It's not everyday that we get to try something new, and this definitely wasn't every day.
Recently, I saw a post on social media about a Ukrainian refugee in Stamford who has been building up a baking business during his time in the UK so far. Through his brand, [gorishky], Valentyn Cherpurko began sharing the delights of some Ukrainian desserts with Stamford Town.
You'll know by now that supporting the Ukrainians the best I can is very important to me — not to mention the fact that I have met some brilliant people over the last year or so, so trying out the Gorishky is another aspect of this.
Plus, my fellow foodies will understand that the offer of food should never be turned down. Especially not such a kind offer; being handmade to order.
Valentyn came to my place of work to hand deliver the treats, which was a very nice touch. We have actually been in the same room a few times before, but it was only through social media that we connected and introduced ourselves properly. The Gorishky, golden and peppered with flour, were in a string-tied bag, bringing it all together nicely. You could say it was the perfect package!
As with anything new, I was slightly nervous, but excited to try something new. I was ‘going in blind’, as they say, and had no idea what to expect. Going in blind is a good mindset to have, as I am open-minded to the flavours, textures, and any surprises that come with that. All without any preconceptions.
The treats themselves look something like a cross between an acorn and a pine cone — or some treasure from an epic fantasy novel. From the outside, they look like they would be delicate, but, in fact, when you take a bite, they are dense, fluffy — and delicate. I realise that the description of ‘fluffy’ and ‘dense’ can come across as paradoxical, but if you were to try them yourself, you would understand what I mean.
As someone with a sweet tooth, the feeling of biting into a Gorishky, the feeling of it crumbling in my mouth, and gently dissolving is amazing. And then when I bit in, there was a sweet cream to balance the dense delicacy. The best thing about food is the opportunity of trying new flavours, as well as being met with tastes that we are more familiar with.
Eating a Gorishky, I am conscious of the history and culture that lies behind it (intertwined between each molecule). Along with that, I am mindful of the conflict in Ukraine, in a broader sense. With the war being so devastating, it is comforting to know that — underneath, and aside, from all that — we get the opportunity to meet new friends, try new food, exchange ideas — and so on. It is nice to think that something so positive can be gleaned from so many people being so devastatingly displaced. (It is worth noting that I'm not condoning war. With the situation as it is, we might as well make the best we can of it).
Ukrainians are lovely and calm people, and as somebody who has been involved with the Ukrainian community within Stamford since the refugees have been in the town, I do feel a sense of guilt that these people now have to learn English to integrate themselves into the community, and they have to adjust to living in a new country for reasons that are not in their control. I make an effort to learn the language (моя українська погана, але я стараюся), educate myself about the culture, in an effort to show how much I care. It really is harrowing to see how people have been displaced, and the stories that they have to tell.
Valentyn’s Gorishky is just part of this story.
If you are interested in learning more, and tasting the Gorishky, click here.
I really hope you enjoy it!
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