Carp is a very popular fish in the Czech Republic because it thrives in lakes and ponds, even in freezing temperatures. Fried carp is traditionally served for Christmas Eve dinner. Some people, like my younger brother, don’t like carp because it has a lot of bones and … [Read more...] about Baked carp with vegetables and cheese
Robert Rex: A chemist turned Sonoma winemaker
I feel like a child who is about to meet her celebrity crush. And not just that. I am about to spent some time with this impressive person in their home. As my friend, photographer Patrice Ward, and I are driving up the long driveway towards the Deerfield Ranch, a beautiful … [Read more...] about Robert Rex: A chemist turned Sonoma winemaker
”Halushky” with brynza: European-style Mac and cheese
"Brynzové halušky" (or halushky with brynza cheese in English) is considered the national dish of Slovakia. Czechs also make halushky but serve them with sauerkraut, not cheese. Halushky are small potato gnocchi resembling German spätzel. Brynza (or bryndza) is a Slovak sheep … [Read more...] about ”Halushky” with brynza: European-style Mac and cheese
Czech potato salad: Christmas Eve side dish
In the Czech Republic, potato salad is traditionally served on Christmas Eve alongside fried carp, rope sausage and pork chops. Besides of potatoes, it consists of hard-boiled eggs, peas and carrots, pickles and often cold cut meat. We use a soft-textured salami called “gothaj,” … [Read more...] about Czech potato salad: Christmas Eve side dish
Black Kuba: Christmas barley mushroom casserole
”Black Kuba” is a Czech dish that my family only makes for Christmas. Usually, we would eat it for lunch on Christmas Eve. When my twin sister and I were little our grandma would tell us that we should not eat meat on Christmas Eve so we see “the golden little pig.” At the same … [Read more...] about Black Kuba: Christmas barley mushroom casserole