Uzvar

The story

Uzvar, a nonalcoholic drink made by simmering dried fruit (most often apples, pears, and prunes), is the traditional beverage that opens and closes the Holy Supper, served in small glasses alongside each of the twelve dishes. The name comes from an Old Slavic word describing the process of long, gentle simmering, and the drink itself is considered one of the oldest elements of the Christmas Eve table, older than the Christian interpretation of the holiday. Uzvar's sweetness comes mainly from the natural sugars in the fruit; the traditional version takes no sugar, only a little honey, which makes it a practical choice for a fast that calls for giving up so many other pleasures. In some regions uzvar is served warm, in others chilled, depending on local climate and custom. For Ukrainian families in America, uzvar is one of the simplest recipes to pass on to children (just dried fruit, water, a cinnamon stick, and a little honey, gently simmered), and the smell of a kitchen filled with cinnamon and dried fruit is practically synonymous with the feeling that the Holy Supper has begun.