Kristina Says Cook

Salads

Tomato and Onion Salad

This style of a “garden salad” is my absolute favorite. The way my mom makes it, with only 4 ingredients (tomato, onion, oil and salt), always astonishes me because of its simplicity yet superb flavor. After you’re done with all the veggies, it’s a tradition to dip bread into the left over juices that the…
View recipe: Tomato and Onion Salad
Soups

Roasted Tomato Bisque

There is absolutely nothing better out there on a cold and rainy day (or really ANY day) than a nice warm grilled cheese sandwich being dipped into a warm bowl of creamy, roasted tomato bisque. We love pairing this bisque with my triple-cheese grilled cheese to close out a delicious and filling meal. * If…
View recipe: Roasted Tomato Bisque
Sourdough

Sourdough Bagels

These sourdough bagels are honestly so similar to what a traditional bagel from Brooklyn tastes like, that I have completely let go of the dire need to bring back 2-3 dozen bagels with me from NYC because now, I can make them same day or next day, right in the comfort of my own kitchen.…
View recipe: Sourdough Bagels
Sides

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Once you realize how easy it is to make these delicious and creamy mashed potatoes, you’ll never do them another way! These mashed potatoes can be made with milk, heavy cream, half & half or even sour cream for a little sour zing. Add some chopped chives if you want to truly elevate the flavor,…
View recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Desserts, Russian Meals

Cake Napoleon

This layered and very light cake is super easy to make and comes together within about 20-30 minutes, if you’re in a hurry.Whilst its origins aren’t exactly clear, with a name like “Cake Napoleon” , you would think it would be exclusively French, however, there are slight differences in the Russian/Slavic version than the French…
View recipe: Cake Napoleon
Pickling

Countertop Marinated Red Onions

These go with absolutely everything ranging from eggs, fish and sandwiches to grains like rice and buckwheat groats and are especially great on burgers or eaten on their own! * If you purchase anything through any of the links I provide in my posts, I may receive some compensation, at absolutely NO cost to you!…
View recipe: Countertop Marinated Red Onions
Russian Meals, Sides

Sautéed Cabbage with Smoked Sausage

This used to always be a meal my mother would make to give the entire family something to snack on during the day until dinner was ready, especially on those days when she would be spending 6 hours making a pot of Borscht soup. In Russian, this meal is called Тушеная Капуста с Сосисками (Stewed…
View recipe: Sautéed Cabbage with Smoked Sausage
Dinner Main

Pickle brined Chicken nuggets

Have you ever finished an entire jar of pickles by yourself while standing in front of an open refrigerator and thought, “I wish there was something I could do with this pickle brine instead of just dumping it down the drain” ? If that sounds like you, boy do I have a crazy concept. Use…
View recipe: Pickle brined Chicken nuggets
Sides

Mexican Style Corn a la Kris

Everyone knows that elote always looks delectable, but what do you do if you’ve never had elote and don’t quite know what goes into it? You improvise and make it Kristinas way. Steak with chimichurri sauce, a side of Mexican style corn and mashed potatoes INGREDIENTS : Allowing the spices above in addition to the…
View recipe: Mexican Style Corn a la Kris
Dressings & Sauces

Chimichurri Sauce

‘Churri sauce is undoubtedly one of the world greatest wonders. Herby with a little tang and somehow manages to go perfectly with everything. Meat, eggs, sandwiches, vegetables, fish, and you can even use it as a salad dressing or meat marinade! I normally make a large batch (about a double batch) to last us 1-2…
View recipe: Chimichurri Sauce