Recipes

For a true understanding of the cultures in Bloodlines and On the Sickle’s Edge, we invite you to try preparing traditional South African and Russian foods. A nation’s cuisine is a reflection of its many diverse cultures. Here are some of our favorite dishes:

Recipes of Russia |
Recipes of South Africa |

Here are the best of my family recipes dating back to my Russian Jewish great-grandmother, Miasha, my mother’s “Bubbe.” They were handed down to my grandmother Dora and now to my mother, Betty. A four-generation family tradition of great cooks, all!

Polychay ydovolstvie! (Enjoy!)

Victoria Turovsky’s Borscht
This recipe comes from our good friend, Victoria Turovsky, who has made borscht “by feel” since her childhood in Ukraine. A recipe loved by her grandson, she has been good enough to share it her...
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Babushka “Bubbe’s” Chopped Herring
Ingredients: 1 small jar pickled herring in wine sauce. Discard sauce and onions, reserving only herring. 1 Granny Smith apple 1/4 onion, sliced thinly 3 Marie biscuits (or other plain crackers) Jui...
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Piroshki (Perogen) –Russian and Latvian meat pies
Featured in the On the Sickle’s Edge, piroshki have remained the quintessential Russian and Slavic dish for centuries and are, perhaps, the most well-loved of Russian recipes. Piroshki (Jewish Per...
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Russian-inspired Knadelach (Matzo Balls)
Ingredients: 3 eggs, well beaten 3 T canola oil (or chicken fat, for a more authentic taste) 3 T finely ground almonds Salt, pepper, pinch sugar 9 T ground Matzo (or Matzo meal) 6 cups chicken broth...
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Recipes Handed Down From my Russian Great-Grandmother
Jacques Pepin, an influential French cook, cookbook writer and contemporary of Julia Child, wrote, “There is something evanescent, temporary and fragile about food. You make it, it goes, and wha...
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There’s no better way to learn about and experience a culture than through its food. South African dishes are a multi-cultural melange of flavors, spices and ingredients. We have partnered with award-winning caterer The Catered Affair to replicate the Frankel family’s recipes.

Malva Pudding
My whole family loves these wonderful pudding cakes, usually served hot with custard or ice cream. They are prepared with apricot jam and have a spongy caramelized texture. INGREDIENTS For the ...
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Koeksusters
Essentially a South African doughnut, Koeksusters (KUK-sistahs) are twisted and/or braided. These delicious treats are prepared by deep-frying plaited dough rolls in oil, then dipping the fried dough ...
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Chicken Tika Masala
A specialty found on the menus of many South African and Indian restaurants, this succulent dish consists of roasted chicken chunks (tikka) in a spicy (masala) sauce. The sauce is usually creamy, spic...
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Melkerts
When I was a child, my mother made these wonderful milk pies, with a flaky, buttery pastry and just a hint of cinnamon to flavor the filling. INGREDIENTS For the Pastry: 3 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon salt...
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Samosas
A delectable appetizer or snack, a samosa is a fried or baked pastry with a savory filling, such as spiced potatoes, onions, peas, lentils, ground lamb, ground beef or ground chicken. The size, shape ...
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Indian Spiced Cole Slaw
A wonderful side dish for luncheon or dinner, this exotic and delicious cole slaw has a distinctly Indian taste flavored with cumin, cilantro, coriander and mint. INGREDIENTS 8 cups shredded cabbage 1...
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Wines of South Africa
South Africa boasts some of the world’s greatest wines. Tourists travel from the world over to visit the country’s famous Winelands. Complete your South African meal by serving some of the wines s...
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