Advent fun

In Russia the communists largely replaced Christmas as a celebration with New Year.

So Christmas is not the commercialized affair it has become in many countries.

Advent is something few outside of the church have any understanding of.

We decided to organize some Advent events aimed at helping kids (and their parents) understand the Christmas story whilst having fun.  

There were lots of activities

Face painting was particularly popular

Then it was story time...

Time to make an angel to take home

After all that work - snack time!

Something Russian - Mushrooms!

Most Russians love Mushrooms.

Not the sanitised ones you buy at the supermarket, but wild ones!

Some love the hunt, finding hidden treasure in the woods.

Others just love the taste, and are prepared to buy them by the bucketload (literally) from sellers at the market, or at the side of the road.

Knowledge of the different types is passed down the generations. 

Some need to be boiled first, some you can just fry in butter with a little garlic, and some potatoes.

You can also marinate them and keep them to eat on a cold winter evening.

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Only in Russia - Sushki

These dried bread rings get their name from the verb, "to dry" - "sushat".

They come in different varieties and sizes. 

These ones are made with milk, which makes them softer, others are more crunchy.

These sushki are made at the bakery.

They have Peter's seal of approval!

 

Only in Russia - Sirok

This is the first of what I hope will be a series of posts, showing you things that especially Russian, and might not be available elsewhere (although I am sure some countries have their own equivilents).

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"Sirok" translates as "little cheese", which is a little misleading, as they do not taste of cheese.

They come in different flavours the two below are: 

caramalised sweetened condensed milk, and strawberry flavoured.  

They are made from milk curds, butter and sugar, with a chocolate coating, and a flavoured centre.

These ones are 23% fat!

They make a very good snack, although they can leave your fingers sticky!