Issue 07: A Call for Peace
A Call for Peace
In February 2022 Russian military forces invaded Ukraine, leaving in its wake tens of thousands of shattered lives and separated families. Citizens on both sites are fighting in a war, that, like all wars, will not end well for anyone. Families are facing a harsh reality, knowing their loved ones might never sit at their dinner table again, that they won’t ever hear their loving words or hold their hands.
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) and IWPG members from all over the world are so concerned about this devastating violence and want to help with a campaign reinforcing what connects us rather than what divides us.
IWPG has chosen a sweet symbolism for this effort and for the campaign – Syrniki, a dessert which is a shared national specialty for both Ukrainians and Russians. They call for us all to participate and make delicious Syrniki together. Host a gathering with family, friends, colleagues and neighbors, to commemorate the people who are now restricted from family gatherings and make a statement for an urgent peaceful resolution of this war.
Feel free to take lots of photos and videos, with encouraging messages for the victims of this war and share it with us and the world. Please use the following hashtags: #SYRNIKIFORPEACE #ACALLFORPEACE #SEEKPEACE #WEDONTWANTWAR #TOGETHERFORPEACE
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb farmer’s cheese
2 eggs
½ + ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (2 steps)
¼ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
6-8 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying Ingredients
Optional: ½ cup raisins
SYRNIKI RECIPE
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, crumble the farmer’s cheese into little pieces with a fork. Add 2 eggs and mix well. Add ½ cup flour (reserve ⅓ cup for step 2), sugar, and salt. Mix well, using the fork to break apart any clumps of flour or farmer’s cheese. Add raisins, if using. The ‘batter’ will be thick like dough, not like traditional pancake batter.
- Form the Syrniki pancakes: Prepare a small bowl with about ⅓ cup flour – you will use it to dredge the pancakes.
- Scoop out approximately ¼ cup pancake dough at a time. (See recipe notes below) Use your hands to gently flatten the dough into a small patty. Dredge the pancake with flour on both sides. Shake off the extra flour and set aside until you are ready to cook the Syrniki pancakes.
- Cook the Syrniki pancakes: In a large skillet, heat 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and gently place the flour-dredged cheese pancakes into the pan using a spatula. Cook on medium-low heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown. Place on a paper towel to cool.
- Do not crowd the pancakes – cook them in 2-3 batches if necessary.
- To serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or drizzle with maple syrup, honey, whipped cream.
Or try these Syrniki the traditional Russian way – with sour cream and your favorite fruit preserves.
