Search Results for: Georgia

Georgia is strategically located at a significant crossroads; where Asia and Europe meet. Georgia is considered to be a transcontinental nation, with territory on each continent. The mighty Caucasus Mountains form a natural border with Russia. These mountains house hidden villages that hold the stuff of legend. In Greek mythology the Caucasus Mountains were one of the pillars holding up the world. Situated on the Black Sea, Georgia’s other neighbors are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iran and Turkey. The people call their country, Sakartvelo and call themselves, Kartveli. Sometime around the Middle Ages, the British called the country Georgia. It is believed this stems from a Greek word, “Georgios,” meaning “farmer” or “tiller of the land.” In addition, for centuries the country has been associated with the Roman Soldier (and Christian martyr) named Saint George. A golden statue of Saint George slaying a dragon is a central feature in Tbilisi’s square, within their capital city of Tbilisi.

The Eastern Kingdom of Iberia (a region of Georgia) was one of the first states in the world to convert to Christianity, way back in the fourth century. Today, over 80 percent of the population say they belong to the Orthodox Church. Patriarch Ilia, ll, (the spiritual leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church) is by far one of the most respected public figures in the country, with an approval rating of over 90 percent. The church has played a significant role in preserving Georgia’s sense of independence by keeping her ancient musical roots and other important traditions alive during the Soviet Era. There are many significant cathedrals, monasteries and monuments in the country that are UNESCO world heritage sites. For example the Gelati Monastery, a masterpiece of the Georgian Golden Age, was built in 1106 by King David IV and was one of the main cultural and intellectual centers in Georgia throughout the Middle Ages.

The glory days for Georgia were during the Medieval era, when she had her own kingdom. The height of the kingdom’s reign was between the 10th and 13th centuries. Since then, Georgia has dealt with long periods of foreign domination. The Turks were followed by the Persians, who were followed by the Russians, who annexed Georgia in the early 19th Century. Georgia had a brief period of independence from 1918-1921, but then became officially part of the Soviet Union. Georgia finally gained her independence on April 9, 1991, during the breakup of the communist’s regime. Today there are a couple of territories that are still in a land dispute with Russia and have been areas of instability. The Georgian government is trying everything possible to resolve the dispute peacefully so that the correct borders can be restored and the people in those areas can live in peace.

The ethnic population of Georgia is made up mostly of Georgians. However, some Armenians, Russians and Azeris also call Georgia home. Georgia has a total population of about five million people and a literacy rate of 99.8 percent. The official language is Georgian and it is like no other language you will ever hear. The Georgians have their own 33 letter alphabet that is believed to be based on Aramaic, spoken in the time of Jesus. The written script is beautiful and a huge part of the Georgian cultural heritage. The script is so impressive, it has been nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO’s intangible list.

Another UNESCO cultural heritage treasure is their ancient wine-making technique. This is a tradition dating back 8000 years. They make their wine in huge clay pots called Kvevris, which are lined with beeswax and buried in the earth. Wine-making itself, is believed to have originated in Georgia. They have over 500 indigenous vines that are the most sought after varieties for wine-making around the world. Aside from the ancient method of making wine, they now make many wines using modern techniques. Using these new methods allows them to make quantities needed to export their wines to other countries. Georgia’s excellent soil and climate are ideal for wine production. Over 100,000 tons of grapes are used by private individuals to make wines for home consumption. Nearly everyone makes their own wine and many locals pride themselves on their special vintages. Needless to say, wine is very important to Georgia’s growing economy and their future looks bright.

Georgia’s other exports include machinery, chemicals, citrus fruits, nuts and tea. A relatively new oil and gas pipeline to Turkey has also given Georgia new found energy independence from Russia and has significantly helped their economic outlook. They are also making great strides in hydro-electric power.  Amazing new architectural glass structures have been erected as public buildings, bridges and police stations.  It is the country's  statement for being transparent as they embrace democracy.

As we look into the cuisine of this ancient country, it is clear that they have their own unique style. However, there are signs of European, Middle Eastern, Eastern European and even Western Asian influences in their cooking. The country also has many specialties that come from the mountainous villages and rural regions of the country. In general, western Georgia tends to serve more vegetarian meals and in the east they include meats, especially mutton and pork. In both regions, their recipes are made exceptional with a distinct mix of Georgina herbs and spices. Nuts, especially walnuts, are used in most of their signature dishes.

Georgian restaurants popped up all over Russia during the 20th century, as Joseph Stalin (known to the Georgians as “Uncle Joe”) who was in fact an ethnic Georgian, promoted his homeland’s cuisine. Georgians have mixed emotions about “Uncle Joe.” Some feel he was a tyrant, responsible for the brutality of his own people, while others feel he was a strong leader who helped to defeat Hitler. After independence, many Stalin statues were taken down by the Georgian government but now some are returning to the town squares. Whatever one may think of Stalin, he was a Georgian and is an integral part of their history.

Georgians love monuments, in 1958 in honor of Tbilisi, the capital city's 1500th Anniversary, a 20 meter aluminum statue was erected on top of Sololaki hill. Kartvis Deda "mother of a Georgian" was designed by sculptor Elguja Amashukeli.  Here a figure in traditional Georgian garb, symbolizes the strong character of Georgia. In her left hand, she holds a bowl of wine to greet those who come as friends, and in her right hand a sword for those who come as enemies.

Georgians have a saying that a guest is a “gift from God.” The importance of food and drink is paramount to Georgians and their culture. This is best showcased during a feast called “supra.” A huge assortment of dishes are prepared and served with copious amounts of wine. This feast lasts for hours. There is always a “tamada” (toastmaster) assigned to the supra, which is an honored position. The tamada takes the lead in toasting throughout the supra. Toasts are made to health, friendship, prosperity and ancestors; always referencing the past, present and future. The chosen tamada must be quick witted, eloquent and intelligent, as the guests will often try to say something more clever or emotional than the previous toast. When the toast is made, everyone drinks quickly in unison.

So let’s enjoy a supra!

The Supra Menu
Khachapuri (Cheese bread)

Salat’i (Georgian Salad)

Badrijani Nigzit (Eggplant rolls with walnut filling)

Main
Satsivi (A nutty sauce served with chicken)

Khinkali (Dumplings)

Dessert
Churchkhela (Grape and walnut candy)

All courses served with a variety of Georgian wines

We set the table with the colors and symbol of the Georgian flag; red and white and the sacred cross. We decorated with their coat of arms, a Borjgali, a symbol of the sun, which represents eternity and the flow of time. This symbol is used on IDs and passports, as well as on their currency, called Lari. It is also the logo for the Georgian Rugby Union, as rugby is a very popular sport in Georgia. We used an old, wooden wine glass and grapes to represent their ancient wine-making history. Walnuts were also added to the décor’, as they are used in so many of their famous dishes. It is customary to eat continental style, fork in the left hand, tines down and knife in the right. The oldest or most honored guest is always served first.

We began with a common toast “gagimarjot,” “cheers” and the tomada gave thanks for the food, drink and friends with which we were to share the feast.

The cheese bread, or Khachapuri, was heavenly. We enjoyed one called Imeruli, that is circular and has the cheese baked inside. This comes from the region of Imereti and is the most popular type. There are two other types of Kahchapuri; one is called Ajaruli, from Ajara where the dough is shaped like a gondola stuffed with cheese with a raw egg and butter served on top. The other is called Megruli, which comes from Samegrelo. It is also circular but the cheese is melted on top of the bread. I look forward to making these other two types of Khachapuri! A lovely fresh Georgian salad, made from purple basil, parsley, tomato, onion, cucumber and peppers, with a simple walnut dressing, was the perfect accompaniment with the cheese bread.

Badrijani, a side dish of fried eggplant stuffed with walnuts and garlic, was scrumptious. It would make a wonderful appetizer for any occasion. I love how their dishes have just the right amount of spice, a nice kick but not too hot.

For the main course, we prepared an ancient and rare recipe, sent to me by our Georgian friend, named Maka, from Tbilisi. This dish, called Satsivi, is extremely popular and made with turkey, especially around Christmas time. It is also made with chicken and served throughout the year, which is how we enjoyed this unusual and delicious dish. Satsivi is served cold and the flavors are enhanced with time. It is basically a complex, walnut sauce made from the broth of the chicken (or turkey) and served with the meat. It is a unique and lovely meal that is quintessential Georgian. Thank you Maka, for this incredible recipe!

We also enjoyed Khinkali, traditional Georgian dumplings, which originated in the mountainous regions but its popularity has spread across the country. They are usually made with a mix of minced beef and pork but sometimes made with lamb, mushrooms, potatoes or cheese instead of meat. Ours were made the traditional way, with beef and pork. What delicious little treasures. The dough is pleated with a knob at the top of the Khinkali, which is not eaten. The knobs are saved on the plate to see who ate the most at the end of the supra!

For dessert, we had churchkhela. These are walnuts, strung on a string and dipped into the grape, candy mixture and hung to dry. They are sometimes referred to as “Georgian Snickers,” as the taste somewhat resembles a Snickers bar. This provided a sweet end to our Georgian meal, with of course, a final toast to this most fascinating country.

A country whose people believe guests are “gifts from God”, who pride themselves on food and wine, who count their success in life based on the number friends they have, not their possessions, is a place I would truly love to experience.

As we say goodbye, we do so with the mystery solved of the ancient Greek myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece that has always been associated with Georgia.   It's one of the best known tales in Greek mythology, but scholars have struggled to make sense of what the golden fleece could symbolize, or have been inspired by. It turns out that in the Svaneti region, the rivers that snake down the sides of the mountains contain tiny particles of gold that have worn off the edges of the rocks.  The locals for thousands of years and still today, have been using sheepskin to extract those gold particles, ah,  "The Golden Fleece"!

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

How did Russia get its name?

“Rus” was a medieval state that was inhabited by mostly Eastern Slavs.  However, the name Russia did not become prominent until later in history.  The country was usually called by its inhabitants, Russkaja zemlja, which is translated to Russian Land or Land of Rus.  Today the official name is the Russian Federation.

Where is Russia located?

Russia is massive.  It’s the largest country in the world in total area, with 6.6 million square miles, and covers much of northern Eurasia.  Due to its size, it is no surprise it has many neighbors; 14 in fact.  They are: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and North Korea.  It also borders the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Russia is so large it covers 11 time zones.  It has nearly every type of topography, from deserts to semiarid steeps, to deep forests and arctic tundra.  It is home to Europe’s longest river, the Volga, and its largest lake, Ladoga.  Baikal is also the deepest lake in the world and contains about 20 percent of the world’s fresh, unfrozen water.  Russia gets the prize for the coldest temperature ever recorded outside the north and south poles.  In Oymyakon, on February 6, 1933, the weather station recorded a temperature of -67.8 degrees Celsius (-90 degrees F.)  The climate is as diverse as its topography.  It has extreme winters which have helped save the country from foreign invaders.  The climate adds a layer of difficulty to daily life, yet enriches its crops and natural resources.

A Not So Brief History of Russia

Russian history begins in 800 CE, when the Slavic people migrated into the area of Ukraine.  The first United Eastern Slavic state was the Kievan Rus, established in 882.  This kingdom expanded and grew until it reached its peak in 1015 and a written code of law was established.  In 1237 the land was invaded by Mongols who destroyed most of the region’s cities.  In 1462 Ivan III became the Grand Prince of Moscow and in 1480 freed Russia from the Mongols.  In 1547, Ivan IV (a.k.a. Ivan the Terrible) was crowned the first Tsar of Russia.  1609 marked the beginning of the Polish-Russian war when Poland invaded.  The year 1613 was the beginning of the Romanov Dynasty, that began when Michael Romanov was elected Tsar. This dynasty ruled until 1917.

In between there were many significant events.  In 1648, riots broke out in Moscow over the introduction of a salt tax.  In 1647 Russia invaded Poland, a peace treaty was signed in 1667.  In 1689, Peter the Great became Tsar.  He put Russia on the world’s stage when he introduced reforms and created a standing army.  In 1703, Peter the Great founded the city of Saint Petersburg and in 1713 it became the capital of the Russian Empire.  In 1721, Russia won the Great Northern War, gaining Estonia and Livonia.  When Peter the Great died in 1725, his wife Catherine I took the reigns as Empress of Russia.  In 1736 a war began against the Ottoman Empire.  In 1762 Catherine II took the crown after the assassination of Peter III.  She ruled for 34 years and is credited for what is considered to be the Golden Age of the Russian Empire.  In 1812 Napoleon invaded Russia and his army was nearly destroyed by the harsh Russian winter.  He was ultimately defeated in 1814.  In 1867 Russia sold Alaska (almost 587,000 sq. miles) to the United States for 7.2 million dollars.  In 1897 the Social Democratic party was established which later split into two, the Bolshevik and Menshevik, parties.  In 1905 a Revolution occurred where 200 people were killed on “Bloody Sunday.”  World War I began in 1914 and Russia would fight on the side of the Allies and invade Germany.

In 1917 the Russian Revolution occurred. The Tsarist government was overthrown and the communist Bolsheviks, under Vladimir Lenin, took control in the October Revolution.  In 1918 the Russians exited World War I, giving up Finland, Poland, Latvia, Estonia and Ukraine.  Also in 1918 Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks.  The “Red Terror” began as Lenin instituted communism.  Civil war then erupted.  In 1921 Lenin announced his New Economic Policy and the following year the civil war ended and the Soviet Union was established.

In 1924 Lenin died and Joseph Stalin became the new leader.  In 1934 Stalin’s Great Purge began.  During this horrific period he eliminated any opposition to his regime and up to 20 million people were killed.  In 1939 World War II began and Russia invaded Poland in an agreement with Germany.  However, in 1941 Germany invaded Russia and Russia joined the Allies.  In 1942 the Russian army defeated the German Army at the Battle of Stalingrad, which became a major turning point in World War II.   The war ends in 1945 with the Soviet Union controlling much of Eastern Europe, including Poland and East Germany.  Estimates are that 26 million lives were lost in Russia due to World War II, including 2 .1 million Jews who were victims of genocide.  In 1949, the USSR developed nuclear weapons and an arms race began between the USSR and the United States which was known as the cold war.

In 1962 the Soviets placed missiles in Cuba which created the Cuban Missile Crisis.  In 1979 the Soviets began the Soviet-Afghanistan war which they ultimately left in defeat some 20 years later.  In 1980 the summer Olympics were held in Moscow, however many countries boycotted the games, including the US.  In 1985 Mikhail Gorbachev was elected and instituted freedom of speech, openness of the government and a restructuring of the economy.  In 1991 the USSR collapsed and many previously controlled Russian countries gained their independence. The country of Russia was then established.  In 2000 Vladimir Putin was elected president and remains in that position today.

Russian Culture

Although all the people who live in Russia are referred to as “Russians” there are about 160 different ethnic groups.  Russian is the official language, however over 100 languages are spoken.  The Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet, containing 33 letters.  This old Slavic alphabet was developed in the 9^th century with the spread of Christianity.  The majority of Russians identify with the Eastern Orthodox Christian religion, but Islam, Judaism and Buddhism are also practiced in Russia.

Each city in Russia is unique and has its own culture.  Siberia reflects the challenges of the Far East in Russia with its bitterly cold winters and diverse, ethnic communities.  Moscow, Russia’s capital city is home to many important symbols of Russian culture like the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Tretyakov Gallery and their famous subway or metro system, to name a few.  St. Petersburg is Russia’s second capital and is considered the most “European like.”

Russia celebrates most western holidays including Christmas, New Years and especially Easter. Additionally, they  also have their own celebrations for Victory Day, International Women’s day including Tatiana Day (a special day to recognize women named Tatiana), Mens Day, and Cosmonaut Day, which celebrates Russia’s achievements in space exploration.  Aside from holidays, Russia also has a host of unique traditions, like how to drink a bottle of Vodka or how many flowers should be properly given to a woman.

Many families have a dacha, which is a summer cottage in the countryside where they spend time with family and friends and tend to their vegetable gardens and fruit trees.  Many dachas also have a Banya or a Russian sauna as well.  The road conditions can be challenging inside and outside the city, so tremendous care is given to dodging potholes.

Russian culture has a rich history which includes influential arts like literature, philosophy, classical music, ballet, architecture, master painting, cinema and animation.  A few of their unique handicrafts include Russian nesting dolls, called Matryoshka dolls or Babushka dolls, painted Easter eggs including the famed Fabergé eggs. Additionally, exotically painted lacquer boxes, as well as intricately designed samovars which are vessels to boil water for tea.

Russians are known to be extremely hospitable and will likely invite you to join them for a drink or a meal.

Russian Cuisine

Russian cuisine is as diverse as its vast land and cultures.  It is influenced by northern and eastern European countries, Central Asian, Siberian and East Asian influences.  Its foundation however lies with the rural population, in an often harsh climate and is considered peasant food.  Crops of rye, wheat, barley and millet, lay the basis for all sorts of breads, pancakes, cereals, beer and their famous vodka.  Additionally, a combination of fish, pork, poultry, caviar, berries, honey and mushrooms make up popular ingredients in many of their delicious dishes, along with potatoes, beets, and carrots.  Sour cream is ubiquitous and seasonings like dill, caraway, coriander and paprika are common.  Pickled products are also loved, such as cabbage, cucumbers and apples etc.

Pelmeni is considered to be the national dish, which is typically a minced meat filling wrapped in a thin dough, somewhat similar to a dumpling, and which can be filled with an array of other items as well.  It is typically served in a broth or slathered in butter or sour cream.  Other common main dishes include beef stroganoff, shashlik, which is a form of shish kabob, as well as kotlety, which are fried meatballs.  Smoked meats and fish are also extremely popular.  All sorts of desserts and pastries are beloved like pirozhki which are small stuffed buns  filled with all sorts of ingredients, honey cakes, blinis and kulich (which is a kind of Easter bread), all very popular.

So let’s enjoy a Russian meal:  

The Menu

Starter

Blini (Buckwheat Pancakes topped with Salmon and Caviar)

Soup course

Borscht (Russian Beet Soup)

Served with

Russian Black Bread

Main Course

Pelmeni (Russian Dumplings)

Served with

Russian Salad (Potato salad)

Dessert

Medovik (Layered Honey Cake)

We set the scene in the colors of the Russian flag; blue, red and white. We placed other items to represent the country, such as a pelmeni dumpling maker, a bottle of vodka with crystalline shot glasses, a bear, considered to be the sacred animal and symbol of Russia since the 16^th century.  A ballerina was placed to represent their impressive world renowned ballet, mushrooms as a beloved ingredient in their cuisine, a jar of caviar and blinis. We added a hockey stick and puck which is one of their national sports and lastly a few white, chamomile flowers; which is the national flower and the component in their world-famous tea.  To set the mood, we played classical music written by their most famous Russian composer, Tchaikovsky.

We began with a toast, a shot of vodka and said “Nostrovia” which actually is a way of saying “thank you for the meal and drinks.” Strangely in a country that toasts a lot of vodka with family and friends, they really don’t have an official toasting saying, so “Nostrovia” will have to do.  Our first course was one of my favorite dishes; blinis (little buckwheat pancakes) with sour cream, smoked salmon and topped with caviar.  It is simply a heavenly bite.

Our soup course was next with their famous borscht soup.  It is made with beets which gives its rich, red color.  Borscht is hearty and could be served as a meal by itself but perhaps with a piece of their most delicious black bread that is ubiquitous there. The soup is topped with sour cream and dill.  It is said that borscht likely originated in Ukraine but it is served and beloved throughout all of Russia.

Our main course was the delectable little dumplings called pelmeni.  These treats were made with mushrooms, since I had vegetarian guests while serving this meal.  They were served in a lovely broth, along with an Olivier salad also known as Russian Salad.  It is somewhat akin to a potato salad and was hearty and delicious. Another popular version of the Russian Salad is made with chopped cucumber and tomatoes in dressing.

For dessert, an eight layered honey cake called medovik covered in cream and berries was served.  It was scrumptious along with a cup of tea, as the tea culture in Russia is as popular as its vodka.

We ended our evening by watching Swan Lake, a ballet composed by Tchaikosky in 1875.

Until next time,

До встре́чи!
Until next time!
[da vstryé-chee]

Darlene

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Azerbaijan, “The Land of Fire,” is so named (Azer means fire) because of the natural burning of oil deposits. In fact, Azerbaijan is home to “The Burning Mountain,” located on the Absheron Peninsula; a hillside that is eternally ablaze. Of course, oil itself, is a huge natural resource for Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijan republic includes the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is inhabited mostly by Armenians. Azerbaijan is on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and borders Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran. The Caucasus Mountains demarcate her northwestern border and she is at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. She too has had her share of invaders, from the Turks to the Persians and in 1922, became part of the USSR. Azerbaijan was the first country to declare independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Azikh Cave, located in Azerbaijan, is the earliest known cave inhabited by man. It is the home of the first known fireplace, the construction of which dates back some 500,000-700,000 years. Azerbaijan has reason to be proud of a few other firsts; the first Muslim country to grant women equal political rights, as well as the first secular school for girls in the Muslim East. Also, she opened the first Opera in a Muslim nation, drilled the world’s first oil well near the capital city of Baku and built the world’s first city on stilts, in the Caspian Sea.

Azerbaijan enjoys nine out of the eleven possible climates in the world. This makes for a diverse and rich agricultural landscape, which in turn, contributes to the richness of the cuisine. She is known for an abundance of vegetables and greens and a variety of fresh herbs, including mint, coriander, saffron, dill, basil, parsley and tarragon. Additionally, having her border on the Caspian Sea brings many species of fish and seafood as well as the highly coveted delicacy of black caviar. The people of Azerbaijan enjoy a good, long life expectancy which is surely influenced by the wonderful and healthful foods they have available.

There is something about the Caucasus Mountain area that brings out an amazing hospitality in her people. In fact, hospitality is a valued national characteristic in Azerbaijan. Guests are offered food and shelter even at the expense of the host’s needs.

There were many, awe-inspiring options for our menu for this country. I chose Dushbara as the starter. This is a very popular dish made of dumplings. In Azerbaijan, every woman has to, not only know how to cook this popular dish, but must be able to make them as small as possible, fitting ten of these little dumplings in a tablespoon.

For the salad, I chose one made with pomegranates, as the city of Goychay is famous for them, even holding a pomegranate festival. Azerbaijanis use them in a variety of dishes to add flavor and tanginess. They also make a thick syrup called Narsharab that is used as a sauce in fish dishes.

For our main course, I selected a chicken and egg pilaf dish made with saffron; a signature plov of Azerbaijan. This dish has many flavorful complexities but plating is also very important in Azerbaijan. The dishes must not only taste delicious but look beautiful as well.

Finally for our dessert, we’ll have dried fruits and nuts, served with their delicious black tea.

The Menu
Starter
Dushbara

(dumplings stuffed with meat in a lamb broth)

Salad
Nar salati

(pomegranate salad)

Main Course
Toyuq Chigirtma Plov

(chicken and egg pilaf)

Dessert

Dried fruits and nuts, served with the national drink of Azerbaijan, black tea.

The table was set using the colors of the flag; blue, red and green. We began the meal with the tiny but sumptuous, meat filled, dough dumplings in a lamb broth. Vinegar and crushed garlic garnished the starter, which made a wonderful addition. Next, came the pomegranate salad, Nar Salati, served family style, with the Toyuq Chirgirtma Plov. We passed the dishes to the right, only using the right hand, as is expected while dining in Azerbaijan. Both of these dishes were fantastic and complimented each other perfectly. For dessert, we had dried fruits and nuts and drank black tea, served with apricot preserves and sugar cubes. In Azerbaijan it is customary to place the preserve or sugar cube in your mouth first, and then sip the tea. It was excellent that way. Tea drinking is very common and always offered to guests as a sign of friendship.
As we leave this remarkable, ancient nation I leave you with a few words of Azerbaijani wisdom:
“Do not lend money or bread at night.”
“Leaving scissors with opened blades brings misfortune and even death.”
“If you meet a person with empty buckets, you are bound for misfortune”
Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene