The Cross and the Cleaver:… When Nostalgia Hits
Recipes I share with you are not necessarily memorable. Though they evoke memories. Those dishes play roles in stories where people and/or events are equally important characters. So let me tell you another story, about another friend, and let me introduce you to yet another dish.
The year was 1989. Our friendship began a few years earlier at youth retreat, then we found ourselves adult high school classmates. During our friendship I often stayed the night over at his house. We would argue the writings of Herman Hesse, Bertold Brecht, and Joseph Conrad, to name a few. We would listen to jazz, Heavy Metal, and Pink Floyd. We delighted in the art of Stanisław Witkiewicz. With his long hair he looked like Geddy Lee (and sometimes like Lemmy Kilmister). Later on, we would enter a monastery together. My mother would frequently send me over to his place with jars of soup or stews or other foodstuffs. I envied, and still do, his easy-going attitude towards life, where not much would ever faze him.
Back to 1989. Canadian band, RUSH, has just released their amazing live album: “A Show of Hands” and, with some delay, the vinyl was made available in Poland. My friend worked as a mailman, and I as a Polytechnic lab worker. My hours and duties were more flexible than his. Which is why he asked me to go and stand in line at a music store, and buy the record. I still remember that it was a rainy day, and that I was in line by 5 AM. Sopping wet, I brought the record to his house that evening, along with a jar of amazing beef stew my mother sent with me.
First, we listened to the album at least two, if not three, times. Then he declared: “we should have placki ziemniaczane”… meaning POTATO PANCAKES. In Poland, potato pancakes accompanied by beef stew are very popular. The once we made were more resembling of Irish “boxty” than Jewish “latkas.” He knew what he was doing, and I did not, so I was doing what I was told. I will never forget that supper, or that friendship. So I am inviting you to attempt the experience of that evening.
First things first. On the music streaming service of your preference queue up the following: RUSH “A Show of Hands”, OMEGA “Kisstadion ‘79” and/or IRON MAIDEN “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.”
Then get cooking (recipe for one)…
3-5 med-sized potatoes, peeled and as finely grated as you can manage (NOT SHREDDED!!!!)
Drop the grated potatoes into fine strainer for 10-15 min for all the water to drain (then squeeze some as well)
Add one egg, salt, pepper, and 1tbsp of each: flour, garlick powder (or finely grated 3-5 garlick cloves), onion powder (or finely grated med onion), marjoram (or Italian herb blend), sweet or hot paprika. MIX WELL.
Form patties the size of your liking and fry in oil, on med-high, until golden on both sides (approx. 10 min. flipping at least twice).
Serve with beef stew, or sour cream mixed with chives, or with garlick butter, or sprinkle with shredded smoked cheese while still hot. Or just eat them straight from the pan.
Don’t forget the music!!!…. and cold beer or red wine for adults, or ice tea for the young ones.
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