William Penn Life, 2010 (45. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2010-04-01 / 4. szám
Mom’s favorites FÁRADJON BE A MAGYAR KONYHÁBA. The Hungarian Kitchen will celebrate its seventh anniversary this month. Not all 84 copies of the William Penn Life survived the last seven years at the house. However, the rough drafts for all the columns, sidebars, chef tips, practical pointers, culinary comers and recipes did. Two people have contributed much to The Hungarian Kitchen. Seven years ago, Chef Vilmos was heading into retirement, and I was coming on board as a member of the former National Auditing Committee for the WPA. Having the chance to write about Magyar food was not something I could pass up. With some gentle persuasion, good Chef Vilmos came back into the kitchen contributing much over the years. The second person, my mom Ruth, was the senior technical advisor. She was so excited about the start of the column and was happy to help The HK. Whether it was the spelling of certain names, trying to find the right measurement of ingredients or getting feedback for a new idea, she always knew what was right. While mom cooked up a storm and made many recipes that you will find in the WPA cookbook, her strong point was baking and making pastries. My elementary school class sampled her pastries at the cupcake and food sales at the Lincoln School on Bartlett Street. She enjoyed cooking for her family, friends and neighbors. No one went hungry when Ruth was in the kitchen. She always contributed food to the Branch 19 Christmas parties and gatherings they held each year. Her connection to the William Penn began as secretary for the branch office, which first was on Hamilton before moving to Somerset Street many years later. The site on Somerset Street is now part of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center foundation, along with many other buildings razed as the old Middlesex General Hospital reshaped the Hungarian neighborhood known as the seventh ward. She became vice president of the branch and much later settled as branch coordinator before she gave up the , position just a few years ago, finally retiring from the kitchen and volunteer duties. When not in the kitchen, she had time to play the piano for my sister and me and encouraged us to take piano lessons. My sister took the offer, but I wanted to play the saxophone and be in the marching band. I learned much from her in the kitchen. She was always willing to try new things along with her reliable recipes. Her stuffed cabbage was better than both of my grandmothers'. Her kiflis were so good one or two for dessert were never enough, and I usually ate more than three people put together. Her walnut and poppy seed rolls stood second to none. Many people tasting her wares would soon want to join her in the kitchen and learn how to make this tasty treat. Life was good for me, as I was always the first to sample everything she made. While it seemed easy for my mother to accomplish these kitchen tasks, I have to remind myself that she was blind in her right eye since birth. She overcame that handicap, becoming productive in the workforce as a practical nurse, and becoming a skilled piano player, talented cook and faithful member of the WPA for over 50 years. If not for her effort, talents and urging, my sister and I never would have achieved as much in our lives as we have. In return, we supported her the best way we could. She was not a selfish person. She always put the happiness of others before her own. At mealtime she never thought of herself first, and when serving any food, her plate was the last filled. If the food was completely consumed leaving nothing for her, she would feel flattered not hungry. I can never thank my mother enough for all the time she shared with my sister and me while growing up in New Brunswick and during the later years of our lives. She taught me not only a lot about Hungarian food and culture but also to always feed others first before yourself, which is what I practice and teach all my students. My mom suffered a stroke in January and died a few weeks later on February 23. While I will always have the memories for the rest of my life, I also have her recipes that meant so much to her. When we finally clean out the house in New Jersey, I know we will find every copy of the William Penn Life that contains The Hungarian Kitchen column, as she was the biggest fan. Please enjoy Ruth's favorite recipes with your family and have a great month. Thanks mom! Jó fogza/UtsDÓ*& The Hungarian Kit die n is a trademark of William S. Vasvary. 10 William Penn Life, April 2010
