Lazy Dumplings

The day when I finally have to cook more often has arrived. I find that my normal repertoire of spaghetti, traditional Christmas vegetable salad and a few simple dishes is not enough. Now, when I miss Polish food, I realize that I must learn to make it myself.

While browsing in bookstores or watching American television, I haven't noticed any culinary guides to Polish cuisine.  This would have been quite helpful, as it is not always easy to find the American equivalents of my native products.

Fortunately, the internet provides countless international recipes. I also bought the cleverly named Can’t Cook Book. It resulted in my preparing, among other dishes, a quite tasty rosemary salmon.

Once I tried to cook leniwe- lazy dumplings. After consulting with my sister I was full of optimism. We managed to find a tvarog in a Russian Deli. It tasted delicious. Unfortunately, it proved to be too moist, and the flour did not lend itself perfectly to the dumplings. The dough came out also in light brown shade, rather than the anticipated white, which was due to the absence of vanilla sugar - here, I am forced to use vanilla extract or create vanilla sugar myself. Still, my lazy dumplings resembled true Polish leniwe, and the next day no one complained of a stomachache.

Another time I attempted to make pomidorówka. American tomato paste met my expectations.  The soup turned out fine, and Dean even asked for seconds.  Another Polish soup made out of barley, krupnik, will be my next challenge. At the Jewish Deli I also spotted pickled cucumbers, which will be a great for ogórkowa. For the second course I plan mielone (cutlets), for which I am awaiting Mum’s recipe. Apple pancakes, racuchy, now appear often in our cuisine.

As for non-Polish traditional dishes, I specialize in vegetables cream soups, chicken curry and spinach smoothies. I think I could now invite guests for a simple, three course dinner. Just in case, we always we always stock a couple of frozen meals, including Ukrainian pielmieni.

For further training, I could attend the "making of pierogi" session organized by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Polish Home Association of Seattle. 

In less than a month my Dad is coming to visit us.  Maybe he will manage to bring with him a little bit of homemade rosół ?:)

                                                   

H.xx

                 

Snowy City

Last Sunday we went to explore Seattle. Due to the frequent drizzle, it is also known as the Rainy City. This time the city was covered in a rare snow, so hats and gloves were more handy than umbrellas.

Seattle is situated on a lake and at the mouth of the ocean.At the historic Pike Place Market on the waterfront, one can buy anything from fresh crab to souvenirs. Postcards seem always have a photo of the Space Needle tower. So far I lack the courage to take the elevator to its observation deck.

Downtown Seattle,although it is much smaller, reminds me of Manhattan. Yellow taxis and many homeless  are seen around. The smell of marijuana is also present, as it is legal in the state of Washington. The center is filled with skyscrapers and shops of famous brands, like Nordstrom ,which originates from Seattle. Interestingly, the son of its founder, a remarkable Swedish gold prospector, also founded Seattle Seahawks team.

In Seattle, the climate is artistic and entrepreneurial. It is here where grunge was created, but also where Amazon and Starbucks were born. Good universities are another city’s assets, and at one of them Amanda Knox herself is studying ...

For residents there is a network of modern trams, rarely found in the United States. They will certainly help to get to the upcoming opening of the first Zara department or to the upcoming exhibition of Miro works.

An interesting residential district is Capitol Hill. The neighborhood of the Polish Home Society, where twice a week you can enjoy a tasty Polish dinner. The restaurant itself looks like a mixture of patriotic club-room and a highland inn  Among the customers there are always a lot of Americans. Nearby there is also a beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral.

We went for lunch on Madison Street, filled with smaller at the cafes and restaurants. Strangely, I did not spy a single Starbucks.  Coffee and omelette met our expectations. When walking we, observed charming family houses and snowman molded in their yards. 

Valentine's Day is coming soon. I already know that once again I will be moved when watching Sleepless in Seattle ..
                                       

Go Hawks - an update to the football post. 

At the Super Bowl game, Seattle Seahawks did not give Denver Broncos any chances to win. For the first time in the history, Seahawks became the NFL champions.  

I am attaching a photo from today's frenzy parade in Seattle, which I watched courtesy of local TV. The trophy is held by Richard Sherman, one of the most popular American football athletes. 

Ps. Maybe, dear readers, you know what is the other sport activity that Seahawks are known for?