something for everyone.
BARREL AGING 1/3 neutral French oak, 1/3 New French oak, 1/3 stainless tanks 1/3 went through malolactic fermentation.
CASES PRODUCED: 500