This year, my Easter dinner was photographed for

my upcoming new book on elegant entertaining, so I canâ€™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. Itâ€™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, itâ€™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 embellishe d with fine

embroidery .



Meticulous ly 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.



