Dessert a la Tartar

D

on’t be fooled by the oriental name of this Russian dessert: Kaymak s vaflyami (kaymak with wafers). It is in fact an ancient Russian recipe, with just a trace of Tartar. The Mongols (whom Russians call Tartars) had plenty of time — three centuries — to influence Russia. This dish is but one example.

Kaymak simply means “caramelized cream.” This ancient Russian dessert was very popular with the “creme dela créme” of Russian high society in the 18th century. Perhaps this was because the dish is so rich in créme (cream).