Back to Poland - In a Culinary Way

I had the privilege of dining with my friend Iwona (Ee-voh-nah) from Poland and her fiance on Friday night. The two of them were fabulous hosts. Chris cooked - from scratch - a traditional Polish meal. Iwona explained that it was the type of meal Polish families get together and eat on Sundays. First, there was a chicken broth soup with rice and finely chopped carrots and spices. Next, there were pork chops and some sort of turkey loaf thing that had pickles and onions and mushrooms and even egg! On the side were small potato dumpling type things (not pierogies) made from potato and flour. Over all of this was a delicious gravy. As if all that wasn't enough, we had home-baked strudel for dessert. The strudel was filled with raspberry and plum and vanilla pudding, was served warm with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Holy. Cow. It was mouthwatering. And Chris served our every need while we ate. I have to tell you, it kind of made up for no Thanksgiving. I can only hope I will be invited back to their lovely home for another taste of Polish yumminess.