"Sviata Vechera with Iryna Shumanska

Marion Ohio, USA January 6, 2006

The Menu

Kolach   The sacred bread is formed of three strands and baked as a round loaf, representing the perfect and eternal Trinity. It graces the center of the table and a second loaf is broken into small pieces, dipped in honey and shared with each member of the family before the meal starts. The honey has ancient meanings in the Ukrainian land. In the Christmas Eve meal it represents the soul of Christ. Bread is otherwise not part of the meal.

Pisni Borsch   Meatless Borsch   This is a Ukrainian national dish made without meat for Christmas Eve. Borsch is based on beets and in this recipe it is made with a beet “broth,” kvas, and contains beets and other vegetables. The broth was lightly fermented for about five weeks using rye bread.

Mushroom Soup   This is a simple, clear mushroom soup made in its own mushroom broth which is light and easy on the pallet.

Vushka   Little Ears   The shape of these mushroom filled dumplings explains their name. There is no substitute for them, especially on Christmas Eve and with mushroom soup.

Kutia   This ancient, traditional and symbolic Ukrainian dish is made of shelled wheat in the same way oatmeal is cooked and contains poppy seeds and honey. It sometimes introduces the meal with the announcement that Christ is Born. Iryna completed the dish with honey and poppy seeds.

Fried Shrimp, as provided by Norma.

Oseledsi   Pickled Fish   Homemade with white fish using an authentic Ukrainian recipe.

Pisni Holubtsi   Meatless Cabbage Rolls   These cabbage rolls are an important part of the Christmas Eve menu. They are made in Iryna’s household with rice only filling and some tomato juice for cooking. Recipe made by Norma.

Varenyky   Stuffed Dumplings   Mashed potato filling is used without adding the usual onions because we are cooking for Iryna.

Varenyky   Kapusty which we know as sauerkraut is used in the second version, again without onions included.

Pampushky   Yeast-raised fried rounds of dough which have been a part of Ukrainian celebrations for centuries. For Sviata Vechera they are a sweet doughnut type pastry. Iryna said that her Mother and Grandmother typically do not use a filling. These, with apologies to the Shumanskas back in Ukraine, use a Ukrainian recipe apricot filling.

Salat with Vinegar and Oil Dressing   This excellent salad has been prepared by Iryna and is made of several cooked vegetables, primarily beets, potatoes, and cabbage.

Uzvar   For the meal the beverage is a time honored Ukrainian recipe that is the liquid from stewing dried fruit. Iryna’s family uses dried apples only and that tradition was honored.

The intent has been to first honor the birth of Christ and then Ukraine’s ancient traditions.

The desire has been to please Iryna and prepare the dishes as close as possible to those she would have had with her family this Christmas Eve.

The meal has been prepared with prayer and is offered with love.

Transliteration of Ukrainian has been used when available with the recipes."