We are so glad that the dreadful holiday of Halloween is over (yes, I said it. Halloween is the WORST - Storm feels the same way). We can officially talk about one of the best times of years - THE HOLIDAYS! ("It's ok that I'm drinking on a Tuesday - It's the Holidays!") Summer will always reign supreme in my eyes but this time of year is a close second for sure.
Andy & Amanda (my brother and sister-in-law) purchased their very first, and probably last, home in Gloucester. They have generously offered to host Thanksgiving this year. This is the first time my parents will be passing the torch to the next generation for this holiday - and it's my mother's birthday so she won't have to slave away in the kitchen (no pressure guys lol). I cannot wait to spend the day in their beautiful home with their even more wonderful daughter, Olivia. I also cannot wait to stuff my face.
Andy & Amanda (my brother and sister-in-law) purchased their very first, and probably last, home in Gloucester. They have generously offered to host Thanksgiving this year. This is the first time my parents will be passing the torch to the next generation for this holiday - and it's my mother's birthday so she won't have to slave away in the kitchen (no pressure guys lol). I cannot wait to spend the day in their beautiful home with their even more wonderful daughter, Olivia. I also cannot wait to stuff my face.
With Thanksgiving taken care of, I am starting to think about Christmas and what dishes I want to prepare at my parent's house. As I have gotten older I have developed a strong curiosity for my family's heritage. I often find myself wondering what "my people" traditionally do for the holidays. (This is normal, right?)
I wish my grandparents were still around. Now that I am out of my self-absorbed adolescent years I would love nothing more than to sit on the couch, listen to their stories, and enjoy their company. Cooking their food is my way of doing just that.
I wish my grandparents were still around. Now that I am out of my self-absorbed adolescent years I would love nothing more than to sit on the couch, listen to their stories, and enjoy their company. Cooking their food is my way of doing just that.
I am 50% polish so I started doing some research and stumbled upon the traditional Christmas Eve meal served in Poland - Wigilia. This is a feast of as few as 9 and as many as 12 courses - served entirely free of animal products (including butter). Total sign from my grandparents above that I need to start practicing my polish cooking skills.
My googling rapidly spiraled down the internet rabbit hole and I learned way more about the traditional Christmas Eve than I ever knew. I am eager to try new recipes like beet soup (borscht/barszcz), chalka bread, and of course - this Honey-Vodka beverage (Krupnik). I also cannot wait to integrate the Oplatek ritual before the meal, just like my grandmother.
Inspired by these old-world recipes ... I start with THE classic. Pierogi.
My googling rapidly spiraled down the internet rabbit hole and I learned way more about the traditional Christmas Eve than I ever knew. I am eager to try new recipes like beet soup (borscht/barszcz), chalka bread, and of course - this Honey-Vodka beverage (Krupnik). I also cannot wait to integrate the Oplatek ritual before the meal, just like my grandmother.
Inspired by these old-world recipes ... I start with THE classic. Pierogi.
By no means am I an expert Pierogi maker. For every one that came out perfect, there are two or three that are laughable at best. I try to remind myself of my mother, who makes the best turkey on Thanksgiving - and Matt's mother who makes the best cinnamon rolls every holiday. They have years of celebrations under their belt. I too will be there someday.
Life goal: I want my (fictitious) grandchildren to say "Nanna makes the best pierogi on Christmas!"
Life goal: I want my (fictitious) grandchildren to say "Nanna makes the best pierogi on Christmas!"
Since it was just me, I divided the recipe in half. I kept about 10 out and froze the rest. In total I made about 50 pierogi!
Pop shared that his favorite pierogi are cabbage. I've never made them so I took it to google and discovered this recipe by Martha Stewart. "Of all the Polish dishes Martha loves, her favorite is cabbage pierogi." I have to say, Pop & Martha sure know what they are talking about! These pierogi still felt indulgent but were much lighter. The cooked cabbage also lent a hint of sweetness that was unexpected but delicious.
My favorite will always be the decadent, rich, potato and cheese pierogi (pierogi ruskie). Farmer's cheese is just pressed cottage cheese that is dry. It provides the famous creamy, silky texture. Although Matt enjoys these, he believes "potato filled pasta is just not necessary." We will always agree to disagree on this topic :)
My favorite will always be the decadent, rich, potato and cheese pierogi (pierogi ruskie). Farmer's cheese is just pressed cottage cheese that is dry. It provides the famous creamy, silky texture. Although Matt enjoys these, he believes "potato filled pasta is just not necessary." We will always agree to disagree on this topic :)
Of course, my favorite way to serve is pan fried in butter with a dollop of sour cream sprinkled with chives. mmm
I cannot wait to make these at my parents' house this Christmas Eve ... the start of a new/old Polish tradition.
I cannot wait to make these at my parents' house this Christmas Eve ... the start of a new/old Polish tradition.
This was my third time making pierogi, and I will definitely add this recipe to the repitouire. The link to the cabbage pierogi by Martha Stewart can be found above!
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