Sylvia Molnar takes a deep dive into the secret behind the dainty, delectable and now quite rare sweets called Khrustyky in Ukrainian, also known as "nothings" because they literally melt in your mouth.

She shares the ingredients, shaping methods, and frying techniques for these traditional treats, along with the intricate process for creating the ornate rose shape for these cookies that she learned from her mother. This is one of Sylvia's collection recipes, stories, and cooking tips preserved in the Ukrainian Food Flair Cookbook, published as a tribute to her legacy.

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In 2015, before Ukraine’s armed forces became a global symbol of resilience, a group of military cadets spoke candidly with Pawlina about their hopes and motivations. Recorded inside a hallway at Ukrainian Catholic University during a conference hosted by Ukrainian Jewish Encounter, this interview captures them at the beginning of their journey—still students, still forming their professional identities, but already committed to service.

Their stories reflect a mix of personal history and national responsibility: daughters of military families, first‑generation soldiers, aspiring teachers, future interpreters, and a cadet specializing in psychological operations. Each describes a different path into the military, yet all share a clear sense of purpose.

Revisiting this conversation nearly a decade later adds depth to the broader story of Ukraine’s transformation. These young people were preparing for roles that would soon become critical, though none could have predicted how quickly their skills would be needed. This recording offers a rare, intimate look at the formative years of those who would go on to serve in a rapidly changing world.

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Swimming With Spies is set in 2014 Sevastopol, Crimea and is based on the true story of Ukraine’s dolphins being confiscated by Russia for military purposes.

Twelve-year-old Sofiya has a close relationship with her father who is manager of a dolphinarium. Her father is dealing with his own angst because his Russian wife has abandoned the family. Sofiya also lives with her Baba, a scientist who inspires her future career choices. Sofia loves her life in Crimea, and when the Russian government under Vladimir Putin annexes Crimea from Ukraine, Sofia is devastated.

As the annexation evolves, Sofia must deal with changes to the political situation in Crimea, as well as fearing that the new Russian leaders will shut down the dolphinarium.

The strength of this novel is its examination of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine during the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Despite this conflict, author Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger tells a story of cooperation and friendship between young people who rise above political differences to work for a common cause.

The full transcript of this Knyzhka Corner Book Review by Myra Junyk is available at the Nash Holos blog.

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