The Cook & Kitchen Staff are visiting the Ukraine for the holidays and offering you some of the region's most delectable Christmas recipes.

The history of the Ukraine is a story of greatness and of oppression. Ukrainians are a strong, deeply religious people who have maintained their culture and kept their traditions alive through centuries of struggle, in their homeland through secret gatherings and around the world after being displaced from their homeland.

In many religious rites and age-old Christmas traditions, Ukrainians pay tribute to the sources of their strength of character – a deeply held faith, love of family, and sense of oneness with nature. Today's recipe is typical of Ukrainians in its natural goodness and generous character.

Pre-heat oven to 350-F degrees. Lightly grease two cookie or baking sheets and set aside.

Cut margarine into flour with a pastry knife, or blend in a large mixing bowl. Place the honey in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on half-power until bubbling. Add the honey to the flour and margarine and stir well. Add the sour cream, eggs, baking soda, and baking powder to the mixture.

Knead the mixture into a smooth dough. If necessary, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer too sticky to work.

Pinch off small pieces of the dough and roll into about 3/4-inch size balls. Place balls on prepared baking sheet. Press a walnut half into the center of each cookie.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

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