Ukrainian Varenyky Dumplings & Eastern European Flavours with Anastasia Zolotarev Saturday 25 October

Saturday 25 October

Food is grounding — it connects us to our past, carries stories across borders, and evolves with us over time.

In this immersive cooking class, Anastasia Zolotarev invites you into her Eastern European kitchen, drawing from her Ukrainian and Belarusian roots to celebrate the food, stories, and soul of her heritage. Inspired by her debut cookbook, Sour Cherries & Sunflowers, this workshop is a heartfelt exploration of tradition, memory, and modern reinterpretation.

We’ll begin our day with a refreshing glass of Sour Cherry Kompot - a Ukrainian drink often served in the warmer months. Alongside it, you’ll enjoy freshly baked rogaliki — delicate, plum-filled yeasted pastries that melt in the mouth.

The heart of the class will focus on varenyky — beloved Ukrainian dumplings made with two different types of dough: a fermented kefir dough and a non dairy dough. Together, we’ll make three traditional fillings:

• Buttery potato and black pepper
• Sweet-and-sour cabbage with sauerkraut and caramelised onions
• Earthy mushrooms with slow-cooked onion

You’ll also learn how to make a buttery onion sauce to coat the dumplings just before serving.

For dessert, we'll enjoy a slice of a layered Ukrainian honey cake, and gather around the table to share our creations alongside a small degustation of traditional ferments and preserves — a true taste of the seasons and a nod to ancestral food traditions.

This is a hands-on, sensory experience — one that goes beyond recipes. You’ll learn dough techniques, folding methods, and the cultural stories behind each dish. Whether you're reconnecting with your own heritage or simply curious to explore something new, this class is a celebration of comfort, culture, and connection through food.

You’ll walk away with:

• The techniques to make traditional Varenyky including two types of dough (a rich kefir plump dough + a non dairy dough alternative)
• In-depth knowledge, the meaning and overview of the history of varenyky and how these dumplings reflect Ukrainian food culture and beyond 
• A deeper connection to Ukrainian food culture, including the use of fermented ingredients, seasonal vegetables, and heritage preservation techniques
• Folding and shaping methods for varenyky, and how different techniques reflect regional styles and family traditions
• Insights into practical ways to reduce food waste, repurpose leftovers including leftover varenyky, and use seasonal produce — all deeply rooted in traditional Ukrainian cooking philosophy
• An understanding of how to build a meal around varenyky — including sauces, side dishes, drinks, and desserts that complement them
• The experience of a warm, community-style meal shared around the table, celebrating connection, culture, and comfort through food
• A feeling of nourishment within both body and soul through the act of cooking and storytelling

The class runs from 10:00am to 2pm and Anastasia and the team at Moonacres look forward to seeing you soon.