I watched the Lithuanian sisters (Patricija and Brigita) make this soup on My Kitchen Rules. It didn't turn out as pink as it usually does when they make it. They call it "Barbie soup" because it is usually very girly and pink looking. It sounded delicious so I looked it up online. I found the following recipe. I'll try it, but even this recipe uses prepared beets rather than roasting their own. I was surprised, but it shows it is the traditional standard. It wasn't just the sisters taking a shortcut on the show, as Manu was assuming. I'll roast my own beets, contrary to the recipe. We have excellent beets in the garden, so of course, I want to use them.

The sisters also made a potato sausage (Vedarai) and I enjoyed seeing how they used a water bottle to stuff the sausage casing. Creative and inventive. Last course for their instant restaurant was a honey cake, Medaus Tortas. I haven't seen many cakes where the layers are rolled out, like a pancake, baked and then turn out fluffy and good. The honey cake was enjoyed by almost everyone around the table.

Šaltibarščiai (Cold Beetroot Soup) https://tasteoflithuania.com/saltibarsciai-cold-beetroot-soup

Šaltibarščiai, a delightful Cold Beetroot Soup, stands as a true testament to the heart and soul of Lithuanian cuisine. With roots deeply embedded in the country's rich cultural heritage, this vibrant pink-hued soup has journeyed through generations, captivating taste buds and hearts alike. Embodying the essence of summertime refreshment, Saltibarsciai boasts a tantalizing blend of flavors, harmonizing the earthy sweetness of beetroots with the cool tangy kefir and the crisp freshness of cucumbers and dill. As a cherished dish that reflects the resilience and traditions of Lithuania, Saltibarsciai beckons culinary enthusiasts on a flavorful adventure, inviting them to experience the unique and time-honored taste of this treasured Eastern European classic.

Ingredients

• 300 g cucumber approx 1 English cucumber or 3 short cucumbers
• 500 g boiled grated beetroot see details above
• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
• 2 spring onions thinly sliced
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 l kefir
• 500 g potatoes
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped

Instructions

• Start by boiling your potatoes in a large pot of salted water.
• Hard-boil the eggs (it should take about 12 minutes in boiling water). Cool the eggs under cold running water. Peel them, the cut into 4 wedges.
• Tip the grated beetroot (and all of the liquid) out of the jar into a large mixing bowl. Add the cucumber, dill and half of the green onions.
• Pour the kefir into the bowl and season everything with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until the kefir turns pink.
• Divide the cold beetroot soup between bowl. Top with the eggs and remaining green onions.
• When your potatoes are cooked, drain them, add butter and fresh dill and shake the pot gently to coat the potatoes.
• Serve hot potatoes alongside the cold beet soup.

September 29th is National Coffee Day.

This particular day aims to appreciate the art of coffee making, the farmers who cultivate the beans, and the baristas who perfect the brewing process. Coffee lovers also take the opportunity to learn about the beverage's history and the importance of fair trade and sustainable practices in the coffee industry.

While the exact origins of National Coffee Day remain unclear, it is believed to have originated in Japan in 1983 as a way to promote the coffee industry. In Canada, the celebration ties in closely with the nation's strong coffee culture, which enjoys a high per capita consumption of coffee. One significant aspect of National Coffee Day in Canada is raising awareness of and support for local coffee roasters and acknowledging the impact of ethical and sustainable sourcing on the coffee supply chain.

According to Coffee Association of Canada, 71% of Canadians consume coffee daily, with an average consumption of 2.7 cups per day. In addition to being one of the most coffee-consuming nations, Canada also ranks 10th in coffee imports globally.

Via WinCalendar - National Coffee Day