TASTE THE WORLD PROGRAM

The Peters Township Public Library Cooking Club will conclude its Taste the World Series on Thursday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the library.  The guest chef will be Larry Kozlowski, who will be preparing foods celebrating the eve of St. Nicholas Feast Day with European food, folklore and fun.

St. Nick was the forerunner to our present day Santa Claus, the giver of gifts.  In Europe, his feast day is observed with special treats. Several recipes will be demonstrated including twisted deep fried pastry strips in several European ethnic traditions (Polish-Chrusciki, Slovak-Ceregi, Lithuanian-Ausuki and Italian- Nodid D'Amore);  filled dumplings (Polish-Pierogi, Slovak-Pyrohy and Ukrainian-Varenyky); and the special creation of St. Nicholas Honey Cakes (Polish-Pierniki, Slovak-Medovniky and German-Lebkuchen) formed in hand-carved European cookie molds. The secrets of these preparations will be discussed, as well as the folklore of these ethnic treats that make them special delicacies during this time of the year. Assorted Polish, Slovak, Italian and Old Country Cookie Recipe Books and handcrafted Nicholas Ornaments will be available at this presentation.

Pre-registration before Monday, December 2 is required to attend this program. Register online, at the library circulation desk, or call 724.941.9430.  A $5/person fee will be collected at the program to help defray expenses. Space is limited to 50 adults.

Kozlowski is the founding director of Polishfest, an annual event on the second Sunday of November at the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland. He is a board member of the Pittsburgh Folk Festival, Inc. and author of "Celebrate Easter...Polish Style." For his achievements in the fields of Polish folklore and ethnography outside of Poland, Kozlowski is a past recipient of the Oskar Kolberg Folklore Award from the Polish Ministry of Culture.