About
Hi there! My name is Natasha Kravchuk. My handsome husband, Vadim and I happily run this blog together full time (more on that below).
I come from a family of fantastic cooks and I’m here to share generations of Ukrainian-American recipes that are homey, fresh, healthy, family-friendly, sometimes bizarre and occasionally naughty. We also have unique and decadent desserts from Europe and around the world.
My family:
I used to be so shy I thought no one would marry me until my husband came along and swept me off my feet. I married (up) to my wonderful husband Vadim over 15 years ago. We are blessed with two littles. Every recipe is tasted and approved by each of us and is often critiqued by relatives and friends. We live in Idaho, “Ida-who?” Potatoes, people. Potatoes! Our family attends Life Church in Boise. We strive to walk in love and live our lives by the word of God and life of Jesus.
My background:
We’re so thankful to be full time foodies. We’re living our dream because of you and I can’t thank you enough! I feel like God has worked all of my experiences together like a puzzle to bring me to this point. It took me a little bit to discover what God had in mind for me. I thank God for everything, without Whom I would be merely human (and that would suck).
Here’s the rundown:
*Starting as a teen, I worked for 7 years as a business intern
*I have a bachelors degree in Business (long story)
*I worked as a Realtor for 4 years during which I had an early mid-life crisis and cried alot (lets just say it wasn’t for me).
*I also have a Bachelors degree in Nursing (shorter story, but still long).
So, I’m a wife, mom, food blogger, entrepreneur, worship leader, and nurse. If I were a sandwich, I’d be a chicken bacon avocado on focaccia.
About Natasha’s Kitchen:
I started this food and family blog in 2009 as a way to share favorite recipes and events with family and friends. It has grown much larger than I could have imagined with well over 900 recipes and about 5 Million hungry visitors per month.
My goal for this site is for people around the world to really discover and fall in love with cooking (particularly Russian and Ukrainian food). I know its a big dream, but why would someone want a small dream?
This is a personal website and all of the recipes are tested and approved by my family. All of the photography is done by myself and I’m the one showing up in our videos. My husband edits the photos and videos (and he’s the videographer single handedly running 3 cameras at once).
Much of the knowledge I share comes from my Mama, Mama-in-law and family members. I am so thankful to have such amazing people in my life who generously share their rich knowledge of Cooking.
The ingredients we use are simple and easily accessible; not overly hoity-toity. My motto: if you can read (a well-written, tested and trusted recipe), you can cook
How I got Started Cooking:
I wasn’t always excited about cooking. When I got married in 2003, it became a necessity – “must eat to live” and Mom wasn’t doing the cooking anymore. We had a lot of frozen meals (pizza, corn dogs; #ewe #ewe #ewe) – and we ate out too much in the first year of our marriage. I had a free summer (and decided I would improve my cooking skills so we could live and eat healthier. I dove into cookbook after cookbook and plundered my mom’s recipe books. I was at the library all the time bringing home piles of cookbooks; I was hooked! I even read my mother’s cooking textbook from her college days (Mom completed her culinary program when we moved to the US). I had discovered the joy of cooking. Within a few months, my husband and I each lost about 5 pounds just from cooking more at home! Now I can’t stop cooking and thinking about cooking and dreaming about cooking… I was born for this!
Culture and Background
My family moved from Ukraine to the US as refugees when I was 4 years old. I grew up eating authentic Ukrainian and Russian food. No doubt many of my recipes will have a Slavic origin and influence. I do love Russian/Ukrainian food and I hope the recipes on this site invoke the same love in you for the rich variety of foods of the Slavic culture.
My recipe collection continues to grow. I love to try new recipes and will share my favorites with you. I hope you enjoy this blog and find recipes that will become your family favorites as well.
Thank you for visiting my recipe blog, commenting, pinning and sharing the recipes with your peeps. And come back soon!
If you would like your recipe featured on this site, email it to me by clicking here (warning: spammers will get hit in the face with unripe avocados).
Please note: This blog includes only my own opinions and is not professional advice. It is not intended to be a diet plan, although I try to post healthy-ish recipes, please talk to your Dr. for medical or dietary advice. I am not liable if you eat too many piroshki.
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Where can i purchace your baking books
Hi Penny, we do not have a book at this time but stay tuned, we have one in the works.
Hi Natasha. Great site and Ive now started cooking from your selection of great Meals especially cakes. Regards
Jim. Kent UK
Thank you for stopping by, James! I’m glad you’re enjoying our recipes!
Hi Natasha: Are you ever going to do a tour – visit US Cities. My friend is Russian and I cook for her using your recipes. I am live in Canada and she lives in the US. I sent her your Borsch Soup recipe. This is what I got tonight… I wd love that :). Always good to treat yourself!!!!
I recently tried to make some fried zukiny and ….nope :(. Not sure what I am doing wrong.
I would love to meet you and I am sure my friend would. Please come visit some US cities.
Hi Doug! Thank you for stopping by. We live right here in the US. I hope you love that Borscht recipe.
Any gluten feee recipes?!? I am loving this site but have a granddaughter that has celiac. Nothing wheat can pass her lips or boy is she ever sick. So..
Hi Janice, Have you tried my macaron cake? My hubby has been encouraging me to post more also. I’ll see what else I could come up with. My sister is also gluten free
I went to sign up and answered the first question, transferred to Facebook, then when I went back, I got lost. I remember one of the questions was do I like to cook. Yes, I do. I can’t remember the 3rd one though.. I agree to the rules. Please sign me up.
Hi Pam, I invited you to the group through your email so you should be able to join through that, or click to join here and finish the questionaire.
I follow your videos on Facebook and my 3 year old loves watching you. When a video of yours pops up she says, “Natsha Natasha”. Her favorite part is your taste tests. Currently, she’s playing “Natasha video.” Shes making some kind of cake and had to use “parchment paper.” Now shes doing the “taste test” and appears to be as excited as you are for yours. Thanks for being fun and inspiring to all of us.
Awwww that is so cute!! Seriously thank you for sharing that with me, Meg! I’m so inspired reading this, thank you!
Your newsletter was very interesting. I was inspired to read on when I saw the picture of the salmon dish. It looked like what I recently cooked, but I am sure yours tasted much better. I look forward to receiving some of your recipes. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Tom! Thank you so much for stopping by! I’m so glad you got our newsletter!
What a joy to have a fellow Chistian doing this wonderful website. Any thoughts on a simple recipe for Apple Dumplings? I’ve only come across your website about two months ago and love it! Thanks to you and your lovely family.
Awww thank you so much! It is a joy to meet you also. I don’t currently have a recipe for apple dumplings but those sure sound good. If I come up with something great, I will be sure to share. We have baked apples posted, they just aren’t covered in pastry dough.
After using so many of your recipes I thought I’d pop in and leave a simple hi and thanks for your website.
I’m from South Africa and my wife is Russian so many of the recipes here I was drawn to.
But beyond the initial recipes, I’ve been using more and more of the other goodies you have and I must commend you on such a nice website, format and easy recipes.
If I see a nice dish I am always thrown off super complex and long ingredient lists.
I love food that’s simple, tasty and a joy to make and stock in my kitchen and your recipes hit the nail every time.
Thank you for your continued work on this empire, an empire I hope will bring you many happiness and good fortune.
A happy new year and may 2020 be a super year for you and your family.
Спасибо большое!
Thank you for that thoughtful and inspiring feedback, Carl! I’m so glad you’re enjoying our recipes! Happy New Year!
HELP my strawberry cake was very loose when poured and thru out twice I followed your recipe exactly I had read on a comment awhile back that the original post showed something missing
Hi Debbie, I’d be more than happy to troubleshoot. Which strawberry cake did you try making? We have several on the blog here.
Hi, I am from Czech republic, but I was in Boise 2 years. You remember me time in Idaho I like your recipes Thank you. and send hi in Boise.
You’re welcome, Petra! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
I stumbled across your videos on Facebook last week, and have been hooked every since. I have already made 2 of your recipes. My family loved them!
Thank you so much for trying our recipes, Nikkia! I’m so glad you’re enjoying them!
My husband and I just finished enjoying (again) your delicious recipe for stuffed Parmesan chicken breasts. I’ve made it for us a couple of times as well as for company. Always a hit. We love your recipes.
God bless.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I love your videos, I will be using your recipes for my exams.Thanks!
You’re welcome! I’m happy to hear you’re liking our recipes.
I really love watching your videos..and the salads, oh so delicious and healthy..
I’m your avid fan mam..never missed watching..I love to see your beautiful face esp. when u smile..
Looking forward for more blogs..
God bless you and your family..
Thank you for that wonderful compliment and thoughtful review Pearl!
Hi Natasha, Love you! Love your recipes. God bless you and your family x
You’re so nice! Thank you! Blessings to you!
I recently found you and enjoy your videos. Question for you: I notice you scoop flour rather than spoon and level. Since we all know baking is a precise science and must be carefully measured, I wonder why you do not do the latter. Thank you and I look forward to more videos!
Hi Trish, we always recommend spooning and leveling flour for an accurate measure. Here is a tutorial on how we measure flour which you might find helpful.
I love cooking & baking,
I am your follower I would like you to share your recipes because it looks so delicious.
Thank you for sharing..Happy New Year & happy cooking.
— Jeanette
Thank you for that compliment, Jeannette! Happy New Year!
Hi Natasha thanks I got your videos on my Facebook..
Love your easy to cook recipes and your amazing bubbly personality
Beautiful family and your children must be from your genes
Best Happy New Year
You’re so nice! Thank you for that kin and thoughtful review!
Hi Natasha! I lived in Emmett for several years and still have family in the Emmett/Boise area! Thank you for the recipes and tips!
That’s awesome Shelley!
I just discovered you a few weeks ago and I absolutely love you and your blog. You’ve inspired me to cook more and the videos are so helpful. Im excited to try all your recipes. I wondered if you cook with cast iron and what your thought are about using it
Hi Elizabeth! We use cast iron and dutch ovens quite often for our recipes. We listed some of our favorites in the shop here.
Hello Natasha. I very recently became newly acquainted with your site, and in fact, prepared our (2019) Christmas Eve dinner using your Roasted Beef Tenderloin recipe (and Horseradish sauce, of course!) . . . it was delicious and a triumphant hit! You are an inspiration. I subscribed to your site and am looking forward to more recipes and videos! Did I mention your “dream kitchen” is beautiful? Happy New Year with wishes for good health and happiness in the new year. Jean
Thank you so much for subscribing!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying our recipes, Jean! Happy New Year to you and yours & I hope you try more of our recipes soon!
I was just wondering if you have a cookbook out? You are my go to for many recipes! Thank you for all you do!!
Hi Stacy! Not at this time but we are working on one!
Natashas – you and your family are beautiful. I just found you (Great way to start 2020). Love your presentations and the food! Keep it up. Thank you.
Marilyn
P.S. I have a gorgeous sheltie named Sasha. Do also go by Sasha?
Thank you and I hope you have an Amazing New Year!!
I see some recipes with a “save” button but when I push it I have no idea where it’s saved. What am I missing?
Thanks
Hi Joanne, where are you seeing a save button? There should not be one. Can you let me know which recipe you see it on? could it be the Save button with the “P” on it? That is a Pinterest save button so if you have a Pinterest account you can save it to Pinterest easily.
Your videos always make me smile and inspire me to cook.
Keep up the good work.
Hi Linda, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you!!
I’m so glad I found this blog! My mother’s family is Russian and Czech, and I’m eager to share these recipes and traditions with my own children. My grandmother’s handwritten recipe notebook is a treasured possession, even if I can’t read it (keep meaning to have the recipes translated). The only tricky part of this cooking adventure is that one of my kids has celiac disease, so I’m especially interested in GF versions of some of these classics (not always possible, but I’m willing to experiment with GF flour blends, etc.) Thanks for your collection of recipes, and best wishes to you and your beautiful family!
Hi Kate! I’m so glad you discovered our blog also! That’s so great! I’m glad you are enjoying our recipes and make sure you take a peek at the recipe’s comments, most of them will have a gluten-free substitution or someone asking about it.
Wow! Just discovered your cooking channel and love every one I have seen! About 20+ I think. Your story is so great. Thanks for sharing your journey and how you’ve been led all the way by our amazing Lord!!! Blessings!
I’m so inspired reading your review. Thank you, Ann!
Hi Natasha, I am a French Canadian 60 years old woman who love to bake. I discovered through Facebook one month ago. I just read your bio and it confirms my first impression of you: you look like a very beautiful human being, full of Joy who wants to share simple recipes for us to add good food and happiness in our life. You are funny and your journey is touching. You look like a very down to earth person who does things for the right reason. I love your story and celebrate your successes. I wish you and your beautiful family the best for 2020. Continue to provide us with your energy and good recipes,
I’m so inspired reading this! Thank you Denyse & Happy New Year to you also!
Hi Natasha
Greetings from Perth, Western Australia. I love watching your videos. Have a wonderful new year in 2020
Hello from Idaho, Clinton! Happy New Year!
Hi Natasha, I just want to say I love watching you cook and love your crab salad with the cukes and tomato’s. I want to start eating and cooking more at home and can’t wait to start with your recipes! Like you I am named Natasha and I’m a nurse!!
That’s so awesome, Natasha! Thank you so much for sharing that!
Hi Natasha!
Hope this letter find you well!
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your oh so good recipes! I find your cooking so enjoyable to watch and encouraging to try I just resigned from my 14yrs office work and will venture to business and return to my first love which is cooking
May our Lord God blesses your heart and family always!
Your fan and follower from Manila, Philippines
Devie Thorn
That’s amazing! Congratulations! Blessings to you! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Natasha, Me and Mom LOVE your videos and recipes when can we expect some amazing cook books???
I’m so glad to hear that, Korina! Stay tuned we are planning on a cook book!
I found your website while looking for a white bean chili recipe and I really liked the feel of your whole company and the recipes, I was about to bookmark your page when some horrible loud music started playing. From a cooking page really? I don’t know if it came from an ad or what but I couldn’t turn it off. It was really off putting.
Hi Veronica, we always strive to make a great user experience on our site and thank you for reporting this. I have forwarded your message to our tech team and hopefully, they can track down whatever triggered that and remove it.
Happy New Year Natasha, Recently discovered your posts. You are such a delight and amazing personality. Also, a wonderful cook. Just puts me in a good mood just watching you. God Bless you and your family.
Thank you so much Ally! God bless you also. I really appreciate your encouraging message.
I think you are an absolutely lovely inspiration to women of all ages who love to cook. I share a similar heritage and the love of basic, home cooking inherited through the many wonderful recipes from my Ukrainian mother. Bless her heart! Keep the videos coming. They inspire me to try new things.
Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Maureen! You’re so nice & thoughtful!
I just discovered your blog/you tube channel. As a Ukrainian american also I’m always searching for authentic Ukrainian recipes. thank you for your channel, for your enthusiasm, and for your Christian perspective…and God bless you and your beautiful family. Lesia
I’m so glad you discovered our blog! Thank you for stopping by to say hello! Merry Christmas!
Love to see a blog dedicated to Russian and Ukrainain food! Thank you!
I’m so glad you discovered our blog, Sonya!! Welcome & thank you for that wonderful feedback!
Love your recipes, It is fun watching you, you are funny and very unique.
Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Talya!
Dear Natasha, I have been following you on Facebook and have enjoyed ALL of your recipes. I am think you are a cute and funny lady and I enjoy your videos and show them to my grandchildren and share them as much as I can. Thank you!
You’re so nice! Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Mary!
This is my next recipe. I found your blog about a year ago. I didn’t know you live in my area until I clicked on ‘About’. We go to Faith Community Bible Church on Ustick.
I look forward to trying some of your other recipes.. I’ll have to adapt them to the Instant Pot as I love that tool.
Back in the 90’s we had an exchange student from Ukraine. He came with a large group of students from various parts of the Soviet.. They were of the first students allowed to come to the US.
That’s so awesome Bill! I love that you’re local and found our blog! That’s so great!
I made mashed potatoes. From ur recipe. My son loves it, i serve it with broccoli, carrots, Cucumber & tomatoes, helikes to hage it with lavash too. The quick and easy recipe puts a big smile on me and my son. Thanks. Jalpa from Mumbai (India)
Thank you for that wonderful feedback, Jalpa! That’s so great when kids love what we parents make, that’s so great.
Hi Natasha
I have not long found you, and I am so glad I did. I love watching your videos and they inspire me to try things that I wouldn’t normally. Everything I have made is so fresh and tasty, and the ingredients easily found here in the UK. TYSM for what you do.
I’m so glad you discovered our blog & recipes, Ellen! Thank you for stopping by!
You should be on television with your own cooking show! Your online videos are fun to watch, you’re good to the camera and your recipes are really good! I’ve made a few things and you’re really good!
You’re so nice! Thank you Kent!
I realy love watching you .
So sweet snd anything you do is so easy snd beautiful recipes.
Keep it up and blessings to you and your family.
I’m so inspired reading this! Thank you!
Dear Natashia, I have just found you and viewing your videos on FB. I have been very ill and mostly bed confined since 2016. I am single, live alone and mostly eat frozen microwave meals. I am a foodie and cook but have no desire with my limited strength. However you have breathed life into my spirit, renewed my desire to cook and inspire me to better care for myself through food. Loving your spirit and energy. The chicken is thawing for Sunday supper! May God continue to bless you and yours. May Food Network come calling in 2020!
Hi Pamela, I’m so inspired reading your review. Thank you for sharing this with me. BLessings to you.
I made your Lasagne Roll Ups for my husbands office Christmas party and everybody raved about them. Thank you for creating this easy to follow recipe and video as well as an exceptional tasting dish.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Hello, Natasha. I am a big fan of you and your husband’s work. A great site and fantastic recipes. I am a 76 year old widower who has always loved to cook. You are a great inspiration with your diverse recipes and presentation. Thanks again. Just thought I’d mention an Australian recipe called Egg and Bacon Pie…. really simple, yet delicious. Best wishes always to you and yours, and for the coming Christmas and New Years. Kind regards, Kenton Elliott.
Hi Kenton, thank you for the encouraging feedback. I really appreciate it! If you have a specific recipe you love to use for Egg and Bacon Pie, I would love to try it. It sounds delicious!
🎶On the tweflth day of pizzas my admirer sent to me: Twelve dozen orders, eleven peppers slicing, ten sausage heapings, nine workers prancing, eight mushroom helpings, seven sauces-a-filling, six doughs-a-making…five…phone…riiiings…four slave-drivers, three waste bins, two coupons off…And a pie full of extra thick cheese!🎶
I sang it in my head as I read it. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Please tell me what the Avery Label number is…i had them printed on #22825 and much of the info didn’t fit on the label?!?
Thanks so much for such a great gift idea!!
Hi Path Star, we have the exact labels linked in the vanilla extract post.
Again I found an error. Recipe for banana bread with raisins and walnuts… The ingredient list says to add baking soda but when I read the article mbefore the listed recipe ingredients it says baking powder… so again I don’t know how my bread is going to turn out because I put baking soda in it. So please advise was it supposed to be baking powder or baking soda? It’s frustrating Because if it doesn’t turn out then I’ve just wasted all those ingredients and they’re going to go in the garbage.
Hi Theresa, Baking soda is correct so no worries. Thanks for pointing that out. In the quick summary that was a typo and it has been corrected. The print-friendly recipe, instructions and video are correct: baking soda.
Natasha…I am a new viewer. I like your recipes and that you share some Russian and Ukrainian recipes.
Your kiddos are adorable as well as that hubby of yours. Lol
A very good friend of mine is from Ukraine and she made it clear that she was not Polish!!!!. There is a beautiful, ornate Ukrainian Catholic Church in the neighborhood, in Detroit, in which she lives. Just an interesting bit of nastalgia for me.
I’m so glad you discovered our blog, welcome! & thank you so much for sharing that with me!
I’ve been following you and your blog for only a couple of weeks. After just reading your personal story and about your faith in Jesus Christ, I LOVE you even more. I’m here in sunny Orange County, CA and have enjoyed all your recipes thus far. Many blessings to you and your precious family. God is so good!
Thank you so much Tara for writing in. I am blessed by your words and God bless you also!! I hope you have a beautiful Christmas.
I made your turkey recipe for Thanksgiving. I cooked with my sister and my mom and dad. I liked it a lot. Can you make a brownie recipe? Can you send me your kitchen tour video? I like your cooking tips and your website. Thank you
Hi Nava, you can find our kitchen tour video here. & thank you for that suggestion!
I have always liked to cook, but since I have found your recipes, I enjoy it even more. You recipes are for normal people, thing we fix for our selves. Thank you.
That’s just awesome, Roy! I’m so glad you’re finding our recipes helpful!
Hi Natasha! My husband and I stumbled upon your recipes while desperately searching Pinterest for some recipes to update our weekly menus, which had sadly gotten extremely repetitive. We have tried a few so far, and absolutely love them! We especially love your Youtube vidoes, and since we found you 2 weeks ago have made it a regular daily watch in our house. Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes and making it easy enough for us two cooking novices to follow along with as well! We thank you especially for sparking a joy and enthusiasm for cooking in us that we didn’t know we had!
Take care and God bless you and your beautiful family!
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles!
Hi Natasha I must say your blog Facebook recipes and cooking tips are awesome I have adapted some for slow cooker due to me and wife both full time workers but can say really nice easy and tasty much love to you and your family
I’m so glad to hear that, John! Thank you for that awesome review.
Would love to see some baby recipes and how to on you tube.
Hi Zen, since we don’t currently have a baby in the house, the chances are slim for us to post any baby recipes right now, but many of our recipes are healthy and can be pureed or finely chopped for babies (depending on age ofcourse). Thank you for the request.
Natasha,
I am so glad I by default wandered into your site. I am trying to start cooking more and eating healthy. I am 39 married no children and my husband and I need to eat healthier. He doesn’t seem to want the change but mentally I would like to feel better. I’m petite 120 but would like to feel better. He will see my changes hopefully and fall into the same mindset. Thank you for having this blog and dedicating yourself to doing this for yourself and others. I can’t wait to read recipes u have posted.
You’re welcome, Heather! I hope you find our recipes helpful and satisfying!
Natasha! Thank you so much for your recipes!! Your instructions are always crystal clear. My family (picky kids included) has enjoyed every single dish and dessert so far! That said, are you planning on doing a cookbook anytime soon?
That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great!
I love all your recipes I love to cook also love eating good food thank you for all you recipes Donna Ornellas
You’re welcome, Donna! Thank you for that great feedback.
Dear Natasha
Can I print out your recipe for lasagna roll ups? I can only follow through with your utube video but would prefer a printed version.
Thank you
Hi Irene, you sure can, follow this link here and press print icon on the printer-friendly option towards the bottom of the post.
Hi Natasha, so glad that I saw your facebook page and learned a lot of recipes from you. Just tried your mashed potato recipe last night and my husband really complements it. Thanks for sharing your recipes and looking forward to more Christmas recipes. From Philippines with love
I’m so happy to hear that Manilyn! Thank you for that great feedback!
Hi Natasha, I just found your site. I am 85 years old and just bought my first Instant Pot. {You can teach an old dog new tricks}. I love to cook and look forward to trying your recipes. I am a widow but when my husband was alive we enjoyed cooking together. I appreciate your faith in God. He has been my strength daily.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Carol. Blessings to you!
Dear Natasha
I look forward to our connection. I am 60 years old. I didn’t cook for my family very often some 10 years ago. I can’t agree more to cook for my family is so fun and enjoyable. Thanks for your sharing. Very encouraging.
I’m so glad you are enjoying our site. Thank you for your encouraging message. It really means so much!
I just adore you and your cooking videos. The food is delicious, your instruction is clear *and* entertaining, and I always learn something new from you. And to top it off, you are just so dang adorable. Keep up the great job!
Thank you for that thoughtful compliment, Tracey! You’re so nice!
I just discovered your blog! My hubby & I are originally from Pittsburgh & grew up eating many of your favorite foods. We have lived in MD for the last 26 years. We can’t find any of the foods we grew up on at Fish Fries in churches (especially during Lent). I had to explain haluski to people behind the deli. And they pronounced it halyou-ski. I also had to explain German Potato Salad several times until people fell in love with it. I am so excited to see what recipes you have & look forward to trying all of them!! Your littles are so cute with their beautiful blue eyes!!
I’m so glad you discovered our blog, Maribeth! Thank you for that great review!
I am from Australia ,found your lovely family blog today which includes some great recipes, I will visit again , thank you. Marg
I’m so glad you discovered our blog, Margaret! Welcome!
Made your Easy Chicken Kiev Recipe and loved it, as did my guests. I am not very good with the knife and your tip on how to mend a whole was amazing. I was surprised at how well it worked. Thanks!
I’m so glad that was helpful! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Natasha
Thanks for giving me new things to try. It beets having the same old boring stuff. I do have a question. Hungarian noodles? Have you cooked them before and is there a secret to them? I thought I would ask you to see if you had any experience making them and recipes you could suggest. Thanks again
Hi Arloa, I don’t have a recipe for that yet but if I come up with something great, I will be sure to share it.
Hi. As a hungarian I might be abel to help you. What do you exactly mean with noodles? For soup or the “nudli” made from potatoes?
Hi Natasha..since i bump into ur page..im really magnetized? now im following u and thanks for sharing ur yummy recipes..in trying to learn cooking delicious meals now..keep it up!
I’m so glad you discovered our blog! Thank you for that awesome feedback & compliment.
Natasha, thank you for your beautiful blog and messages. My husband went on a two-year mission trip to the Czech Republic, and has longed for a reliable source of Eastern European recipes our whole marriage (of 13 years). You have saved the day! I love cooking from your blog; it always make him so happy!
But most of all, I want to thank you for your example of unabashed faith in Jesus and the influence it has on your life! I love that you included this in your blog description. The world needs more people like you! Best of luck with your blog and your beautiful family!
Aww that’s the best, Christina! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Turkey recipe question- Hi Natasha. I’m going to try your turkey recipe this week. One question- you mention non-extra virgin oil with butter rub. why is that? Thanks!
Hi Doug, that will allow for the higher smoke point. Extra virgin Oil will burn and smoke once it reaches a certain temperature. Most bottles have a note on how high of a heat you can cook with. The Turkey recipes needs a pretty high temperature.
Good point- perhaps Canola oil?
Hi Doug, yes that will work.
Hey Natasha! I have been following along with your facebook videos and am in love with your recipes! I am an RN and I love to cook/relieve stress on my off days by cooking new recipes. what is a recipe you suggest for a quick work lunch?
I worked as an RN for a couple of years in Telemetry before I went into full-time nursing. I have great respect for the nurses of the world 🙂 The shrimp fried rice is a personal favorite but there are so many great ideas of recipes that reheat well. Lasagna roll-ups also come to mind right away.
Absolutely adore everything you make! I am especially excited to have found you since my husband has Ukrainian heritage and I am of German/Slovak descent. Exciting to see recipes from the Old World and to see a fresh take on other cuisine. We live in Idaho too…Caldwell!!
Wow! That’s just awesome, Kristin! Thank you for sharing that with us, I’m so glad you discovered our blog.
Years ago I was watching a movie and saw a Russian way of drinking hot tea. He added some kind of cherry sauce it looked like it may have had whole cherries. Love to know this way of drinking tea.
I haven’t seen that before so I’m not sure.
Jliz. That was tea with cherry varenye. Varenye is made by cooking whole berry (black currants, cherries, gooseberries, strawberries, etc.) in a sugar syrup. The difference between a russian fruit or berry preserve and a jam is that the fruit is not macerated and there is NO pectin – thus the runny syrup with whole berries. Varenye is served in a vase often as a tea treat. Each person can serve him/herself a few spoonfuls into an individual small dish – rosette – or add it directly into the hot black tea instead of sugar (no cream obviously). Try unflavored black tea like English Breakfas with Bon Maman cherry or raspberry preserve to taste – 2-3 tea spoons is my preference. It’s a perfect winter treat. My mother used to make cherry varenye where the pit was removed and a walnut piece was stuffed into each and every cherry!
What a beautiful description of a classic Eastern European tradition of how to drink tea.
lya and Natasha,
Thanks so much, can’t wait to give it a try. For the life of me, I can’t remember the movie I saw it but I sure remember how great the tea looked.
Jliz
I am going to use a bread stuffing to stuff the turkey. Do you allow another 30 minutes cook time?
Hi Barbara, I don’t cook stuffing inside the turkey because it isn’t traditional in our family and the juices from the turkey drip into the stuffing while baking so the stuffing needs to get to 145˚F for it to be safe for consumption and by that time, the turkey breast becomes much too dry. I’ve seen some methods pre-cooking the stuffing partially and others make the stuffing and bake it in a separate dish and serve it on the side.
I am a Russian background Canadian, married to a Japanese and living in Japan now for over 30 years! I run a bakery and taught cooking classes for 18 years here and my family also loves the kind of Russian food that I grew up with. My mother was from…what is known today as…Ukraine. This food is near and dear to my heart! I am a late comer to your videos and find them so fun and informative and before I actually knew of your nationality, I just knew you were from somewhere “there” when I saw you eat pierogi!!
I love your life story and how your walk with God is so important. Keep the good recipes coming and I will keep watching…Happy cooking and baking! God bless!
Thank you for that thoughtful comment and review, Debbie! & for sharing your story! Blessings to you!
I just Made your Horseradish cream sauce.. It is Fabulous Thank you –
You’re welcome! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed that.
I have tried several of your recipes and have loved them all .I think you make them nice and clear on the videos that they are easy to follow I love your wave to us when you begin the video Thank You
Thank you for that wonderful compliment!
Love all of your recipes! Thanks for sharing. Do you have a good beef podliva recipe? Can’t find a good one online.
Thanks
Hi Christina, I don’t currently but the closest thing I have would be a beef stroganoff.
Hi Natasha, I have watched so many cooking shows but none have attracted me like yours. there was something about you that kept drawing me to your posts on facebook and realized that it was your goofiness and joyful spirit that caught my attention. I just read your story and i”m so happy and blessed to know that you’re a Christian. I have made some of your recipes which were a hit with the family. Thank you for sharing your recipes with the world. God continu to shine HIS light on you, your family and business.
You’re welcome, Martha! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this recipe.
Hi Natasha!
I’ve been trying some of your Russian/Ukrainian recipes and loving them all so far!! The food is so tasty
I just had a question aside from the cooking and recipes, how do you manage to stay so fit with all this delicious food? Is there a particular workout routine you follow? haha XD
Hi Kiara, No secrets here. Everything in moderation and a great metabolism take credit here.
Hi Natasha, Your chicken fried rice and wondering if you have a Beef fried rice recipe. Thanks
Hi Cheryl, I do not but I imagine substituting that shouldn’t be a problem! If you experiment please let me know how you like that.
Your recipes are easy and SOOO good!
Do you have a Manhattan Clam Chowder recipe?
Thank you.
Hi Ruth, we have this Clam Chowder recipe here you may enjoy. We also have a New England Clam chowder on our blog.
I have to admit that I’ve been following your blog on and off for some time now. I spent four years living in Russia and just missed some of the foods. I think I found the site leading up to the Sochi Olympics when I wanted to share some Russian culture with the girls at a youth residency where I worked at the time. The braised cabbage really got me hooked. Since then I’ve married a great guy who unfortunately doesn’t appreciate cabbage and buckwheat as much as I might hope. (But, hey, nobody’s perfect.)
Some of our favorite recipes still come from this site though–the creamy chicken and rice is always a no fail option.
Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for all the great food and I hope you’re able to continue for a long time.
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed our recipes & blog! Thank you for sharing that with me!
Hi, my father was from Ukraina but his heritage from Latvia.
He used to bake salry fish with onions, raisins and white wine I miss him and this dish so much. Any way to restore it? Thanks
Hi Judith, I’m not sure I have tried that dish. Do you recall the name by chance?
Natashia, I have become a devoted fan…you are a beautiful, funny woman, great recipes and I love how you have everything at hand when preparing your food (unlike some of the shows that are so unprepared). Keep them coming and I will keep watching daily.
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles!
Hi, I am a follower of your blog all the way from Europe in Malta. Recently I tried the Burritos and they were absolutely wonderful and an instant hit.
Thank you for your blog and keep it going.
All the best or as we say in Maltese – Saħħa.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Darren!
Hello Natasha,
I have tried making your beef and broccoli, salisbury steak, and spaghetti and meatballs. All the dishes came out amazingly delicious!!! I couldn’t believe how flavorful everything was. I must say your spaghetti sauce was spectacular. I am still getting compliments and I made it a few days ago. The meatballs are moist and tasty.The layout of each recipe is so organized, the introduction to the recipe and the helpful hints and preparation along with the illustrations. I am so excited to try out more of your recipes. Just wanted to say thank you for being true to your word. Your an amazing chef!!!
Thank you for such an inspiring and encouraging comment. I really appreciate that!
I love to watch your cooking videos and your sense of humor is great ! Today I am so excited to make the Spatchock chicken. My husband is just as excited to eat it. I pray it comes out good. Tomorrow I am making your Apple turnovers. Hoping that I don’t mess those up.
Thanks for all your delicious recipes and may God bless you abundantly !
Annie
I hope you love everything you try from our blog and thank you for the encouraging message. You’re awesome!
I love your recipes. what do you have for thanksgiving?
I am hooked!!!
Hi Bea! We have so many great options! Our favorite Thanksgiving archives can be found here.
Hi Natasha, I tried your recipe for Vareninki (pierogi) dough and love it! It’s so much easier to work with than my mothers recipe… After I tried it I called mom and shared it with her. She’s excited to try it too. Mom is the one that told me about your site by the way, she loves it! I too, am a fan. The sour cream makes the dough so much easier to work with~ delicious! Thank you
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Lana!
Hi Natasha, I can’t say enough about your recipes…. Love them! I save so many off Facebook and quite often search for my favourites when creating a meal plan for my weekly dinners. I’ve even got my mom saving your recipes now too.
I’m wondering if you’ve considered a weekly meal plan link with grocery lists on your website?
p.s. can’t wait for your cookbook !
Hi Colleen, Thank you for that suggestion!
Hello Natasha:
I have been following your cooking blog for few years now. You are amazing! You have such a beautiful family, and you are true inspiration for me. I am also from Ukraine, eastern part, so it warms my heart to see recipes of so many delicious Ukrainian and Russian food.
Sincerely,
Maryna
I’m so inspired reading this, thank you Maryna!
Hi Natasha,
I love MOST of your recipes and I watch your videos consistently. All your food look like comfort food and you make cooking look so simple and clean. You’re always very pretty and funny as you do your jokes on the videos. I love Ina Garten, but you’re definitely my new favorite. Have you ever worked with Ina, Martha or any other of your great counterparts? Any who… keep up the great work and keep the great videos coming of your delectable dishes coming!
#Natashaskitchen ROCKS!
I’m so happy you love our recipes! Thank you so much for the fantastic review and your encouraging words. I am smiling big reading your comment
Big fan Natasha. Love your beef stroganoff and so does my Russian neighbour when I cook it for her. My question is what size of Dutch Oven should I purchase for general soups, stews etc. What size is the one I see you use in most of your videos. Many thanks.
Hi Doug, the one we use is a 5 1/2 quart and we have it linked in our Amazon shop.
Natasha
I look forward to your videos and recipes that I see. I have tried a few and always happy how they taste! I keep waiting for you to come out with a cookbook. If you do, please post lots of pictures and make it a spiral one.
Stay tuned for the cookbook Susan!
Would love a cookbook by you, with all your recipe’s you have on your blog. Please let me know when it comes out and where I can buy it. Thank you!
Hi Debra, thank you for that amazing feedback! Stay tuned, we are planning.
Hi Natasha,
I also grew up in a Russian/Ukrainian/Slavic (Grandparents) Family. Everytime I go back home there are always homemade pirogies at the ready. Love your site, your recipes are wonderful.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Hi, Natasha!\
Big fan of all your videos! I have a question on your Apple Pie recipe.
Can you make the filling and freeze it? Would like to make this for thanksgiving and that would be a timesaver. Thank you.
Hi Michelle, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
Just started following your videos; your recipes looks so delicious, and I enjoy your cooking. You make it seem easy. I’m trying some of your recipes! Congrats on your success; continued luck and enjoy
Thank you for that wonderful compliment!
Hi Natasha, we love all your recipes…we have some fresh beetroot that was given to us recently so we will be trying out your Borscht recipe…hope it is as easy and tastes as yummy as it looks!
Love from my family in the Isle of Wight, UK xxx
That’s so great! I bet that would be so good in this recipe! Thank you for sharing that with me.
I enjoy all your recipes. Im from Juarez Chihuahua Mexico and i hope you can cook up some Spanish dishes
Hi Felipe, thank you for the suggestion! In the meantime, here are some of our favorite Mexican-inspired recipes.
Hi Natasha,
I’ discovered you on u-
Tube today. And it was
Love. At 1st.site.
Love your. Personality
And your recipes.
A new fan. !!!!
Rosie
That’s so great, Rosie! I’m so glad you discovered our blog now too! Welcome!
I love your vivacious videos! The demonstration is excellent and the recipes are very yummy! Now that I read your personal story it all makes sense. I just got back from Croatia, my daughter returned from 2 week Moscow stay with Russian family she met over 20 years ago when she majored in Slavic language while in college. Needless to say we are big fans and wish you well
That’s just awesome Linda! I’m so happy you discovered our blog and recipes.
I love watching your videos and trying your recipes I’ve been cooking for about 2 years now I look forward to checking the Facebook to see if you have any new videos out that I can try I have not found any food yet that you made that hasn’t been really good
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles!
Been a follower for about a year now and I love all your recipes and videos! You have a such a warm, kind essence about you! I then read you live your life by the word of God and life of Jesus and it all made sense! Best wishes for continued success!
I’m so happy you love our recipes, Janelle! Thank you so much for the fantastic review and your encouraging words. I am smiling big reading your comment
Love your recipes and your presentation..I’m an 85 year old who still loves to bake and cook!
Hi Carol, thank you so much for that sweet compliment! I’d love to hear more about your favorite recipes. I’m sure you have so much kitchen wisdom to share 🙂
Hi Natasha, I have cooked a few of your recipes and have love them all. Keep up the great work and we enjoy you in Canada!
That’s so great, Daren! I’m so happy to hear that!
Thank you for sharing all the tasty recipes and I am enjoying watching them all each time.
Hi Judy! I’m so glad you have enjoyed our recipes.
The best cakes ever tnx for sharing Natasha
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Sbo!
Hi Natasha…I love your videos and enjoy pretty much everything you make (except anything with Brussels sprouts)… I was reading about something you call tvarog. My Mother made a lot of things with something she called twaróg, which I am sure is the Polish version and was available in Chicago, which is where I grew up. She emigrated from Poland after WWII and cooked a lot of Polish and German food, which is what she knew! I now live in Phoenix and can’t find it anywhere. Is there an alternative option? Thank you!!
Hi Bozena, we have several tvorog recipes here you may enjoy. Tvorog is also known as Farmers Cheese.
Hi Natasha, just became a subscriber and was wondering if we can ask you to make a new recipe. If so–Knedliky & zeli with roast pork was one of my favorites growing up. mom made it at least once a week, every bodies favorite.
Thank you for sharing that with me!
I live in Norway and it is the first time I have seen an option of getting the recipe in metric, which is what we use here. Totally awsome and usable for me and my family.
Hi Karin, we have metric conversion measurements available on most of our recipes but still are working through the older ones to add them. If there is something specific you would like to see converted, please leave a comment on that particular recipe post and I will do my best to address it quickly. Thanks!
Natasha, I am living in Russia with easy access to tvorog. Can you recommend me a recipe for a blini filling using tvorog? Tvorog and vanilla sugar, or powder sugar? What is your recommendation? Thank you 🙂
Hi Lori, we always make cheese crepes with cream cheese and cottage cheese, we always make, but my Mother makes them with tvorog.
ok 🙂 do you know if your mother mixes anything with the tvorog to make it sweeter?
Hi Lori, she does add some sugar to taste and 1 egg. It depends on how dense the tvorog is – a moister one will need 1 egg and a dryer tvorog will need 2 eggs.
Love love love the spatchcock chicken recipe! it comes out perfect every time. My husband claims its the best chicken he’s ever had. Tonight I want to make two chickens because we have guest coming over. Any suggestions on how to do that?
Hi Karen, I haven’t made two at the same time. I would recommend doubling all ingredients and prepping for two in advance. If you plan to bake them at the same time it make take a while longer to bake. I’d love to know how it goes with two!
I love everything that you cook and bake I try to make some and they look pretty good but they taste delicious, I love your desserts, I show off making them for my family and friends
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Natasha,
I have pinned and tried some of your recipes, and I love them all. I’m glad that I finally sat myself down and became one of your followers. Keep up the great work.
I’m so glad you discovered our blog, Teresa!!
Hi Natasha,
You voice sounds so familiar. Did you used to have a cooking show on cable TV? Your recipes look great! I can’t wait to try a few out for the holidays.
Happy cooking!
Paul
I did not but we do have a Youtube channel!
Love all your recipes…my husband is also Ukrainian and polish..and my heritage is English and Irish…I love watching your videos..thx for all the great recipesi made the steak hoggies for the guys in my house and they were a hit
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Jackie! I’m all smiles!
I love watching your video the food you making its amazing Today I’m going to make lasagna for my family I love all your recipes You have a beautiful family may God-bless you and your family
We love you!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review with me, Liliana!
Please come up with a potsticker recipe! I love your recipes and i know theyd be wonderful
Thank you for that suggestion, Barb.
I made your “Beef and Broccoli with the Best Sauce”. It was terrific! Definitely a keeper and a staple to our menu. Quick prep, Cook, only problem I had was finding the grain direction on the sirloin I used, but got it right, was so tender and flavorful. Thank you for the recipe.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Brenda!