We are on the last day of the third week with the 18th letter being R and I chose Russia. Russia will always get me nostalgic. I never really thought of all those things Russia connects to my childhood. Nor of the significance when I took up to make it. When I was screening through the R Countries, I simply selected Russia and didn't think about how much this country meant to me reflecting on my childhood.
I have always been a voracious reader since high school. Mostly it used to be Famous Fives, Tintin, Asterix, and then it moved to Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys. In between, it used to be all our Indian comics as well. Nothing got spared other than the academic books. I hardly ever remember studying or even remotely reading my school books at home.
I don't know why but somehow my parents never forced me to take books. With a teen at home, I wonder how they did that. I wonder how they thought I would do fine the way I was. Maybe I need to ask Daddy about it. He always was looking out to subscribe to magazines for kids or make me get canvases to do the painting. All this, in spite of always being so sure I would follow his footsteps.
Being a parent now, I really wish I have their confidence and foresight. That I will always be able to treat my kids the way my parents did. There was always the invisible boundary line that we never should cross, though it was never explicitly said or crossed. Yet we had all the freedom a growing kid would have.
To what I remember I have always been treated as an adult with responsibilities that came with it. Guess that's where I lack. I am not able to think Konda as anything but a baby and don't want her exposed to the harsh realities of life. I know one of these days I really have to accept and move forward.
Anyway coming back to Russia, apart from the regular Indian comics and magazines, Daddy used to subscribe to Misha. Every month we used to eagerly await this magazine and would read fully before calling it a day. I still have the entire bundle in my loft.
During this summer vacation when Konda wanted to read books, I got down all the boxes and was leafing through those books. All the books were still in such good conditions, as I never liked to scribble on books. Konda was asking how I could keep them so clean and intact.
In fact, I had grudgingly lent them the Tintin series and was eyeing at them being handled. I was so restless till those got back safely into the boxes again. She wanted to know what's the point in saying I saved up all those books for them if I won't let them even touch it. I said they first have to learn not to manhandle books, then I will gladly give them the entire lot.
Then there was the thing about almost studying in a Russian medical college. I got through one and we were seriously contemplating moving over there. There was a period at home when we discussed nothing but going to Russia to study. Everything was done, I might have actually gone.
Something happened, maybe we got chicken at the last moment and parents didn't want me to go. We knew some acquaintance, who left for Russia to pursue their medical degree, though initially we were encouraged with their move, talking to them led us to drop the idea.
My destiny was only to cook a Russia Pancake one fine morning and later wondering if I would have eaten this if I had actually landed in Russia.
Anyway, I highly recommend this version, though there is not much in a recipe that's different from other versions of pancakes.
Coming to the recipe from everydayrussian I chose to make for today, I selected Russian Oladi or the Russian Buttermilk Pancakes that is a traditional Slavic dish. There are quite a few varieties for making these pancakes. This can be made savory, stuffed with meat, or simply a sweeter version spread with cream or jam.
The pancake is supposed to be thick and small. I just went with my regular size of the serving.
Since I was making this for Konda's Breakfast I wanted to keep it simple and spread jam for her.
vaishali sabnani says
Nice read..and I guess your destiny was with us:)) hence you stayed back.
The pancake looks nice and colorful and a good choice from the country.
Varadas Kitchen says
Buttermilk pancakes were a favorite at my house. Never had them with jam, should try that next time.
Usha says
Had you gone to Russia, we all would have picked Russian recipes from this blog for our letter 'R'. 🙂 But again, had you gone to Russia and pursued a medical career, wonder if you would have become a blogger with your busy schedule.
Anyway, oladi looks good.
Suma Gandlur says
These are kid-friendly pancakes. Look inviting with that jam.
The Pumpkin Farm says
lovely post Valli..and felt nice to read your connection..how life unfolds is simply amazing....if we ever had to build a flowchart of if this had happened then that...it would be an interesting fiction to read about....loved you wondering whether you would have had this pancake which btw is awesome, got me some goosebumps...
Priya Suresh says
Wow that wonderful to know Misha was everywhere then, even my dad subscribed Misha for us.. Yes Russia is something very close to our heart na.. Oladi look prefect to kick start a day..
Kalyani says
if only my kid ate pancakes :-)) looks very kid friendly Valli !
Manjula Bharath says
wow wonderfully made pancakes there 🙂 thats so nice to refreshen very old memories from you child , you still have those comics thats really great 🙂 lolz thats true what konda said .. very delicious pancake and love the jam spread one them would love to have them now 🙂
Harini-Jaya R says
Such a nostalgic post Valli. And the pancakes with jam sounds interesting!
Pavani N says
Misha was one magazine we grew up reading. My mom saved them and my son had fun reading them on our India trip.
Those pancakes are perfect for breakfast and that jam smeared on them look awesome.
Gayathri Kumar says
Very interesting write up Valli. Even I feel that I don't have the confidence which my parents had. The pancake looks yumm with the jam..
Chef Mireille says
love the intro and pancakes looks delightful
Archana Potdar says
Loved your intro. I would have liked you to be a doctor but then we would have never met would we? Destiny is strange.
Love the pancakes must try them on my elder one. Yes she loves pancakes... asif they are not sweet.
Padmajha PJ says
I read this post on the same day and was thinking - So many similarities in our childhood!!
And this is a beautiful dish too..
Sapana Behl says
Buttermilk pancakes looks so soft and with jam must have tasted awesome