Bernie's Taste of Poland
By Bernie Sadowski
Reference: My visit to Poland in June 2001.
"Polish Hospitality and Cuisine"
Bernie eyeing cooking of gala~bkis(cabbage rolls). |
Hi Friends,
OPEN FACED SANDWICHES
- 1/2 slice of rye bread
- Butter
- Thin slices of cold cut meats
- Sliced tomatoes w/ white onion
HERBATA or Tea
- Boiling hot water
- Bags or whole tea
- Slice of lemon
- sugar to taste
- Fill 6 oz. glass to brim
KAWA or coffee
- Same size glasses as tea
- Instant coffee if available
- Ground coffee - strong blends
- Fill to brim
- Drink it black
These three items were present for breakfast every day whether in the city or
on the farms. The glasses did not have handles. Of course my cousins could
pick the glass right up without a winch but poor me with my teacher's,
non-callous hands had to sip it with a teaspoon until it cooled down enough
for me to hold the glass. After trying the strong kawa I stuck to the herbata
for the duration.
My hosts always offered these same three items before bedtime. I had to speak
out on some days and ask not to have a night-time serving. Those were the
days when I had already eaten two to three wonderful main course dinners at
other homes.
Enjoying a gala~bkis meal and Polish hospitality. |
A white laced tablecloth was always used -- without fail. No matter where the
dining took place the host covered the table with beautiful linen. I was
given a couple of these linens as gifts when I departed. What a nice
remembrance I now have in my Seattle home when I look at the dining room
table covered with a Polish made laced linen.
I wish I could have shipped home 10 dozen of their home-made donuts, aka
"paczki" they were served at a few homes as treats along with the other baked
pastries. No holes in these donuts -- they are filled with a sweet jam.
The word got out that I am a cook back in the USA and that I knew how to make
"gala~bkis." Two different households put me to task -- back to back days too
-- by preparing their variety of these cabbage rolls. I was so stuffed after
those particular two days that I could barely talk.
As a kid going to Detroit for holiday dinners we always were served "white
cucumbers." Here's how they make it in Poland:
- Thin sliced cucumber
- Sour cream
- White vinegar
- Slice white onion
- Season with pepper/salt
- Set aside in refrig for 30 minutes and serve
A special evening meal on the farm in Zdziary was done over an open pit fire
using a "kociol~ek." This is a large heavy black pot. Filled with diced
sausages, cabbage, vegetables it was slow cooked for an afternoon and served
hot. I think the use of the term "bigos" is applied to this type of prepared
meal. Unbelievably delicious.
Another cousin went all out and home-made a batch of "pierogi." Hers were
filled with white cheese and mashed potatoes. Served with her personal recipe
vinaigrette poured over white asparagus. We ate the meal under a grape-covered
arbor in her back yard.
Some other Observations:
Drying clothes and bathrooms: I never saw an automatic clothes dryer in any
of the dozen homes and flats I visited. The heating systems were hot water
pipes and radiators. Most of the flats were only about 500 square feet in
area with very tiny bathrooms. One of my half-cousins still uses an outdoor
one-holer. I am a size 3x man so maneuvering around was a challenge for me in
a couple of these places. Small items needing drying were draped over the
radiators -- in every room if necessary. The larger two-story homes were like
mine in Seattle.
Washcloths and TP: My traveling companion cousin was correct when she warned
me prior to my trip to bring along a washcloth if I was accustomed to one. I
was told that Poles don't use them. Well, of course I discovered for myself
that a sponge-like material was the norm. I tried them but it was too rough
for me. And, yes, I did bring my own cloths and left them behind as
souvenirs. My relatives smiled but I have no idea what they really thought of
it! The water was "hard" so a lather was difficult to come by. The TP
material has been discussed on the Lists by many folks -- but it was strange
for me even being forewarned. I wished I had shipped a case of Charmin ahead.
{I hope you enjoy reading this -- it made me hungry so I am going to stop
typing now and cook! More later}
__________
Czesc,
Bernie
Bernie's Menu:
Introduction: Hi, I'm Bernie
Decision and Planning
Setting Foot on the Homeland
Polish Hospitality and Cuisine
Inside Poland
I'm Glad I Went
To Bernie, from Poland
Related links:
Family biographies:
Louis SADOWSKI
Emily URBANIC
This story is presented here with permission of the author. -
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