Today I had the honor of hosting as part of the Month of Baranja Cuisine, an event that brings together eight hosts from across Baranja every Saturday and Sunday in October, under the patronage of TZ Baranja, TZ Bilje and HeadOnEast.

Guests started arriving around 9 in the morning, and we welcomed them with a proper Baranja breakfast: homemade cheeses, cured meats, rolls, farmer's potatoes, bread with eggs and small burekčići, all beautifully arranged and decorated, the way only Baranja knows how.

After breakfast, we slowly started setting up the carp on forked sticks. Elvira, our "director," held a short demonstration on preparing the carp, explaining every step and all the small secrets of proper roasting. When it was my turn, guests gathered around the fire, and I told them about the forked sticks, the fire, the salt, and everything you only really learn from experience, usually after burning yourself a few times.

While the carp slowly roasted, the atmosphere was perfect, thanks to a game prepared by Robert Boni from RBK Centar. Couples had to guess what was in a box of our products just from a description, simple, but everyone laughed like kids.

There was also time for something sweet: Elvira took over the kitchen and showed how salenjaci are made, and guests jumped in without much hesitation.

By lunchtime you could already feel this was going to be a day to remember. When the carp was finally ready, everyone went quiet, and that was the best compliment of all. Carp on forked sticks with potato salad and Gerštmajer wine rounded off the whole story.

None of it would have been the same without our cook Elvira and Everyn from Everyn Design, who styled the tables, the food, the gift bags and the interior.

Thank you to everyone who came, it was one of those gatherings that reminds you why you love what you do.
See you again next time.

Your host,
Stipe Dumančić