My place on the farm was in the house, right in the kitchen, helping and learning the "secrets" and "basics" in making the food tasty and delicious. Over the years, I have always sought out good food and the recipes that came with them. Through the vast travels with my family, I have compiled a wealth of special recipes along with the traditional favorites that I grew up with. Many recipes here have been shared with you by friends, family and neighbours. With a common love of eating tasty food, I present to you - "Baba's Cook Book". 

The observance of the Great Lent six weeks before Easter initiates the duration of time which spiritual purification, personal retreat, and fasting are observed. Con­fession and Holy Communion are then partaken by the faithful so as to cleanse and purify the soul.

One of the mosl beautiful traditions of the Ukrainian people is the writing of decorated Easter eggs called "Pysanky." In pagan times, pysanky symbolized the release of the earth from the bonds of winter and the arrival of spring. They are associated with mythical beliefs and magical powers. After the coming of Chris­tianity, the pysanky were then associated with the Resurrection, a symbol of eter­nal life. A customary exchange or gift of a pysanka at Easter is something to be cherished and loved. 

At break of dawn on Easter Sunday a special Resurrection Service is held which includes a procession around the church. The most joyful aspect of the service is the heralding of the resurrected Christ in 1he singing of Khrystos Voskres (Christ is Risen). With the conclusion of the service, weather permitting, all exit 10 out­side the church and form a circle. The embroidered covered baskets containing an array of meticulously prepared foods are proudly exhibited in front of each family. A candle is lit and placed in each basket. Anxious children peer from behind the colorful woven vessels to watch the priest bless the food with Holy water. We now extend the traditional Easter greeting "Khrystos Voskres" (Christ is Risen), to which the reply is "Voistyno Voskres" (Truly He is Risen). 

Families return home to break the long fast with a delicious meal. After the Lord's Prayer and the traditional Easter salutation, a blessed egg is cut into pieces, one for everyone present and then a little of each type of food from the basket is consumed. Following this, larger portions are served from a variety of prepared dishes. 

This observance not only expresses the families unity but fills their religious aspirations and beliefs in the preservation of a glorious time-honored ritual and tradition.