Andrey's Dad , Peter, turns 55 today. At first glance, the traditional Ukrainian birthday isn't that different from a birthday in the States. You have friends and family gathered around food and a cake, with presents tucked somewhere in the background. (By the way, present are opened after all the guest leave so as not to offend anyone, if you don't like the gift) They sing Happy Birthday to the same tune, with Russian or Ukrainian lyrics, depending on your geographical location and political persuasion. But there's a twist, (and I don't mean vodka, that's a whole other story) In Ukraine the birthday boy or girl, is expected to treat everyone else. For example, if you go out to a resturant to celebrate your birthday with your friends, you will be picking up to tab for the dinner party. If you plan to celebrate your birthday with your Sunday school class, you birng the cake and icecream. Today Peter's co-workers will be giving him a birhtday present, and in return he will be providing lunch for the whole collective. Of course the upside is, if you have 10 friends you get 9 out 10 meals in a classy resturant for free!
This evening we will be celebrating at his parents house. Here's an idea of what a traditional Ukrainian Birthday dinner looks like. Potatoes, boiled then tossed in butter and dill. Small fried meat patties similiar to chicken friend steaks. Fried mushrooms with sour cream. Smoked salmon, pickled cucumbers and tomatoes. An assortment of cheeses. Blacks breads and several salads bathed in sunflower oil or mayonaise.
Here is a traditional Ukrainian/Russian salad, that no birthday feast is complete without
Ukrainian Potato Salad
3 medium potatoes-boiled in skins, peeled and diced
1 large carrot-boiled in skin, peeled and diced
2 hard boiled eggs diced
3 oz bologna
1 small can english peas
1/4 white onion diced
1 cup mayonaise
salt and pepper taste
mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
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