Russian Monday: "Medovik" - Honey Cake

Today we open our Russian Monday section with the recipe of "Medovik" - Russian Honey cake dedicated to all athletes competing at Olympic Games in Sochi!

The mere name of the Honey cake evokes memories of a pleasant evening spent over a cup of tea or a fun child’s birthday party. Real homemade "Medovik" is delicate, delicious, fragrant and not at all sugary dessert that even person who can’t stand honey would never refuse.

Oat Bran Pancake Cake with Mushroom Caviar

These oat bran pancakes are often served with caviar and sour cream in our house. Here is a vegetarian savory alternative that uses a selection of delicious mushrooms in place of fish roe. The pancakes can be made ahead of time and warmed in the oven before topping. Perfect for lunch with fresh salad.

Spicy, Peppery Shrimp with Lemon-Soy Garlic Dip

While it may sensible to plan your main course first, especially when entertaining, it is still important to give plenty of thought to the appetizer. Divinely crisp and naughty, those spicy and peppery shrimp are great on their own or served with a lemon-soy garlic dip on the side.


Pumpkin Soufflé with Turkey Bacon and Feta

The pumpkin season is upon us. Well, everything is pumpkin now. I was in an elegant and sophisticated mood a few days ago, searching for some recipes for Friday family dinner.  Bobby Flay's Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Spicy Caramel Apple Sauce sounded appetizing, but a little sweet for my taste at the moment. My friend, Monica, was telling me about an amazing dinner she had at Bobby's Messa Grill in Las Vegas. I never been in Las Vegas myself - Neon Lights hotels looks inviting. I would like to try many dishes cooked by famous chefs in upscale Las Vegas restaurants.



Oh, dear, I need a vacation :-)



Anyway, here is my creative fat-free Pumpkin Soufflé with Turkey Bacon and Feta.



Pumpkin Soufflé with Turkey Bacon and Feta

It's a fat free, sugar free and flowerless, but my Pumpkin Soufflé is unbelievably delicious:) I need to loose 4 more pounds!

Ingredients:

• 1 cups pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 3 eggs (yolks and whites separate)
• 3 Tbsp. oat bran
• 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
• 3/4 cup turkey bacon, chopped
• pinch of salt
• 2-3 Tbsp. feta cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in lower third.

Whisk together milk, cornstarch, spices in a small heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking, then simmer, whisking, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in pumpkin puree. Transfer to a large bowl and cool to room temperature. Add turkey bacon, egg yolks, oat bran, chopped dill and mix together.

Beat egg whites with salt in another large bowl using an electric mixer beat until whites hold stiff, glossy peaks. Fold one third of whites into cooled pumpkin mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly. Divide mixture among ramekins, sprinkle with feta cheese. Bake soufflés until puffed and golden, 15 to 18 minutes.