Spring into Flavor: Celebrating the UK Spring Bank Holiday with Delicious European Cuisine

As the UK spring bank holiday approaches, it's time to start planning how to make the most of the long weekend. Whether you're planning a family barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a lazy brunch with friends, MyFooDen has you covered with a wide selection of European groceries to choose from.

One of the best ways to enjoy the spring bank holiday is by indulging in some delicious food. And what better way to do that than by trying out new and exciting dishes from different countries? This year, we're encouraging our customers to embark on a culinary journey through Europe, by trying two dishes from each of these seven countries: Latvia, Lithuania, Italy, Ukraine, Romania, Poland, and Russia.

In Latvia, the cuisine is hearty and filling, with a focus on potatoes, smoked fish, and sauerkraut. For a truly authentic Latvian dish, try the country's famous potato pancakes. This dish is made by grating potatoes and onions, mixing them with flour and eggs, and frying them until golden brown. Serve with smoked salmon and sour cream for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Another must-try Latvian dish is sauerkraut soup, which features sauerkraut, pork, and potatoes in a flavorful broth.

Lithuanian cuisine is also hearty, with a focus on meat and potatoes. For a vegetarian option, try the popular Lithuanian dish, Cepelinai, which are potato dumplings stuffed with mushrooms instead of meat. Serve with sour cream and bacon bits for a filling and satisfying meal. Another Lithuanian favorite is Kugelis, a potato pudding that is baked until crispy and golden on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.

Italy is famous for its pizza and pasta, but there are many other delicious dishes to discover. For a light and refreshing spring meal, try a classic Caprese salad, which combines juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese. For something more indulgent, try spaghetti carbonara, which features bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese in a rich and creamy sauce. Another must-try Italian dish is Lasagna, a layered pasta dish that is filled with meat, cheese, and tomato sauce.

In Ukraine, the cuisine is hearty and warming, with a focus on borscht, chicken Kiev, and pierogi, also called varenyky. Borscht is a soup that is made with beets, cabbage, and beef, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth that is perfect for the cooler spring days. Varenyky, or potato-filled dumplings, are another must-try Ukrainian dish. Serve with sour cream and fried onions for a delicious and filling meal.

Romanian cuisine is a fusion of different culinary traditions, resulting in a range of unique and delicious dishes. One must-try dish is sarmale, which are stuffed cabbage rolls that are filled with a mixture of rice, pork, and vegetables. Another favorite is mici, or grilled meatballs, which are made with a combination of beef and lamb. For a tasty and easy-to-make side dish, try mashed beans or fasole batuta, which is made by mashing beans with garlic, onion, and paprika.

Polish cuisine is known for its hearty meat dishes, like kielbasa sausage and pierogi filled with meat. For a lighter option, try a classic Polish cucumber salad, which combines thinly sliced cucumbers with dill and sour cream for a refreshing and tangy side dish. Another must-try Polish dish is bigos, a sauerkraut stew that features sausage, bacon, and cabbage in a rich and flavorful broth.

Finally, Russia is known for its indulgent and rich cuisine, with a focus on dishes like borscht, pelmeni (meat-filled dumplings), and blini (Russian pancakes). For a sweet and indulgent Russian dish, try blini with sweetened condensed milk and berries. These pancakes are made with flour, eggs, and milk, and are topped with sweetened condensed milk and fresh berries for a delicious dessert.

By trying two dishes from each of these seven countries, you'll not only expand your culinary horizons, but also support small European businesses by shopping at MyFooDen. With our wide selection of European groceries, you can easily find everything you need to create these delicious dishes in the comfort of your own home. Plus, with the spring bank holiday coming up, it's the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and try something new.

By exploring the diverse cuisines of Europe, you can discover new flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that you may not have tried before.

In addition to trying new dishes, the spring bank holiday is also the perfect time to enjoy some classic favorites. Whether you're firing up the grill for a family barbecue or packing a picnic for the park, there are plenty of delicious foods to enjoy. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Grilled meats and vegetables: There's nothing quite like the smoky, charred flavor of grilled meats and vegetables. Try marinating chicken, steak, or tofu in your favorite sauce, then grilling until charred and juicy. For veggies, try skewering cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini, then grilling until tender.

• Sandwiches and wraps: Perfect for picnics or a quick lunch at home, sandwiches and wraps are endlessly versatile. Try filling a baguette with ham, cheese, and mustard for a classic French-style sandwich, or wrap grilled chicken, lettuce, and tzatziki in a warm pita for a Greek-inspired wrap.

• Salads: With fresh produce in abundance during the spring, it's the perfect time to enjoy a crisp and refreshing salad. Try combining arugula, strawberries, and goat cheese for a sweet and tangy salad, or mix together chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Greek-style salad.

No matter what you choose to cook or eat this spring, MyFooDen has you covered with a wide selection of European groceries. So why not take this opportunity to try something new and exciting, and discover the delicious cuisines of Europe? Happy cooking and happy spring bank holiday!