Some flavors are more than just food—they’re time machines, carrying us back to warm kitchens (warmed by wood-burning stoves), carefree days, and the embrace of those we love. For me, that taste is kissel and cottage cheese pie.
As a child, kissel was a staple, especially during colder months. This velvety fruit juice drink, thickened with potato starch, was like a hug in a cup. Whether it was berry kissel made from fresh currants in summer or cranberry kissel during winter, its tart-sweet balance always brought comfort.
Cottage cheese pie, on the other hand, was a special treat. Its crumbly crust and creamy filling were pure magic, often baked for birthdays or gatherings. The tangy sweetness of the cottage cheese, sometimes dotted with raisins, paired perfectly with a bowl of kissel. It wasn’t just food; it was a sign of celebration, a slice of happiness shared with family.
Comfort food isn’t just about flavor. It’s about the memories it holds and the love it represents. For me, kissel and cottage cheese pie will always taste like home.
Do you have a dish that brings back childhood memories? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. 😊
Ilze
P.S. I hope to share the recipe soon!
Discover more from a day in the life of a latvian mom
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
a day in the life of a latvian mom 
Wow, the food sounds delicious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, Ilze. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
That looks very tempting and sounds fantastic. Tastes and smells take us right back, even to babyhood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! It’s amazing how certain tastes and smells can unlock memories and transport us to different moments in life. They have such a powerful way of connecting us to the past! 😊
LikeLike
It sounds delicious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, it sure is for Latvians our traditional food 🙂
LikeLike
Peanut butter and jelly, mixed together before going on the bread and grilled cheese. That was when I was little, after I turned 14 and went to live with my Grandparents the meals and treats are too many to count. They cooked fresh food every day and all veggies came from our garden. Anything with chocolate is good for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a heartwarming memory! Mixing peanut butter and jelly before spreading it on bread sounds so unique and fun—what a nostalgic treat from your childhood. Living with your grandparents and enjoying fresh, homegrown meals every day must have been such a special experience. I cook fresh food every day… sometimes 2-3 times a day 🙂 My grandmother was a chef 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We you work from home and making your family’s health important, it’s a great gift you can give them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, sometimes I forget to give myself a gift – relaxing time 🙂 Or time alone 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even a candle to sit and relax for 10 minutes helps ease the stress.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and walk outside, journaling, etc! I know all that but … I ignore it. Working on that this year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do the same and keep sitting behind the computer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But it’s so easy…. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never had either of those things but they both sound lovely. I love the memories that you serve up with them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the memories—it’s amazing how food can carry so much nostalgia. If you ever get the chance to try them, I hope they’ll bring you a bit of the same warmth and comfort!
LikeLike
Lovely article thank you
LikeLike
Some flavors are more than just food… So true! A wonderful post.
Eggplant parm is my time machine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! ❤️ I love how food can take us back to cherished moments. Eggplant parm sounds like a delicious way to travel through time!”
LikeLiked by 1 person