Lent, the season preceding Easter, is a time of penance and abstinence; in Italian households this pie, stuffed full of cheese, meats, and eggs is […]
Holidays
Hrudka (Egg Cheese)
It’s served cold, sliced and eaten by itself or often as part of a ham or kielbasi sandwich made on Paska bread that’s slathered with […]
Coconut Dusted Cake with Cooked Frosting
When I was a kid in the 60s and 70s, every holiday had its ritual in my family. Easter was no exception. Every year, without […]
Handmade Pierogi
Ah, the beloved Coal Region favorite — pierogi. Not only do many meals revolve around pierogi, but it is the center of much social interaction, […]
One Rise Nut Rolls (and Poppy Seed)
Nut rolls are popular throughout Eastern Europe. Nut rolls are an essential part of Christmas celebrations across Pennsylvania (and other “Rust Belt” areas), especially areas where […]
Pennsylvania Dutch Ham Loaf with Pineapple Glaze
In my family, Thanksgiving meant turkey. Christmas meant smoked ham. This pleased my Pappy (grandfather) to no end because he did not like poultry. I […]