When contemplating what to get that special someone, we often
think of sweet treats. Although, you may want to consider calories-and
surprisingly, sugar-free may not be the best way to go. If you think purchasing
sugar-free chocolates will reduce caloric intake-before you purchase that
sugar-free, colorful box of chocolates, you might want to compare the calories
per serving to the regular sugar-sweetened version.
Zaku- ski. It's Russian for "small bites," and
is the latest entry in the small-plates dining trend. Zakuski has its roots in
19th century czarist Russia, when the wealthy served a smorgasbord of delicacies
- along with their finest vodka, of course - to guests who'd traveled as long as
several weeks to reach them.
Zakuski has its roots in 19th century
czarist Russia, when the wealthy served a smorgasbord of delicacies - along with
their finest vodka, of course - to guests who'd traveled as long as several
weeks to reach them. Each zakuska (singular) was plated separately and often
served in a prescribed order, perhaps starting off with cold fish and pickles,
then moving on to warm meats, and mixing things up along the way with treats
like caviar or rich cheeses.
"Zakuski were originally created to pair
with vodka, which is to Russians what wine is to most of Europe - a true
expression of their natural bounty and character," says cocktail consultant
Dushan Zaric, who's advised such zakuski-serving hot spots as L.A.'s Bar Marmont
and New York's Pravda and Employees Only.
The go-to vodka at Zaric's
establishments is Russian Standard Vodka - the No. 1 premium vodka in Russia -
whose high quality has helped create quite a buzz across America.
Russian
Standard Vodka's distinct, bready flavor adds an extra dimension when pairing a
cocktail like Zaric's own Moscow Mule with a traditional Seared Salmon Zakuska.
Recipes courtesy of Dushan Zaric and Julia Jaksic of Employees Only.
Russian Standard Moscow Mule
1 1/2 oz.
of Russian Standard Vodka
1 lime wedge
5 oz. Regatta Ginger Beer
Directions: Build cocktail over ice in your Russian Standard Copper Mug. Add
Russian Standard Vodka. Squeeze a wedge of lime. Top with Regatta Ginger Beer.
Seared Salmon with Poppy Seed Yogurt Sauce
4-5-oz. salmon fillets
1/2 cup Lebanese or Greek yogurt (strained)
2 tbsp.
white wine vinegar
2 tbsp. finely chopped shallot
1/2 tsp. chopped garlic
2 tsp. poppy seeds
2 tsp. chopped dill
Salt and pepper to taste
Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place into a hot skillet and sear on
each side for 4 to 5 minutes. For the yogurt sauce, mix together yogurt,
vinegar, shallot, garlic, poppy seeds, dill, and salt and pepper. To plate,
place yogurt on plate with salmon and dress with optional salad.
Look for the ingredients from your local stores to cook up your own tasty tapas.