If it was up to ordinary people, the whole world would live in peace.
This is the very short, sweet and simple story of how a korovai (wedding bread) baked here in Devon, travelled all the way to Aberdeen for the marriage of a Russian bride and Scottish groom (who have been together for a decade and have five children). The bride’s mother was the only guest from her side of the family permitted to travel from Russia, and the groom’s family wished to make special efforts to observe Russian traditions and make the bride and her mother feel at home. The korovai, a rich, yeasted dough covered in symbolic decorations, was ordered as a surprise, to be presented with the bowl of salt in the middle.
Here is the letter I received from the lovely lady who ordered the korovai (published with permission).
Dear Penny.
Thankyou.
It arrived in perfect condition and your card was the perfect touch.
The bride was over the moon and her mother will take some of it back to Russia when she flies back this week for relatives who were unable to attend.
Anna and Michael did the traditional competition to see who can bite off the biggest piece- the winner being the head of the household.
Michael inadvertently bit off a bird(30g) and Anna a large piece of bread( only 19g). His was heavier, hers was bigger so they decided that it was an honourable draw and they would be equals.
Sounds like they will be a good team!
Thankyou. Thankyou. Thankyou!Margaret
Ps it tastes delicious especially slightly toasted with melting butter and a very sparse sprinkling of salt from the jar in the middle of the Korovai.
Have loaf, will travel!
If you are getting married and would like a korovai, or any other celebration bread, why not join us on a Korovai Class?