With Lark in the Morning Storytellers and Zhavoronki. What the heck are Zhavoronki you ask? The sweetest lark bread buns traditionally made each year in the Ukraine and Slavic countries to celebrate the return of the larks! Larks are the first bird to arrive each spring, so the buns are made to celebrate spring's arrival!
Want to make some Zhavoronki? Here's how: 6 cups flour 1 cup sugar 2 sticks margarine 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups warm water 1 package dry yeast Orange zest, to taste Raisins, for eyes Mix the warm water, yeast, sugar, and enough of the flour so that you have a batter about as thick as sour cream. Let the batter sit until it has risen slightly and is bubbly. Add the rest of the flour, the margarine and the orange zest (if using). Knead well (about ten minutes). Place in a greased bowl and let rise until doubled in size. Using a knife or pastry cutter, divide the dough into 40 pieces. Roll each piece into a long hot dog shape. Tie each piece into a knot. Make one end into the shape of a head for the bird by pinching a beak. The other end will be the tail feathers… with a knife create that look. Put a raisin on each bird for the eye. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes at 325 degrees.
And now here's a little secret you may not know about me ... my maiden name is Wondoloska! I am Polish on both sides! which is why I love things like ZHAVORONKI and the rich Slavic traditions with which I grew up! Happy Easter and blessed spring to you all!
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