About
Hai!! My name is Natasha and I am the Ukrainian foodie. Vadim is my handsome man ❤️. We 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 13 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 is actively involved in a Christian Slavic church. 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 800 recipes and more than 3.2 Million hungry visitors per month.
My goal for this site is for people around the world to really discover and fall in love with Ukrainian and Russian cooking. 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).
Much of the knowledge I share comes from my Mama, Mama-in-law and family members #majorprops. I am so thankful to have such amazing people in my life who generously share their rich knowledge of Russian/ Ukrainian 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.
Here you'll find classic Ukrainian food and other favorite recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
I am so happy because a friend of mine give your contact. I am from Guatemala, Central America.
I really love your recipes, but I LOVE YOU TOO, you are wonderful and sweet and smart and very nice. You and your family. I love to see you when cooking. GOD BLESSYOU!!!
Awww that’s the best! You’re so nice! Thank you so much for sharing that with me :). I’m all smiles!
God bless you and your family love 💜💚❤😙😗you Natasha best cook ever hope you decide to write a cook book and a biography 😀😁!!!!!.
Your fan
Thank you Morene! I’m so happy you are enjoying our recipes & blog!
Love you Natasha your the best youtuber cook ever!!!!!. Hope you write a cook book and a biography
Your fan Brenna
You’re so nice! Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Brenna!
Hi Natasha! I was wondering if you could make a Q&A video. I would really love to see one! But if you do, here’s my question! Do you ever get hate comments, like about your food, ect. I don’t think you have ever gotten hate comment, i think they are all nice ones. Second question: Can you plzz do a house tour! You did one on your blog but i would like to see one on your YouTube channel. I don’t really know how your house really looks just from looking at pics. I see it better when looking onb video.
Hi Becky! Thank you for sharing all of this with us, we have many subscribers and lots of great questions that come through our blog. If you have any recipe questions feel free to post them in our recipe threads 🙂
Excited to try your recipes. Interested in how you describe your family as striving to live by the word of God and life of Jesus. Sounds beautiful.
Thank you so much, Amanda!!
Hi Natasha and Vadim, my father’s family also came from Ukraine originally, so I am happy to have (accidentally!..It must have been meant to be!) found your site :-). I have already tried the fillet mignon (so nice!), and will try some of the Ukrainian dishes when I have time off from work. I currently live in Hamilton, New Zealand, with my South African born husband. Now that I found your site, I am so excited to try so many of your recipes! ps: your children are gorgeous x
Thank you for that wonderful compliment! I’m so happy you discovered our blog. Welcome! 🙂
Natasha, I am Pastor Dean Herring from South Valley Baptist Church here in the Treasure Valley, and I am grateful for your testimony of your relationship with Jesus Christ! I’m telling my wife and daughters about your blog and very much looking forward to enjoying your recipes! God bless you!
I’m so happy you discovered our blog! Welcome! Thank you for sharing this with your family, I love that you found us being in the Treasure Valley as well! God bless you!
The French toast casserole sounds really delicious. It would be good if you suggested the size of the baking dish and the amount of bread in cups or ounces for this amount of milk and eggs. I’d like to scale it down in size. Thank you. Olga
Hi, I apologize I thought we had specified, but it is a 9×13 casserole dish. Also, if you click “metric” in the recipe card, you will get more specific measurements in grams and mL. Hope that helps!
Hi Natasha
Do you have any good recipes for smoothies that are fling?
Thanks much
HI Z, We have several! Follow this link for some great smoothie recipes.
I absolutely love your recipes. As you stated earlier in your blog most ingredients are in your kitchen. You don’t have to go out and buy a ton of ingredients. The recipes are simple yet flavorful. I’m trying to lose weight along with my
co-workers. I tried your chicken advacado salad and it was so tasty 😋. Plz share more recipes like this. Thanks. God bless you and your family 💜💜
Thank you for that amazing feedback!!
Natasha, love, love, love your blog. Your recipes are amazing and I love your videos too! You need to be on the Food Network (instead of all those competition shows-which I detest).
Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Dede!!
I so enjoy your recipes and witty writing style, Natasha. I started following your blog when I got married and mama also wasn’t don’t the cooking anymore! Most of our family recipe staples are thanks to you. I have picky eaters at home, and your kid-friendly recipes like the chicken fritters have alleviated my stress level around mealtimes greatly! I’m definitely a loyal fan. Congratulations on your new home!
Thank you so much, Regina! I’m so happy you are enjoying our blog!
Beautiful Blog
Thank you for that wonderful compliment!
Hi Natasha, I really enjoy watching your cook videos on YouTube. Blessings from the South Pacific.
Thank you so much Trish! 🙂
Dear Natasha. I came across your blog when searching for a creamy mushroom chicken recipe ( without Campbell!). I am French. Living in Canada with a son from Ukraine, which made me want cook more delicious specialties. Looking forward to some fun ukie cooking !
I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying my blog! Thank you for sharing that with us 🙂
We love this website! My husband and I adopted 4 Ukrainian tweenagers (now teenagers) and these recipes help them get the tastes from their past, and food and cooking skills that are part of their Ukrainian culture. Thanks for all of the great recipes, making it easy and fun to follow!
That is so amazing, I’m so inspired reading that. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Merry Ukrainian Christmas to you Natasha & family, from one Ukie to another, love your recipes !!
Thank you, Lillian! I’m so happy you are enjoying our blog!
Your recipes are wonderful and you inspired me to find joy in cooking again! I love how fresh and healthy looking your dinners and salads are. When I see a recipe in my newsfeed in the morning, I know it will inspire me to cook and eat healthy that day!
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m so inspired reading your review.
Hi Natasha!!
Just wanted to let you know I linked to your cucumber tomato avocado salad in our first free weekly meal plan at Posh Paleo! Can’t wait to try it!!! Xo
I hope you love it, Jenny!
I’ve been seeing you on FB for awhile but today decided to visit your website. I love your recipes.
Good luck!
I’m so happy you discovered our blog!
Hello, my name is Gina and love watching your recipes, loved reading your story how you started. My husband’s grandparents were from Russia. I’m Portuguese, and have learned a lot of our cultures recipes. I’ve been told I’m a pretty good cook. Have a recipe that I would like to share with you. It’s called “CHICKEN McQUEEN” have you heard of it.
Hi Gina! I would love to hear more about it! Sounds interesting!
I just discovered your web page. Thank you for your lasagna recipe. Fabulous!! Blessings from Barcelona, Spain!
Hi Naime, I’m so happy you discovered our blog, Welcome!
Do you have a recipe for Lemon Meringue Pie? Thanks
Hi Marilyn, we do not have a Lemon Meringue Pie recipe on our blog. We do have these lovely meringue baskets however 🙂
I love you and all your recipes. I have often used many. They are so yummy. You have a fan in me.
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me :). I’m all smiles!
So I get the email, watch the videos, but subscribe to Google? I’d rather pay a fee … avoid Google. Sell a book I’ll buy one for each daughter and myself, that’s 6!
Thank you, Robert!
Hello Natachka,
thank you for the recipes. It has been hard to find some decent Russian recipe and I’m delighted I found you
S nastupayushim novim godom 🙂
x Mira
Hi Mira, I’m so happy you discovered our blog! Welcome!
Natasha,hi! Do you have recipe of homemade mayonnaise ?
If you have-please let me know where it? Sorry for my English…Esli mozhno,Vash recept prigotovleniya mayonesa? Spasibo ogromnoe.
Hi Irina! I’m so happy you discovered our blog! At this time, I do not have a mayonnaise recipe.
Natasha, would love to see Instant Pot recipes. I just got one for Christmas and while there are numerous Pinterest recipes, I trust yours the best.
Thank you Claudia! We have a few posted on our blog and looking to create more in the future!
I made the filet mignon in cream sauce w/mushrooms for Christmas dinner — my family adored it! My daughter stood over the pan eating up the remaining sauce & said it was the best she had ever tasted. Love your recipes and have been sharing them for the last few years. You are inspiring! (and love your personal story & share your views). Keep it the amazing work!
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review 🙂
I look forward to seeing all of your recipes. You show basic cooking skills and working with foods that we can all relate to and eat. I think you’re pretty amazing and I’m so glad that your recipes are so successful because I can continue to see new and exciting foods to prepare. xo
Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Linda!
Hello Natasha,
I love your energy, your recipes are awesome. I can watch you all day, you are so much fun and you make it so simple and easy for us to try your cuisine (i’ve tried plenty of your recipes, love it)
What is really amazing, is that my mom is hooked to your blog as well, eventhough she is not an english speaker; you are able to transfer the knowledge of your cuisine to her perfectly! (btw, she just cooked your filet mignon receipe yesterday 🙂
so, just wanted to encourage you and thank you for the great ideas you present each time!
I’m so inspired reading this. Thank you for sharing this with me!
I stumbled upon your website, via pinterest, a few weeks ago when searching for a quick, easy, and tasty desert. Your mini cheesecake with caramel sauce did the trick and were a huge hit with my family and friends. Needless to say, I’m now a big fan. Your recipes are great and videos are extremely helpful. Can’t wait to try more of your dishes. Thank you.
I’m so happy you discovered our blog. Welcome! 🙂
Natasha,
Thank you so much for all of the wonderful recipes and videos. We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas from Tijuana, Mexico.
Thank you, Scott!! Merry Christmas!
Hello Natasha,
This Christmas I prepared your recipe for turkey with lemon and parsley. I saw your video from 2016. My daughter liked the recipe which is not very typical for my country. I come from Bulgaria and we usually prepare the turkey with rice stuffing and sour cabbage. I agreed to follow your steps because it was adifferent style of preparing the turkey. As a result… I am really amazed, Natasha. The meal was perfect. Excellent juicy and rich flavoury. Really perfect. I am going to cook it again very soon. Thank you for your creative ideas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me :). I’m all smiles! Merry Christmas!
Natasha,
I am quite the foodie as well and my family is from Ukraine too. I am first generation American and live in Brooklyn, NY. Your recipes are great and simple to follow! I just purchased an Instant Pot and looking forward to more of your great Instant Pot recipes. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Regards from Brooklyn!
Merry Christmas, Mark!! I’m so happy you discovered out blog!
Dear Natasha,
I was looking for a healthy Instant Pot Chicken Broth soup recipe to help my husband recover from a sudden cold that has descended upon him. Your recipe sounds very good so plan to use it today. 🙂
Thank you for your posts and for sharing about your family history and your desire to live your lives by following the life of Jesus.
A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!
You are so nice! Thank you, Debbie!! Merry Christmas!
Came across your channel on Facebook. We have tried many of your recipes and all have been perfection! Keep up the amazing recipes!! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
I’m so happy you discovered our blog. Welcome! 🙂 Merry Christmas Vicky!
I love your cooking! I would be a big fat cow if I tested all your recipes. They all look fabulous and since I have diabetes the cheesecake I am making for Christmas is a big deal for me. I tend to try more of your salads. You and Lindsey just might kill me one day!
I hope you love the cheesecake and are able to enjoy it even just a little bit 🙂 I’m so glad you are enjoying our recipes, especially the salads! 😉
I discovered your blog a couple years ago and never looked up recipes anywhere else again. I got married 7 years ago and this is what kept us alive lol. I love that you use normal, easy to find ingredients and supplies. We came to “America” from Ukraine in ’98 and its so cool that I can cook traditional old-school ukrainian meals without digging up my moms or grandmas old recipes. You’re helping to preserve our culture and are passing it on to the next generation.
I’m so inspired reading this!! Thank you for this amazing feedback, Alla!
Thank you for the wonderful pork meatballs. My 87 yr. Old companion is very difficult to please and I want to cook these in sweet and sour sauce in the oven after browning. I will have a pork tenderloin ground by the butcher. Will it wotk? Thanks again.
Hi Elaine, I think that will work. I hope you love that recipe!
Please remove my name from your website. I did not ask for it and I notice that it “just pops up” and I cannot remove it.
S. Fedeli
Hi, it sounds like you opted in to push notifications. Here are instructions on how to turn those off for our site and others you might have opted into.
Love your Shrimp Fried rice!!!
am making a double batch for a large
Christmas gathering!
Any tip on what kind of white rice?
Hi Monique, We love Jasmine rice, but medium or long grain rice will work.
Thanks for your mushroom gravy recipe. I am using it to prepare one dish for the meatless supper this Christmas Eve. Do you have a recipe for pyrohy? I couldn’t find one on your site. I would be happy to share my recipe with you. My mom came to Canada from Ukraine in 1937. She is still living and still loves her garden. All the very best to you and your family in 2019. Shchaslyvoho Rizdva!
Hi William! You’re so welcome! I’m happy you enjoyed that recipe. What kind of “pyrohy” are you looking for? Sweet? Savory? I’d love to hear how you make them! Here are a few ideas from our site.
I think William meant Varenyky (or pierogie/perohy)
Hi Natasha
i ve been following you in face book, whenyou recipes are shared. and let me tell you i looove avacados too.
looking foward to see more recipes.
God bless you an your beatiful family.
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you, Mildred!
Thank you for your recipes which are easy to follow and mostly easy to make. Have recommended your site to my friends.
A Ukrainian Aussie
Wow! Thank you so much, Chris!!!
I started following Natasha on Facebook and I was hooked. I like that the videos are quick an de the food looks truly appetizing. I then thought, I wonder if she has a blog or something else I can follow!
Your recipes are delicious! Keep up the good work!
I’m so happy you discovered our blog, Patricia! Thank you for sharing this with me!
Hi Natasha, I’ve noticed you mentioned several times chopping onions bothers your eyes. I wear glasses and noticed my eyes aren’t bothered nearly as much from onions. Maybe you could try a cheap pair of clear lenses for protection and see if that helps. Love your quick and easy recipies. Keep up the good work.
You know that is a very good idea – or even sunglasses. I will give that a try! Thank you so much 🙂
I wear my son’s snowboarding goggles, lol. If you have a pair laying around I would recommend giving it a try! Thank you for all the great recipes!
haha! That’s awesome! I can totally see that!
Hi Natasha!! I am thrilled to find your blog and see new recipes. Your joyful voice came through my Facebook feed. My first thought was..who is this lady who stands out from the rest! :). I have watched a few of your excellent videos, but the recipe that has stood out from the rest (the only one I have actually tried) is the No-bake Cheesecake. Omg!! It is the best! I have made it 3 times, once for a friend and then my family this Thanksgiving. You are a Godsend and I mean that literally. This cheesecake recipe saves me hours of time from baking, cooling and even chilling. I can’t say enough.
I also want to say how refreshing it is to know we trust in the same God who makes ALL things possible.
I’m looking forward to seeing more of your videos and recipes on your blog (I love new recipes :).
Kathleen
Thank you so much for writing in and sharing your super encouraging feedback. Your words blessed me and I sure appreciate you! I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying our blog, videos and recipes 🙂
Thank you Natasha for your humble attitude and boldness in sharing your faith in Jesus Christ. May the blessings continue to come to your family during this season when we celebrate his birth.
Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Rick! I’m so happy you discovered our blog. God bless you & Happy Holidays!
Hi Natasha,
You have a beautiful family and I love watching your videos! You crack me up lol. Could you do a video for a Broccoli & Cheese recipe please? It’s my daughters favorite soup and I would like to make it for her birthday dinner in March. On to watch more! God Bless.
Thank you for that suggestion, Tami! Broccoli cheese sounds perfect for winter! You can find more of our soup recipes here.
Natasha’s kitchen is awesome..plenty of recipe..easy to follow, the real home cook good meal, I’ve tried some and there’s more to try..
I’m following you..
Mhyrnz
I’m so happy you discovered our blog! Welcome!!
So for this year Thanksgiving, I pulled a lot of the recipes from your site, and let me say, your recipes are my “go to” place for recipes.
Loved your butter Turkey rub (husband said it was one of the best, juiciest Turkey he has ever had), cranberries, pumpkin cheesecake (again husband who isn’t a fan of cheesecake said it was restaurant quality), and blueberry pie. Uncomplicated ingredients and instructions. With your recipes, my first attempt at cooking them are spot on.
Thank you, Lynda! I’m so inspired reading your review. Thank you!
Hey Natasha,
I will like to know if later on the future if can show us a Talapia recipe. I’m a fan of seafood. I already have made your salmon recipe they turn out very delicious!!
Hi Laura! You’re in luck! We actually have this Tilapia Casserole recipe here on the blog. I hope you like it!
Hi Natasha! I’ve been following your cooking/baking videos for a long time now!:) And I just found your blog about you and your family! lol. I knew that you had a blog about food (Exact measurements, directions, etc.) But I had no idea that you had a blog about you and your family! That was actually good to know. I also love testing and trying each and every one of your new recipes! I also just found out that you are a believer in our Lord Savior Jesus Christ. And so am I! But most importantly I am glad to hear/see how God has worked through your life and brought you here! I love your whole family, and God bless You and your family!:)
Hi Becky!! I’m so happy you discovered our blog! I’m so inspired reading this! Thank you for your thoughtful message! God bless you!
Hi Natasha! I love how simple and accessible your recipes are. Tonight I will try the most simple yet healthy salad – that i can make, it;s your tuna salad!!! I’ve been watching your videos for days now and Im happy to say that i can make more delicious salads for now on.
Hi Harriet, thank you for the wonderful feedback! 🙂
Great recipes here, thanks for sharing them! Now, just waiting to see if you have one for salo… (・ω・)
I’m so happy you enjoyed that!
Your site is my go to cooking site.
The wreath Bread is fantastic and as staple in our family.
If you are ever up for adoption my wife and I will take you and your delightful family in an instant.
Have a Happy Holiday
Bob Forrest
Thank you for that kind offer, Robert!! I’m so happy you are enjoying our recipes!!
I was looking for your gluten free bread recipes but couldnt find any none would show up when I put in search tab!? Can you tell me a good gluten free recipe that you would recommend to me of yours.
thank you
Hi Mary! I do not have a gluten-free bread recipe at this time. If you find one that you like I would love your feedback!
Hi Natasha!
I LOVE all your recipes that i tried. I would like to share them with my friends. Will i be able to find them in russian?
Hi Raisa, I do not have my recipes in Russian! I’m so happy you are loving the recipes!!
Hi Natasha: I made your stuffed bell peppers last night. They were wonderful and SO much healthier than the recipe I “used” to use. I was unsure I wanted to try the sauce (and almost wasn’t going to make it). I did make the sauce and it is wonderful. Very unique. TKS!!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Hi there. Wanted to tell you that I really enjoy your cooking and getting some great ideas from you. I also told my boss about you and your site and she said omg why didn’t you tell me sooner. She is going to try some of your great dinners,. Thank you.
That’s so great!! Thank you for sharing that with me!!
I’m very happy to find your blog, Natasha! We are also from Ukraine (many years ago) and I love to cook:) Found some very interesting recipes and will follow you here. Good luck!
I’m so happy you discovered our blog. Welcome! 🙂
Hello! I love everything about your story, your recipes, all of this, except…. I can barely read your recipes for all the ads and popups. The pop-up that asks if we want to subscribe WON’T go away, and is very much in the way. Because it’s so difficult, it kind of deters me from using your wonderful recipes. I don’t want to complain, but thought it was important to share that with you.
Hi Grace, I sure appreciate your feedback and our readers experience is a high priority so this feedback is helpful! I am not able to recreate not being able to close the subscribe box and clicking the “X” in the top right corner of the box is closing it for me. Can you share what device you are using and browser where clicking the “x” is not functioning? Thank you so much!
Hi Natasha, I just found your site here when looking for radish recipes! I am in Australia, in my 40’s and unfortunately living in a nursing home that serves awful old people’s food and I am looking at easy, healthy recipes that I can make. I have a fridge and microwave in my room . Oh my, looking at your salad recipes, I can’t wait to make some. I have German and Estonian heritage so I love European hints in food 😊. I look forward to reading more of your recipes.
I’m so happy you discovered out recipes!! I too hope you get to try that soon!!
Hey Natasha! 😃 I was just looking for the Red Borscht II recipe and it’s gone!! Can you please post it up again or at least send me the recipe individually, thank you!! It was the only recipe I used for res borscht😭
Hi Diana, the Borscht recipe that I have posted it the improved version of the older one, but here is the original print-friendly view.
You just inspired me. I can’t believe it took me this long to read more “about you” on your site. I am also Realtor (recently) and I still think it may not be for me. I also love to cook, (kirsyskitchen) and I have been struggling trying to find out what I am meant to be here for. My biggest motivation is happiness is definitely dancing. Maybe I could incorporate a cooking/dancing business…lol. Love your recipes and a lot of what I do, is from your site. Thanks again for sharing and may God continue to bless you and your family!!!
Seriously all smiles after reading this Kirsys!! Thank you for sharing this with me!! 🙂
Greetings from O.H.I.O …. I would like to use your cheesy chicken fritters recipe as an appetizer. Would it work to make them smaller (a few days prior to my party) and freeze them? If so, should I thaw before baking — or bake before thawing and just microwave quickly before serving? Thanks so much.
Hi Rebecca! I think it would be best if these were baked after the freezer however I find it’s best to bake until it is just hot and not cooking again since recooking chicken can make it tough. I haven’t experimented with freezing and then baking but some of our readers have great results in doing so.
Hi Natasha love your blog! Just stumbled across it looking for a specific Ukrainian blueberry cake. It’s possible that your blueberry lemon cake might be it.My Moms grandmother was from Lviv Ukraine, (pre ww2)and my mom always talks about this amazing blueberry cake she would make that was filled with blueberries. Apparently it made almost a filling with so many fresh berries. I might try the recipe like that.
That’s so great!! I hope you get to try our recipe soon! Also, Welcome to our blog! I’m so happy you discovered it!
I love your website! I am also a christian, nurse and when I came to the US, I started cooking more at home to stay healthy!
Your recipes are delicious and whenever I want to cook something new, I first check your website! Congrats!!
I’m so inspired reading this. Thank you Larissa! I’m so happy you discovered our blog!
hi im so glad i found this delicious website it has seriously made my day!😉
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me :). I’m all smiles! Welcome to our blog!
Love your vibe of cooking! Keep it up💖 beautiful family!
You’re so nice! Thank you Geena!
Hi Natasha! I love watching your videos and ideas. I made your Instant Pot recipe for Beef Plov for my husband and loved it! Would love to see more ideas for the IP! Thank you so much and get them coming! 🙂 Also loved all the avocado salads this summer! Awesome!!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great feedback!
Hi Natasha,
First thing when I look for a recipe is in your kitchen. Well done and keep the good recipes coming!
You always give me a good vibe ♥️
You’re so nice! Thank you Oana!
Natasha’s recipes are easy to follow, taste wonderful & her video are always fun to watch!
You’re so nice! Thank you!
Absolutely love all recipes I’ve tried so far. I appreciate the simplicity of the recipe and the out of this world taste.
Thank you!
Thank you for this amazing feedback!
Natasha, I have only recently started cooking and so appreciate your delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. As a physician and a mother, quick and simple is essential! I was introduced to your blog by my dad (who is perhaps your BIGGEST fan!) who is a phenomenal cook and now uses your recipes regularly.
Thank you from our family to yours. Keep up the great work!
The Cheers and Cook Families
Hi Erin! Thank you so much for sharing this with me! I love that your dad introduced you to our blog! Welcome! We are happy to have you!!
I’ve been following you on Facebook for some time and absolutely love your videos! I just now read your background and I am so happy that we are blessed to have you and your family in this country. I love your recipes and your presentation. I’m a 62 year old grandma who has been cooking and baking since I was 11 years old and I love trying variations or new recipes, especially with some ethnic flavor! Keep up the good work and God bless you and your family!
I’m so inspired reading your review. Thank you Beth! I appreciate you taking time to write this thoughtful message our way.
I really enjoy your site and recipes. I notice you use a Dutch oven a lot. I do not have one as I’m a tiny woman and I find them way too heavy for me to manage. Can you suggest an alternative? e.g. for your beef soup or lamb stew recipes.
Thanks.
A heavy bottom pot will do. Just make sure to watch carefully when braising especially since items tend to burn quicker when not in a heavy bottom pot
I love a good chicken salad sandwich! I would love to see a recipe of one from you! I would love the video too! One of my favorites was from Chick-Fil-A but, they stopped selling it. 🙁 You have the best recipes and I love trying to recreate them!
Hi Courtney! We have so many different salads to choose from! I recommend following this link here for a few of our favorites
Thank you!
You’re welcome!
I just discovered your website through the Facebook videos, love them. I’m retired so have time to play in the kitchen, even though people think I’m a good cook, And i cook a lot from scratch, I still have a lot to learn in the kitchen (and life) lol. I’m looking forward to making your recipes, they look yummy. My first will be the apple cake.
So excited to see you are a Christian and give God all the glory to your success.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback Susan! I am so happy you have discovered our blog! Welcome!!
Your site is now my go to for dinners. I’ve made your plov and the men loved it…now making your one sheet pan chicken. Thanks for keeping it real.
You’re so welcome, Jennifer!! I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying our recipes!
Where in Ukraine is your family from?
Hi Ksenia, we are from Krivoy Rog
Is it Kryvyj Rih
In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine?
Yes 😀
Omg. thank you for your sharing you sound like me. I never knew what i’m good at when it comes to school, then I decided Business, since my family is also in Real Estate.
I also to got married last year. Never knew how to cook. Kinda regret not learning while living with my mom for all these years. She a great chinese food cooker. She knows all the recipe. But now my cooking skill kinda better but still need a little bit improving. Some times I forget the recipe so I have to look it up on my phone lol short term memory no good lol
It’ll be nice to learn how to cook all food without a recipe. It gets tiring reading them lol
I guess God has planned that you’re a food blogger 🙂
Just keep trying and with practice you’ll be amazing! Thanks for sharing this with me, Judy!
Hi Natasha
Love your recipes. Do you use US measuring standards in your recipes? (E.g. Cups, tablespoons) It can be a bit tricky working out the equivalent for Australian equipment and there are a lot of websites giving a lot of different figures. Would love it if you could recommend a site or post this information on your site. Thanks!
Hi Rita! We are currently working on adding metric measurements to all of our recipes but it is taking some time as we have to add them one at a time. Thank you so much for being patient! In the meantime, check out our post on measuring which should help
I love love love the shrimp alfredo recipe! I am so not a big cooker, but since stumbling upon your youtube videos, I’ve been inclined to cook. 🙂 Do you have a recipe for crab cakes?
Welcome to our blog Tasha! We have these amazing shrimp cakes Some of our readers have replaced shrimp for crab and loved it! Enjoy!
Love watching you. One day you were opening a can of beans or tomatoes with this can opener with long handle…looked so easy to use, can you tell me what brand it is??
Thanks!!
Thank you Diane! We use this can opener here.
So many things look so delicous and very tasty and I will be trying quite a few of them. Thanks Do you have the recipe for a russian cherry cake I believe it is wonderful and is light and has cream I think
Hi Chris! I recommend check out cherry archives here. I hope this helps!
I love your recipes. Do you have a cookbook? I am old school and still love to sit and look through cookbooks to find what I want to try.
We are working on one! Stay tuned!
Hi Natasha, I’ve just watched your video for the salmon cob salad which looks amazing! For the dressing what would you recommend instead of using cilantro?
Hi Chele, you could use chopped chives instead and it will still taste great.
Interesting recipe but can’t use do to the fact printing the whole recipe would be prohibitive, sorry.
Gus, We have a printer friendly version at the bottom of each post 🙂
Hi Natasha,
I made your berry danish. My berries were bleeding onto the cream cheese filling. Do you know how I can prevent this from happening?
Hi Nancy! We’re the berries dry? not wet placing them?
Hi Natasha, I was following your recipes on Facebook. I wanted to cook salmon on Sunay and found your recipe on google. You have a new subscriber from England. Like you said your recipes are family friendly and the ingredients are easy to find. Thank you and Good luck xx
Thank you so much for subscribing, Hayrie! Welcome!
Hello Natasha.
I just have to say how wonderful I think your videos are. They are executed and edited brilliantly and the way you speed up the prep and cooking, is just perfect. I also watch Food Wishes and Laura in the Kitchen and you are now my favourite YT chef (sorry Laura!!!). Thank you and I hope you keep the videos coming.
PS You’re adorable!
You’re so nice! Thank you for this amazing feedback, Marc!
Hi Natasha!
Love your website…LOVE your recipes…I am a Celiac who prefers to eat naturally gluten free.
Your Nutella almond cake is just that!…I have a question though…can I bake the base layers several days in advance….keep them airtight….and then assemble 24 hours prior to enjoying?
I think I can…I just want to defer to your expertise!
Thank you
Hi Mary, you can make the layers a couple days in advance but the cake really does need to soften overnight so it is a make-ahead cake 🙂
hi Natasha, i would like to know if i can double your peach preserve recipe. thank you
Hi there, Lynn. I don’t see why not as long as you have a large enough container! Enjoy!
Hi. Natasha .
I love all the recipes I’ve tried every recipe from your site and I’m a big fan of your blog. Always excited to see a new post!
Thank you… 😉
My pleasure Ivanna! I’m happy to hear you are enjoying our recipes!
Hi Natasha! I love your 4 ingredient sponge cake! I am going to make it as the base for a candy island cake for my school’s art project.May i ask if the cake will last when not refrigerated for around 4 hours?Thank you so much❤
It should hold up fine but try to keep it refrigerated up until you are ready to serve or have it out.
Thank you so much !
My pleasure!
Hi Natasha,
I love your recipes. If I don’t make the cheesy chicking fritters often there is a riot in my home and frankly, I could just take a bath in the garlic lemon mayo.
I love cooking and take great pride in giving my family healthy homemade food. I’ve got two kids and want to make sure that they learn how fun food can be.
I’ve been wanting to do something similar with my cooking and start a blog to share my favorite recipes but mostly my love of food and cooking. What would you recommend to someone who wants to be like you when they grow up? 🙂 I just figured out I will not have lived my life fully if I don’t cook for a living. Any insights on how to get started the right way would be appreciated. thanks!
Hi Marie! Thank you for reaching out! That is a great question! We actually have an awesome blog resource post here. I hope this helps.
Hi Natasha,
I have truly enjoyed making your recipes and look forward to many more. I am sure your family loves dinner time and the yumminess you make for them.
I see numerous recipes that specify how garlic should be prepared; minced, crushed etc…does it really matter if I mince garlic if the recipe calls for crushed garlic? I noticed a dish of yours, I believe it was a chicken and rice dish. You sliced a whole garlic bulb in half and pushed it into the dish. If I decided to press the garlic, would it make the dish not as yummy?
Sorry, I am garlic conflicted 🙂
Thank you,
Aaron
Hi Aaron, I love how you put that “garlic conflicted” 🙂 Placing in the whole garlic head into the plov allows the flavor to infuse into the rice without overwhelming it and you can enjoy the cloves in the rice if you want more of a garlic punch – those cloves pop right out of their shells when squeezed and they have a sweet roasted flavor to them. If garlic is being cooked (sauteed, roasted, etc), it’s nice to minced, otherwise it can get too juicy and can cause splatter and sticking to the pan – if you’re cooking longer than a minute, sometimes pressed garlic and become bitter tasting. It really just depends on the texture you are going for and the cooking method. I hope all of that makes sense, but there is usually some reasoning to using minced versus pressed and I suggest following what the recipe calls for , for best results :). Oh also, crushed garlic – sometimes I crush garlic to get the flavor out into a stock or other recipe where I want to remove the garlic clove after it infuses it’s flavor and discard it.
Awesome, thank you 🙂
You’re welcome, Aaron!
Hi Natasha:
I love your recipes and have made several of them.
My name is Deanna and I am of Ukrainian descent. I was also brought up on Ukrainian/Russian food. However, by the time I really got interested in learning to cook, my mom had passed away when I was 13. My father was not much of a cook so I took over the cooking duties. I learned a lot on my own and from recipes from my aunts. The one thing I really miss is the bread my mom made at Christmas time. I would love to have a recipe to make it for my family. If you know what this could be I would really appreciate the recipe. I remember it had lots of dried fruits in it.
Hi Deanna! Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I’m so happy you had your aunts to help with your recipes. Could it possible be something like this loaf?
Missing your great recipes and God given smile and personality but understand you have a lot to do sence moving into your new house. God bless, hope you and family are doing well. ——In Gods grace Danny
Hi Danny! Thank you for that! We are still posting twice a week! The blog had all of our latest recipe! Thank you!
Hi natasha I love love love your sponge cake. Could you please make a chocolate spong cake and share with us…
Thanks for the great idea, Sigma!
I am intrigued. You are so cute. I lime your site. Cant wait to try your recipes. From one Uki to another…Дякую!
You’re so welcome, Irene!
thank you for your recipe of the ptichye moloko. i am adopted from Russia and am doing a presentation on Russian food and culture. I am excited to try it out and share it with my American friends and family.
You’re so welcome, Natasha! (Hey, great name!). I’m so honored you will be sharing our recipe to represent the Russian culture. I love that!
Hi Natasha and family! just happened across your web site of recipes… Just printed out a few (15 to be exact; LOL) Can’t wait to try them all!
Thanks,Cathy
THat’s so awesome! You just made my day! Enjoy!
Hi Natasha… I just discovered you yesterday while browsing You Tube. You were doing the Chicken Gloria recipe and it sounded and looked so good. I will be trying it soon. And I will also be following you to see what other yummy recipes you have.
Hi Sue! I’m so happy you discovered our blog! Welcome! I look forward to hearing how you like the Chicken Gloria!
I love your recipies. They are so easy, colourful and delicious!
Thank you for sharing these lovely foodies, your beautiful family and Christianity.
Lots of love from South Africa
Wow! I’m so happy you discovered our blog all the way in South Africa!! Thank you so much, Sunette! 🙂
Hello Natasha!!
I am an Indian living in Budapest.
I just saw your recipes and they are amazing. I am a dietitian and definitely gonna recommend your channel.
Lots of Love and good wishes.
Wow! Thank you Suzi! That is so nice of you! Welcome to our blog!
Hi, Natasha! My name is also Natasha and I’m also from Ukraine 🙂 I’ve just discovered your blog on Yummly while looking for an apple pie. Browsing trough your recipes, I’ve discovered a lot of similarities with my own recipes. Thank you for bringing our wonderful and tasty recipes to more and more American readers and tasters 🙂
Hey Natasha! Nice name 😉 . I’m so happy you discovered our blog! We are so happy to share our recipes and culture with our readers! 🙂 Welcome to the blog!
Natasha I love your recipes . Even my family love the meals. And they are easy to cook , bc you show how easy it is. Thank you for sharing this to us.
You’re so welcome, Susanne! I’m so happy you enjoyed that
I am so thrilled that I found this site–your recipes look so yummy! I can’t wait to start trying them!! Do you deliver? Just kidding!!
Hi Patty! This just made my day! I’m so happy you discovered our blog! Welcome!
I’m a Brazilian living in the US. I love cooking as a hobby, and your recipes are simply amazing! Yours are the first ones try before checking other cooking blogs or sites. Thanks for sharing your talents with the us!
Aw thanks again Lina. You’re so sweet!
I’m a Brazilian living in the US. I love cooking as a hobby, and your recipes are simply amazing! Yours are the first ones try before checking other cooking blogs or sites. Thanks for sharing your talents with the us!
Hi Lina! this made my day! Thank you for the amazing feedback! I’m so happy to hear that. 🙂
Hi!
Normally when its dinner time I pull out my expert culinary skills and make a mean bowl of cereal. Today however, I learned how to spatchcock a chicken and it was amazing. My wife was so happy with the meal and we started picking other recipes on your site to try. Thanks for your hard work and God bless.
That’s so great, Dave! I love that you went from cereal to spatchcock and survived just fine 😉 Your wife must’ve been thrilled! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! God bless!