William Penn Life, 2010 (45. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2010-08-01 / 8. szám

Tibor's Take with Tibor Check, Jr.

Hungarian cookbooks serve many purposes i

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OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS, I have received several emails and letters in response to May's take on "Cooking Hungarian Style." Among them were several questions about Hungarian cookbooks. For someone who is new to Hungarian traditions, or for someone who needs help preparing a difficult recipe, a cookbook is an essential part of anyone's library. As a result, choosing the right book can be a maddening process, because there are so many variables to be considered.

The gastronomical recommendations are best left to the professionals like Chef Béla, as first and foremost, a cookbook should be filled with recipes that are: (a) easy to follow and (b) taste good. If a cookbook cannot deliver good Hungarian food, then more than likely it is not worth the pages it is printed on. So, here are a few pointers to make your search a little easier:

Ask around. What books do your relatives and friends use? Is there a common cookbook that everyone uses, even if it is not their favorite?

Eat around. Have you really enjoyed someone's gulyás or paprikás csirke (chicken paprikas)? Ask the chef where he or she got their recipe. (But be careful: sometimes the ingredient lists and recipes are closely guarded secrets.)

Shop around. The information age has really made

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research much easier. Go on Amazon.com,

Ebay or other shopping websites and look for cookbooks. Many times, previous shoppers will leave reviews that are a great help in deciding which book is right for you.

Of course, different cookbooks have different applications. Some cookbooks are geared toward non- Hungarians who want to try their hand at one of the world's most delicious cuisines. Local Hungarian churches and organizations will compile a book filled with member-submitted recipes. These are very reliable, as every submission is nearly guaranteed to be a success, due to self-editing. Would you put a subpar recipe in a book for all to see? These cookbooks also have a great deal of non-Hungarian dishes, which makes for a great multitasker in the kitchen.

Now, what are my recommendations? First, the WPA Cookbook is a must, due to its easy to understand recipes and wide range of dishes, including wellknown Hungarian favorites and more exotic victuals.

My personal favorite is a cookbook called Culinaria Hungary. It is thick and heavy (it could double as a coffee table book). It is filled with vivid full-color photos

Consider & Discuss

Next month, WPA will be hosting its I Oth annual WPA Picnic-A Great Fraternal Fest. This day-long Hungarian celebration features world-class Magyar food. Among the gastronomic delights served will be chicken and mushroom paprikas, kolbász, gulyás and szalonna sütés. Try everything, return for more; it is your choice of what you want and how much.

This is your opportunity to listen to world-class Hungarian music, too. Internationally-acclaimed cimbalom virtuoso Alex Udvary will team up with renowned prímás George Bátyi of Pittsburgh to entertain listeners and dancers alike with Magyar music so sweet that it’s usually only heard at the best restaurants in Budapest.

There will be Hungarian dancers performing in full costume. There will be raffles for beautiful prizes. There will be vendors selling hundreds of Hungarian items, anything from paprika to recorded Magyar music to "Hungarian Pride” shirts and blouses. Meet WPA President George Charles, as well as the other National Officers and members of the Board, and William Penn Life

contributors such as Endre Csornán, John Lovász, and Chef Bela.

I have received literally hundreds of communiqués from readers of my column wondering how they can get their children or grandchildren to become more involved in Hungarian activities.

My suggestion is to come to Scenic View on Sept. I I. Talk with your youthful loved ones on the way down. Explain to them the music, show them pictures and maps, tell them stories about growing up as a Magyar. This event showcases our pride in being Hungarians, where it is cool to be a Hungarian American. I hope to see you there.

If the fabulous Fraternal Fest does not completely whet your Hungarian whistle, I suggest that you travel a short distance to Youngstown, Ohio's, lovely West Side for the 25th Annual Youngstown Hungarian Heritage Day. It starts at noon on Sunday, Sept. 12. Just as at the affair from the day before, here you can experience limitless Magyar culture, food and music. I’ll be there as well. Stop on by and have some fun, Hungarian Style! □

8 0 August 2010 0 William Penn Life