Quick, when you think of holiday feasts, what food comes to mind? Turkey, ham, duck and let me guess, probably not Sochivo. That is, unless you celebrate a traditional Russian Christmas. Sochivo, a porridge made from wheat, barley, rye or (more recently) rice, is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve (which is actually celebrated there on January 6th - they're on the Julian calendar). So if you're looking for something new and adventurous, give this a try.

The recipe sounds simple, yet cryptic. I must admit I haven't tried it myself, but be sure to leave a comment below if you do!

Sochivo
From Olga Timokhina

2 cups wheat
1/2 cup honey
1 cup poppy seeds
1 cup walnuts
salt to taste

Sort wheat, wash and put in boiling water. Bring to a boil, drain and wash under cold water, bring to boil, cover tightly and put in the oven until soft. Then take out and cool down. Wash poppy seeds, scald, wash under cold water and ground until homogeneous and white, add sugar or honey and a bit of salt. Combine with wheat. If sochivo is very dense, add some water. At the end add chopped walnuts.

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As they say in Russia, "S Rozhdestvom Khristovym!"