Paska, a special bread that I used this past weekend

This year, my Easter dinner was photographed for my upcoming new book on elegant entertaining, so I can’t divulge too much about what was served.  I will tell you, however, about the beautiful and delicious paska, or Ukrainian Easter yeast bread that graced our table.  Several years ago, Lubow Wolynetz was a guest on my previous television show. Lubow is the librarian and curator at the Ukrainian Museum and Library of Stamford, CT Ukrainianmuseumlibrary.org, and is also a wonderful baker.  On that episode, she shared with us her recipe for paska and I was happy when she agreed to provide us with her stunning breads this Easter.

Lubow Wolynetz holding a lovely paska.

Lubow explained that for Ukrainians, paska is so important at Easter time, representing joy of new life, and baking it is never taken lightly.  It’s critical that the top of a paska be covered with symbols made out of the dough, such as crosses, astrological signs, rosettes, leaves, birds, or bees.  And, according to ritual, it’s believed that how your paska turned out would determine your future.  So naturally, every baker hoped for the most beautiful and tallest results.  And to ensure these goals, a bit of magic was always performed, including the recital of sacred formulas and incantations.  During the baking process, no one in the household was allowed to sit for fear that the paska would not rise.  Needless to say, a successful paska brought joy and relief to each family and was then carried to church for the ever so important blessing. You can bake your very own Paska bread by using THIS RECIPE.

This is the building that houses The Ukrainian Museum, built in 1867. Bishop Constantine Bohachevesky purchased the property in 1933 with plans to establish a Ukrainian cultural institution.

This building is perfect for a movie set! In fact, it's been used for that purpose.

A formal parlor.

There are many traditional Ukrainian garments on display.

The garments are embellished with fine embroidery.

Meticulously decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs.

I just adore this egg!

A regal eagle.

The surround and hearth of this mantle are covered with lovely Delft tiles.

A handsomely carved fireplace.

 

 

Comments

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, It looks like you had a great weekend! I remember when Lubow Wolynetz was on your old show and she made her beautiful paska bread. Wasn't there some kind of contest the Ukrainian women had to see who's paska was the best? I love the photos of the Ukrainian Museum. The Delft tiles and the beautifully carved fireplace are spectacular. Are the beautiful decorated eggs made using blown out eggs? They are absolutely stunning. Thank you so much for sharing and I can't wait for your new Entertaining book to come out. Jan

[Lourdes]

I'm with you Martha. That egg is amazing!

[Franco Forleo]

How wonderful to read and learn of other traditions. The eggs so beautifully painted/decorated. We too had a wonderful family Easter and for us here in South Africa, Easter is the turning point of the season where we welcome and appreciate the beautiful signs of autumn.

[Nan Ashby]

What a great symbol for the sacrament of new life. Jesus is the bread of life, and in Urania this is a tradition for the lamb of God,which gives Christians the blessing of hope and faith. May we all reflect this symbolism. Nan

[KellySchwark.com]

We too had Paska on our Easter dinner table yesterday, and I appreciate the information behind the bread.

Sharing, in part, in this heritage, AND as an artist, I have always adored the Ukranian Easter Eggs. Still new to Connecticut, I will be sure to plan a visit to the beautiful museum very soon.

Thanks Martha!
Kelly
http://kellyschwark.com/

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
What a delicious Easter dinner you must have had. The paska looks delicious. I, too,remember when Lubow Wolynetz was on your other show baking this symbolic bread. Thanks for the wonderful photos of the Ukranian Museum with its traditional embroidered garments, decorated Easter eggs, Delft tile covered mantle, and carved fireplaces.
I'll be happy to see your new book.
Kathy

[Laurie Ivanchuk{Ukraine}]

The egg is so beautifull no words can express it that's forsure. Being Ukrainian and living in Kiev, I am so thrilled to see this Blog. Easter as you may or may not know will be celebrated April 27th in Ukriane for the Greek Orthodox. And yes I will be making my very own Paska also.

[Margie]

As always this blog brings the world and traditions to us.
Thank you.

[Sharon Weinmann]

Martha,
Thank you for bringing the beauty of the Ukraine to us. I too remember Lubow Wolynetz from the past. What a beautiful paska! What incredibly beautiful eggs!

[Emily A]

Hi Martha!

I especially enjoyed this post, as my grandmother has made dozens of Ukrainian Pysanky eggs for Easter for as long as I can remember. My sisters, cousins and I each have a collection, with each egg dated for the year it was given to us. Thanks for the background!

Emily

[kathy]

Hi Martha,
I just wanted you to know that we think your tomato soup from Costco is soooo delicious. My dad is losing weight from chemotherapy and when I brought him your soup (he still has to try the mushroom) to eat he was THRILLED and also thought it was so delicious. He even snuck a few spoonfuls when it was cold in the refrigerator!!!
Thanks for helping him gain his strength back. Every little bit helps.
Kathy

[Corey Benson]

Hi Martha. I just wanted to share with you how much I enjoy reading your blog. I look forward to every new post and can always be assured to take something away from every visit. Your determination and success have inspired so many, myself included. I live by all your cookbooks and the information on your website. I currently live in Germany, but my house in New Fairfield, CT is not far from Bedford. I love that I can watch the show on the website.
I am writing a blog also while living here, and thought you might enjoy reading about some of the neat things we are getting to see and do. the link is http://web.mac.com/coreyleebenson/Cologne/Blog/Blog.html

I know your a busy lady, but hope maybe I might be able to return the pleasure I get from reading your blog. Much success and thanks.

[Trish]

That is one beautiful museum! I love the parlor and the staircase. I used to dream of living in a house with a staircase such as that!

I clearly remember Lubow Wolynetz making paska on a previous show and thought it was the most beautiful bread. I believe I still have that show on tape.

Thanks for yet another interesting blog, Martha and Laura. Trish

[Lena Howansky]

Thank you for the feature on Ukrainian Easter. I am very excited to try Martha's Paska recipe for "Uki Easter" -- which falls on April 27th (according to the Julian calendar). The mention of magical and supersticious touches was especially enlightening! They illustrate the holiday's connection to a pagan/pre-Christian tradition; it is one that celebrates springtime and rebirth.

[Liz Ness]

I want to move in (heh-heh)! Seriously, lovely photos of an amazing estate -- thanks for sharing!

[Joseph Brennan]

Martha:

I was wondering what you had served yesterday! Now I know, or at least in part. I can't wait for your new Entertaining book. It would be hard for most people to top the first one, but I'm sure you can do it!

I remember when Lubow Wolynetz was on MSL and made the paska. I am fascinated by any type of decorative and, of course, delicious food and these yeast breads are truly works of art and the religious symbolism is so rich. I'll have to make a point of visiting the Ukranian museum when I'm near Stanford.

I have also always been fascinated by Easter eggs of all kinds so I enjoyed the snapshots of those, as well. I've made Faberge-style eggs, panoramic eggs, Easter Egg cakes, etc, but have yet to many any pysanky.

Don't forget our Easter holidays continue until Pentecost, so we have 49 days left to celebrate. Isn't it great!

Joseph Brennan

[Claudine]

Amazing bread, eggs and that museum is a beauty! Thanks for sharing
Claudine

[Linda Gail]

Martha:)
Another beautiful and informative blog. The Paska is so lovely. I wouldn't want to cut into it because of its beauty.
The museum is gorgeous and those eggs. I can't find the right words for how beautiful they are.
I'm looking forward to your new "Entertaining" book. With pictures like these it will be great.
Linda Gail:)

[ric]

would love to see pictures of your home decorated for easter

[Dulce DeLeon]

Hello Martha, Happy Easter.
Congratulations for showing us such a beatiful things, the eggs look fantastic and the bread must taste as good as it looks.

[Kim Wylie]

Seeing the Ukranian Easter eggs brought back memories. I tried making them with my mother, just as an attempt at an interesting craft, when I was younger. This Easter I thought back to the project and have again become interested in trying to find the tools and supplies to make them. They are SO time consuming, and you have to be meticulous with your patterns, but it is SUCH a treat when you melt the wax off to reveal the beautiful final product!

The photos of the eggs in your blog are lovely! They are incredibly intricate designs and probably took the artist a long time. Thank you for sharing. (And I agree...the chicken is really neat!)

[Lynda Huber]

Hi Martha, While watching your Easter segments this year I kept waiting for those Ukrainian Easter eggs that were profiled on your former beloved show. I will always remember the skill of those ladies, such a beautiful craft. Thanks for sharing.

[Sherey]

Martha...what wonderful photos of paska, easter eggs and the museum.
I am indeed fortunate to live in a neighbouring community where a Ukrainian Cultural Centre is located. Prior to Easter the ladies of the parish have a huge bake sale...selling paska, babka, and a variety of baked goods as well as the wonderful perogees and cabbage rolls. They also have beautifully decorated eggs for sale as well. I love that the ladies attire themselves in their embroidered blouses as they happily go about selling their delicious foods. Thanks to my Ukrainian grandmother i grew up eating all these great foods and now my little grandson loves his perogees and cabbage rolls!

I look forward to your new Entertaining book!

[Vanessa Cheatwood]

I remember Lubow Wolynetz being so charming on the Easter show, I thought she should have her own segment to share her amazing knowledge of Ukranian art, traditions, and baking! The museum looks stunning. Thanks for reminding us of the paska this year, would love to see more recipes from Lubow.

[Catharine]

Mrs. Wolynetz is a WONDERFUL baker. Her bread is beautiful. But if you want a real treat, you should try her amazing Christmas cookies!