Going Down Memory Lane

Welcome to March, a spring month worth mentioning.

March 1^st is Peanut Butter Day. Who knows where it came from and why it is even on the calendar! However, as a chef and educator, I can utilize it in so many scrumptious ways. Not just simple PB&J, I’m thinking more in terms of protein bars or breakfast protein shakes (recipes can be found in Northern Connection’s online edition!). Izabella and I love making them. They are easy, no bake, no mess, and no fuss recipes, and great for the whole family. We use blueberries for their great nutritional benefits: rich in antioxidants, support brain function, and promote bone health.  I also frequently utilize raw honey, a natural sweetener that offers notable health benefits. Not only is it exceptionally flavorful, but it can also help soothe the throat or cough.  

And now, off to March 8^th, International Women’s Day, a holiday I grew up with in Moscow, Russia. Back then, ladies got chocolates (if they were even available in stores) and flowers, which were more accessible, as there were a few independent markets and stands selling them. The holiday is like Mother’s Day in the U.S. but it’s celebrated by every girl, young lady, and woman.  My twin sister, Olga, and I loved that holiday. We made sure we gave a little gift to every woman in our life: our mom, Natalya; grandmother, Izabella (after who my child my business is named after), and the third woman in our lives, Galina, our second granny, Izabella’s older sister. She was married, but was never able to have children, so our mom, Olga, and I were the children and grandchildren she never had. Oh boy, she knew how to spoil us with love, candy, and handmade desserts. Galina was the one who got me and my sister our first puppy, a Pekinese we named Prosha. He never made it to the U.S., as we unfortunately had to leave him behind with our family friends. A few days before our immigrations date, or perhaps I should say escape date, he got terribly ill and a vet told us he would never make the flight from Moscow to Vienna, our first of many other destinations before we arrived in Chicago. Nowadays, I don’t really celebrate March 8^th, however, I always have a virtual happy hour with mom and my twin raising a glass of bubbly to us and the memory of two women, Izabella and Galina who made a huge impact on our upbringing.

Now off to March 17^th, St Patrick’s Day. Who doesn’t like green in their food? Whipped cream, muffins, sprinkles on the cookies, apple juice, and for us adults, beer. Personally, I LOVE it. SO, MOMS, when celebrating, don’t forget to teach the kids a bit about Irish culture, like the colors of the flag, capital, and a few landmarks. Learning is good for the brain, just like blueberries. 

La Dolce Vita! Happy March! Happy Celebrating!! 

Until next month!