Happy New Year!
A note on a Russian holiday tradition
A few days before year's end or on the eve of New Year, Russians often call their friends and family to congratulate them with New Year and wish them health, happiness, luck, love, prosperity and whatever else they think their loved ones need next year.
In case you need a greeting, here's a more or less standard option for you to use.
Поздравляю с наступающим Новым годом! Желаю здоровья, счастья и благополучия в новом году.
(This literally means the following: (I) Congratulate you with the upcoming New Year! (I) Wish you health, happiness and prosperity in the new year!)
For me, this year a holiday wish also includes the end of the war in Ukraine.
Traditional dishes for the New Year table
Anyone who rang the New Year in Russia will tell you that the main appetizer on the table is salad Olivie ( оливье). There are several variations of the salad. It can be made with Bolognia, beef or chicken; fresh boiled or preserved peas.
Use your favorite traditional mayo for this salad and avoid any flavored mayonnaise.
Dill whole pickles usually work well for this salad. Avoid sweet or spicy pickles.
Use grilled chicken from the store to save time on cooking chicken for this salad.
You can also use baby carrots and save time on peeling.
Other traditional dishes include red caviar with crepes; herring in fur coat (aka селёдка под шубой, name of a traditional salad with beets, herring, carrot, potato and mayo); Napoleon cake.
Gift idea from Barnes & Nobel
Happy New Year!
