Day: June 19, 2024
Midsummer soltice in Serbian style
Ivanjdan (also known as Ivandan, Svitnjak, or Jovan Igritelj) is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Saint John the Baptist. It is observed on July 7th in the Gregorian calendar or June 24th in the Julian calendar. Six months before appearing to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth, the angel Gabriel appeared to the high priest Zechariah in the Jerusalem temple. Zechariah initially doubted the angel’s message about Mary’s miraculous conception but later confirmed it by writing the name “John” during the child’s circumcision. St. John the Baptist, a revered figure in Christianity, is known for his pivotal role in preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Wreaths and Bonfires: People often create wreaths from Ivanjsko cveće (St. John’s wort) and hang them on their doors. These yellow flowers are believed to have protective properties. Additionally, bonfires are lit in the evening to symbolize the light of St. John the Baptist.
Midsummer Magic: Ivanjdan falls around the summer solstice, which adds to its significance. Some people believe that magical powers are heightened during this time, and they engage in rituals related to love, health, and fortune.
Jumping Over Fires: In certain regions, especially in rural areas, people jump over bonfires as part of the celebration. This act is believed to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits.
Herbal Remedies: St. John’s wort is also used for its medicinal properties. It’s believed to have healing effects, especially when picked on Ivanjdan. People collect the flowers and use them for various remedies.
Water Rituals: Water plays a significant role on Ivanjdan. Some people visit rivers, streams, or wells to wash their faces and hands, believing that the water has purifying qualities. Others even swim in natural bodies of water.
Feasting: Families and friends gather for festive meals. Traditional dishes include lamb, roasted meats, bread, and various seasonal fruits.
Lamb: Roasted or grilled lamb is a central dish during Ivanjdan. It symbolizes sacrifice and purity. The meat is often seasoned with herbs and garlic.
Ćevapi: These small, seasoned minced meat sausages are popular in the Balkans. They are typically made from a mixture of beef and lamb, grilled, and served with flatbread (somun) and onions.
Sarma: Cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of minced meat (usually pork or beef), rice, and spices. They are cooked in a tomato-based sauce and often served with sour cream.
Pita: A savory pastry filled with various ingredients. For Ivanjdan, spinach or cheese-filled pita is common. It’s flaky, delicious, and perfect for sharing.
Karađorđeva šnicla: Named after the Serbian prince Karađorđe, this dish consists of breaded and fried veal or pork stuffed with kajmak (a creamy dairy spread).
Kompot: A refreshing fruit compote made by simmering seasonal fruits (such as cherries, apples, or plums) with sugar and water. It’s served chilled.
Rakija: While not a food, rakija (fruit brandy) is an essential part of celebrations. Plum rakija (šljivovica) is particularly popular.
White choco raspberry blondies
Blondies are a type of dessert bar that is similar to brownies but with a different flavor. They are made with brown sugar instead of cocoa and are often baked in a pan, and then cut into squares or rectangles. Other ingredients such as walnuts or chips can be added to the mixture. Blondies are soft and chewy.
The name ‘blondies’ comes from their light color, which contrasts with the dark color of traditional brownies. he first recipe for blondies ever was published in 1896 by Fannie Farmer. She was a pioneer of modern American cookery. Interestingly they were called “brownies” when the recipe first came out but it contained vanilla and molasses instead of cocoa. which gave the blondies their golden color. It could be said that blondies are the predecessors of the brownie and some may even argue that they are the original “brownie” because the first recipe for the brownie we know today was published almost a decade later in 1906 by Fannie Farmer. A common misconception is that dessert was called brownies because of their appearance but in reality, they were named brownies after the elfin characters of “Brownies”that were popular in books and folk stories, chosen due to their brown color. It wasn’t until the mid-1970s, or early 1980s that the terms blondie and butterscotch brownies seemed to appear
A blondie bar typically has a golden or light brown color, attributed to the use of brown sugar and vanilla instead of cocoa. They are usually square or rectangular, cut from a larger pan of baked dough. Depending on the recipe, the surface can have a slight crackle, or it may be smooth and shiny. Additional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts might be visible on the surface or when biting into the bar. Blondies can be customized with a variety of ingredients to create unique flavors. Some popular variations include:
Chocolate Chip Blondies: These blondies are loaded with chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
Nutty Blondies: Nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the blondie mix for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Butterscotch Blondies: butterscotch chips are added to the mix to give these blondies a sweet, buttery flavor.
Coconut Blondies: Shredded coconut is mixed into the batter for a tropical twist.
Caramel Blondies: A layer of caramel is added to the middle of these blondies for a gooey, sweet surprise
They are usually paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Blondies can also be topped with caramel or chocolate sauce.
Recipe
ingredients:
- 170 grams (3/4 cup) butter, melted,
- 225 grams (1 and 1/4 cup) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 210 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) plain flour or all purpose flour
- 150 grams (1 cup) white chocolate, roughly chopped into chunks
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) fresh or frozen raspberries
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°Fahrenheit and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper hangs over the sides of the pan so you can easily lift the blondies up once they’ve cooled. Set aside.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a microwave safe mixing bowl. Add the light brown sugar and white sugar to the melted butter and whisk until it becomes very thick and it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: Add the eggs and the vanilla extract, whisk to combine.
Step 4: Add the flour and salt to the mixture and gently mix until there are no more streaks of flour. Stir in the chopped white chocolate and raspberries.
Step 5: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out almost clean. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing.
spajzgirl 