We’re heading to Albania next, and I have to admit, this menu has me very curious.

On the table this Christmas will be Tavë Kosi (lamb baked in a yogurt and egg sauce that I’m still trying to wrap my head around), homemade Buke Shtëpie, Dhallë (a salted yogurt drink that I am honestly not expecting to enjoy), and Ballokume cookies for dessert.

The ingredients are all sitting in my kitchen, including a beautiful lamb shoulder from our new favorite local lamb farmer. For the first time since starting this project, I actually found everything I needed without driving all over town.

I’m not sure what to expect from this meal.

Will the yogurt sauce curdle? Will I end up liking a salted yogurt drink? And what’s the deal with a cookie recipe that mentions fireplace ash?

I guess we’ll find out together.

Next, I’ll be sharing the recipes I’ll be using if you’d like to cook along.