Cherry Varenyky (Pierogi)

Cherry Varenyky is one of Papa Ladybug's favourite things, so when it's cherry season, I try to make him some. Varenyky (aka Pierogi) is a Ukrainian/Mennonite traditional dumpling usually stuffed with dry cottage cheese or potatoes, but sometimes you'll find fruit in them too. It's been a few years since I had the time to do this, but this morning, amidst the insanity and sleeplessness, I decided it was time. Plus, it's a huge thank you to nana and papa ladybug for taking the kids for the night so we can sleep!

Cherry Varenyky

2 Egg Whites

1 cup Milk

3 cups Flour

1/4 tsp Salt

Cherries, halved and pitted

Sugar

Mix eggs and milk together in a bowl. Add flour and salt and mix until dough is well combined. Add more flour to make a slightly less sticky dough if needed. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before rolling out dough (I usually do overnight).

Roll out dough and cut squares or circles. You can also pinch off dough and make a ball to roll out for each one. Once your dough is rolled and cut to desired shape, place 2 cherry halves in the centre, sprinkle with a bit of sugar and fold one side over and pinch together to create a half circle or triangle. Use water to moisten edges if you are having trouble getting the edges to stick.

Add to a pot of salted boiling water and boil for 5 minutes. Drain water and serve with rogers syrup, cream gravy, sour cream, sweetened whip cream or sugar as desired. I personally like them for dessert with whip cream and sugar.

Other great fruit Varenyky options include strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, peach, and blackberry.

~Adel~