National Pierogi Day
About National Pierogi Day
When is National Pierogi Day? This holiday is always celebrated on October 8
Every culture brings to the world some fantastic foods to tantalize our taste buds. Polish cuisine is no exception. Polish Pierogies are one of the favorites for people of Polish descent. And, people around the world love it, too. So, it is only fitting that today is National Pierogi Day. On this October 8 holiday, we celebrate Polish culture, their cuisine, and of coure Polish Pierogies!
If you are of Polish descent, your mom has a Polish pierogi recipe that was passed down to her from her grandmother. Your grandmother got it from her Mother. The recipe likely has been in your family for dozens if not hundreds of years. If you married into a Polish family, lucky you. However, all of the rest of us need to find some Polish friends. Then, you will be ale to enjoy real, homemade Polish pierogis. Until that happens, check the frozen section of your local grocery. Then, bring some home and cook them for dinner tonight. They are easy to make.
Did You Know? From the 16th to the 18th century, what is now Poland and Lithuania were joined together in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. SO, Pierogis are popular in Lithuanian cuisine, too.
How to Make Homemade Pierogies
A pierogi begins with unleavened dough. First, roll out the dough and cut it into circles. Then. place a filling in the center of the dough ring. Next, fold the dough in half to form a half-circle. Crimp the dough to seal in the filling. Finally, cook it in boiling water, bake it in the oven, or fry it.
Most people fry them in the frying pan before serving them. Often, people top them with sour cream or fried onions
Often, they are placed in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Pierogies store well in the freezer.
You can use a wide variety of fillings. Here are some of the most popular fillings:
- Potato and cheese is the most popular stuffing. Use cheddar cheese of your favorite cheese.
- Use all kinds of fruit. You kid will love them.
- Sauerkraut stuffing is quite popular, too.
- Fill them with meat. Use beef, chicken, pork, turkey, bacon, or your favorite meat.
- Vegetarians love pierogies filled with a wide variety of their favorite veggies.
- And, if you enjoy hot (spicy) foods, Jalapenos are a great ingredient.
How to Celebrate National Pierogi Day
It’s fun and easy to celebrate National Pierogi Day. Your mouth will begin to water as you think about how you will enjoy this special holiday. Food holidays are among the best holidays of all. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate this holiday:
- Go to a Polish restaurant and order them with your meal.
- Make homemade pierogies. This way you can fill them with your favorite foods.
- Put ingredients in them that you’ve never had in a pierogi before.
- Post your meal on social media.
- Host a Pierogi Party. Instruct each guest to make and bring their favorite pierogies. Let them know so they can bring enough so everyone can try one.
- Share your pierogi recipes with others.
- Learn more about the wonderful people of Poland and the country’s rich history.
The History and Origin of Pierogies
Pierogis were invented in Poland in the 1300s. It was immediately popular among Polish peasants. But similar to other great foods, Polish peasants could not keep this delicious and versatile dumpling. Its popularity quickly spread across Europe.
Pierogies came across the “Big Pond” to America in the 1800s. Polish immigrants brought the recipe with them and shared it with their new American neighbors. Now, they are enjoyed around the world.
In 1952, Ted Twardzik Sr, the “Father of the Pierogi Industry,” began selling Mrs. T’s Pierogies.
National Pierogi Day Trivia and Fun Facts
Here are some National Pierogi Day trivia and fun facts for you to share with your friends.
- The City of Whiting, Indiana holds a Pierogi Dest every year. They hold this three-day festival in July.
- In 2017 a team of 20 Tri-c culinary students and chef instructors made the world’s largest pierogi. It weighed 215.5 pounds. After it was cooked, they transported it to the Cleveland Eats Culinary Festival. Rumor has it, festival goers ate every bit of it.
- The plural is spelled “Pierogis” or “Pierogies”. Both are proper.
- The average dumpling has 70 to 130 calories. It varies widely, depending upon what filling you put into it.
- The Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team holds a “Pierogi Race” during their games.
Today's Quotes
” I want to light the lights of patriotism.” – – Lech Walesa
“I’m a man of faith. I only fear God, and my wife – sometimes.” – – Lech Walesa
History and Origin of National Pierogi Day
On October 8, 2004, Tom and Sophie Hodor, founders of the Pierogi Tennis Tournament in Pennsylvania, created National Pierogi Day.
We did not find any documentation confirming this to be a “National” day. In the United States, we found no congressional records or presidential proclamation for this holiday. So, it is not a true “National” day.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
This Day in History
In addition to National Pierogi Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- The Great Chicago Fire levels 3 1/2 square miles of the city.
- Nick Cannon, American actor, rapper, TV host was born on this day in (1980)
Related Holidays
More October 8 Holidays
More About Today
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Recipe of the Day: Pumpkin Frappe
Also See: Pumpkin Recipes Galore and Holiday Recipes and Halloween Recipes
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