Polish cooking and pottery (or The crazy ladies road trip to Poland).

We did this trip ages ago. Sorry ladies, that it's taken me so long to post.

What a crazy, fun trip! We drove to Poland to cook, shop, explore, eat and to be pampered. In Boleslawiec, the best place to stay is the Blue Beetroot.  It's run by John and Barbara, who are just delightful. And they do fantastic guided tours, and cooking classes. They'll even organize pampering sessions (manicures, pedicures and massages) at the inn for you.

Some of the ladies did a guided tour with Jarek and some of us stayed behind and did the cooking class.

Pierogies

Filling:

70 grams dry curd cheese (full fat)

1 kilo 20 grams potatoes, peeled and cut (older potatoes are best)

1 big onion or 3 small onions, finely chopped

Salt, Pepper

Vegeta (Polish vegetable stock seasoning)

Butter

Oil

Place cheese in large bowl

Boil potatoes in salted water

Drain and mash potatoes

Saute onions with butter and a little oil

Add cooled potatoes and onions to cheese

Add salt, pepper and vegeta to taste

Mix all ingredients until well blended

Dough:

1 kg flour

4 tablespoons oil

Salt

Water

Pour flour into large bowl

Add oil and salt to flour

Add water until right consistency

Knead in bowl initially, then move to floured surface

Knead for about 10 minutes, using palms not fists, and folding over in circular motion to add air

Sprinkle a little flour on surface of dough and wrap in cling wrap or cover with towel

To make pierogies:

Roll dough flat (less than ¼ inch)

Cut out circles of dough using cookie cutter or a glass

Spoon filling into center, rolling into a ball

Fold in half (like a taco); patting filling down

Pinch sides closed tightly

Place on floured dish

Cooking:

Place pierogies into boiling, salted water. Remove when they float to surface. Drain, wash with water and add a little oil.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with onion and bacon sauteed in butter or sour cream

ENJOY!

Bigos Staroplski

Cabbage 1,5 kg

Sauerkraut   0,8 kg

Bacon 0,2 kg

Sausage 0,4 kg

3 Onions

Tomato paste approx. 4 tablespoons

English spice

Bay leafs

Pepper, salt

Pottery
There are so many amazing pottery places in Boleslawiec. We visited so many that I lost count after number 12. Ceramika is probably my absolute favorite. Next in line would have to be Andy's. Here is a excellent link that lists other pottery stores in Boleslawiec (includes web sites, addresses and opening times).