When ANASTASIA came to Saskatoon for CHRISTMAS . . . and super Ukrainian VARENIKI

1985:

In September, Granny bought Care Bears for the girls and put them away, but, suddenly, Rainbow Brite dolls were more the thing.  Then, “Megan and Sundance” and the “Princess of Power” were added to the girls’ Christmas wish lists.  Back went the Care Bears.  On Christmas morning, it was worth it!

Then, “Oh, Auntie Stasia!”

 Anastasia had made a doll’s cradle for each of the girls . . .  complete with a mattress, pillow, and patchwork quilt; all wrapped separately.

The girls' joy thrilled Anastasia.  “My heart is just going pit-a-pat,” she said. 

The girls never forgot this wonderful Christmas and how their aunt made baked Christmas ornaments with them out of flour, salt, and lots of green food colouring. . . it was the only colour I had in the pantry.  I think they even made green lambs!

Dec. 26 is Anastasia's birthday.  

Wishing you the loveliest day, Anastasia!

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VARENIKI with POTATO & MUSHROOMS

            From UKRAINIAN CUISINE, published in Kiev, 1975

FILLING:

1 ¼  pounds potatoes

½ pound onion

½ pound mushrooms

2 tbsp oil

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

*Boil unpeeled potatoes in salted water until well done.   Peel and put through ricer into a large bowl.

*Finely chop onion in food processor and set aside.

*Finely chop mushrooms in a food processor and set aside on a separate dish. 

*Heat oil and brown the onion lightly: 7 minutes on a low heat.

*Add the mushrooms and stir for 3 more minutes.

*Stir in salt and pepper.

*Mix the onions and mushrooms into the potatoes.

Use Mary Stadnyk’s method to prepare the dough and the vareniki.

http://eleanorstadnyk.blogspot.ca/2012/06/perogiesvarenikipyrohi.html

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Note from a Russian regarding perogies/vareniki:

Tatiana : 

It was interesting for me to learn when I moved to the US from Moscow, that you call this dish “pirogi” when we in Russia (and Ukraine) call this dish “vareniki”. Pirogi are the yeast dough pies, that can be stuffed with apples, cabbage and eggs, rice and meat etc and baked in the oven.