BULGARIA: Princess Toast (Prinzesi) and Shortcut Snow White Salad (Snezhanka)

Had we "visited" Bulgaria when we first set out on our OWW journey, in 2011, this would have been a top meal for my daughters — then ages 1-6 — based on the names alone. While the allure of Disney-sounding dishes is not what it once was in our family, I selected the meal for this week based on the need to get something on the table quickly. Each recipe took about 5 minutes of active time, and the whole meal was on the table 25 minutes. The toast can work as easily for a simple yet unexpected breakfast as for dinner. I will happily make both princess toast and snow white salad again. And again and again.

Princess Toast (Prinzesi)

1 pound meatloaf mix, ground pork, and/or ground beef

2 large eggs

1 ½ cups grated soft Provolone, Asiago, or low-moisture mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika, optional

½ teaspoon dried thyme, optional

8 small slices of Rye bread, rustic bread, or bread of your choice

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.

2. Please all ingredients, other than the bread slices, into a medium mixing bowl. Mix well with a fork, then use your hands to fully combine.

3. Place a piece of foil on a cookie sheet. Arrange the slices of bread.

4. Divide the meat mixture into eight even portions. Spread a portion of meat on one slice of bread, being sure to cover it evenly from crust to crust. Repeat with remaining meat and bread.

5. Bake the toasts for about 20 minutes or until the meat is cooked through. If the top is not browned, turn over to broil and broil for 2 minutes or until golden.

   
   

Shortcut Snow White Salad (Snezhanka)

4 Persian cucumbers

1 full size dill pickle

1 cup prepared tzatziki, the thicker the better

1 tablespoon fresh minced dill

1. Using a wide grater, grate the cucumbers and pickle. If you do not have one, dice them finely.

2. Place grated/chopped vegetables in a sieve or a colander lined with cheesecloth and let drain over a small bowl 10 minutes. Push down to release as much juice as possible and transfer drained vegetables to a small mixing bowl.

3. Stir in the tzatziki and dill. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

#princesstoast #prinzesi #cucumbersalad #snowwhitesalad #snezhanka #breakfastordinner #bulgaria

FUN FACTS:

• Bulgarians nod no and shake their heads for yes.

• Established in 681 AD, Bulgaria is the only European country that hasn't changed its name.

• The Bulgarian Air Force developed the first air-dropped bomb in military history, on October 16, 1912.