Взвар

Взвар

Vyvzar is a Russian traditional beverage imbibed during Russian Christmas. The name "vyvzar" typically means a vegetable-based sauce, but it also refers to the beverage made from stewed fruit. Simple vyvzar is made from one type of fruit, and combined vyvzar is made from a mix of fruits. Vyvzar can be taken either hot or cold, but here I am going to share with you a recipe for a gelatin dessert version:

Use dried, not candied, fruit.

4-5 dried apples or/and pears
4-5 dried prunes
2 tbsp. dried cherries
2 tbsp. raisins
5 cups water
1/4 cup sugar or honey (to taste)
2 envelopes (14.4 g.) of gelatin (I used Knox Original Gelatine)

Wash dried fruit in warm water. Put dried fruits in saucepan, add water and cook on a low heat for 30 minutes. Add sugar and raisins, let stay about 30 minutes, covered. Strain vzvar through a sieve. Serve cold.

For gelatin dessert: sprinkle gelatin over 1 cup cold vzvar in small saucepan, let stand 1 minute. Stir over low heat until gelatin completely dissolves, combine with 3 cups cold vzvar. Pour into 4 glasses and refrigerate until set. 

Take the opportunity this Christmas to try some of the traditional Russian dishes, like this one!