For the past three days I have stayed in Veliko Turnovo, a small town built upon cliffs in the Stara planina mountain range. With narrow streets, spectacular views, and, of course, wonderful food Veliko Turnovo easily became my favorite adventure while living in Bulgaria. I first ate at a restaurant where I sat hanging off the edge of the cliff; the bird's eye view of the Tsarevets Castle was amazing. I began my meal starting with tarator, a cold yogurt cucumber soup seasoned with plenty of garlic. This cool dish acts as a simple and refreshing end to a hot day hiking up and down the mountain. Then came the guvech, a Bulgarian vegetable casserole with sausage and plenty of cheese baked in a clay dish. After the tarator the guvech added a nice contrast with its complex flavors coming from the long cooking hours. 

We quickly passed through a farmer's market; I could have stayed all day and taken pictures of the fantastic produce. Summer sees copious amounts of cherries in Bulgaria. Everywhere I look small red stars begging to be picked decorate trees. I have been eating cherries for dessert because they are simply delicious. All these cherries have me thinking about cherry pie. Maybe I will create a cherry pie recipe when back in the states. Yum.