Zhavoronki — Ukrainian Lark Buns
We enjoyed a beautiful dinner with the family at Carol’s house a few days ago. She had been curious to try making Zhavoronki — traditional Ukrainian bread rolls shaped like little skylarks. We all were enthusiastic about her creations, and enjoyed eating them along with several other dishes. The conversation was lively, and we had fun.
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| The first course was spring pea and mint soup to eat with the Lark Buns. |
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| Carol made a broccoli quiche, and Jason made an asparagus quiche, which we ate with salad. |
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| I was drinking wine, but I loved this beer label: “Critterless” — Beer with critters! |
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| Short’s is a Michigan brewery and pub. |
Thoughts on Lark Buns
The Eurasian Skylark, for which the Lark Buns are named, is a beloved bird throughout Europe. The British Trust for Ornithology says it’s “one of our most celebrated birds, in literature, poetry, art and music.” I am not aware of having seen skylarks in my birding travels in Europe, but the description that I read is that this bird sings beautifully while it is flying, and sometimes you can hear it but not see it. (We had a brief sighting in Hawaii, where this species has been introduced.)
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| A skylark from the BTO website (source) |
Carol’s cute little Zhavoronki made me think of the much more lofty sentiment of Shelley’s “Ode to a Skylark.” Or at least think of the first and most memorable stanza of this famous poem, which is in fact very long. April is National Poetry Month in the US — so it’s appropriate to quote a poem:
by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Hail to thee, blithe Spirit!
Bird thou never wert,
That from Heaven, or near it,
Pourest thy full heart
In profuse strains of unpremeditated art
More About Lark Buns
The traditions of Ukrainian lark buns are documented at Atlas Obscura here. One tradition is that the lark buns commemorate martyrs. Alas, Ukraine has far to many martyrs recently. I write this with hopes that the Ukrainians will soon prevail in the defense of their country.
Blog post and original photos © 2024 mae sander
The Lark buns are cute, I am sure they are delicious too.
ReplyDeleteTake care, enjoy your day!
I am impressed with the skill it took making those buns!
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful little larks!
ReplyDeleteI learned something today!
Oh those Lark Buns are adorable to look at. I bet they tasted great too. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely spread! That beer label is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe Lark buns look a bit like little Henries :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, all the food looks sooo yummy! And to share it with friends is even better.
And the beer :-)
Yes. I so hope the war in Ukraine... everywhere!!... will be over soon. And that Ukraine stays a free country and can join EU, cause that´s where they belong to.
Seriously, I want to come live with you and have dinner at Carol's. What a beautiful dinner and place settings. The Lark Buns are perfect and I know they were delicious. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful post. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteHello Mae :=)
ReplyDeleteThe buns are artfully created and look so good. I like the beer critters, and join you in your hopes for the Ukrainian peoples's freedom.
All the best
Sonjia.
Fascinating post! Love the connection between the cute Zhavoronki and Shelley's poem. Hope for peace in Ukraine too.
ReplyDeleteHello Mae,
ReplyDeleteThe Lark buns are so cute and I love seeing the real Skylark too.
The beer label is pretty! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Thanks for doing this post with the Lark buns and support for the Ukrainians. Love the beautiful bird too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice blog about these sandwiches and the bird.
ReplyDeleteI've already heard this bird on the heath, near our village. Yes, it sings constantly as it flies higher and higher. It's such a beautiful sound. It always makes me happy. First, the males climb to a height of sometimes more than a hundred meters, then they fly down singing loudly to land near the female.
What a nice blogpost. Thank you.
I'm glad to read about. What a nice idea, baking such bread rolls. And very interesting indeed this Informations about this bird ... thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHave a good Werk.