We always hear about the preservation efforts of family historians, by saving old courthouses full of records, recording cemetery transcriptions, or becoming involved in similar projects. But there is more to preserving our family's history than just saving musty old documents. We should also try to preserve the traditions and pass them down to the younger generations of our families. By sharing your family's tradition and history with them, you will be creating a bond between them and your family's past that they will treasure always.
One of my fondest Easter memories are of my mother and sisters staying up late to make Polish Chruscik (or twisted crullers) using the recipe handed down from my grandmother. We would sing and generally spread powdered sugar from one end of the kitchen to the other, but it was something we looked forward to every year. Although some liked them a little crispy, and some were partial to a "doughier" version, they were a hit with the whole family.
The recipe is as follows (as my grandmother wrote it):
Polish Chruscik or Twisted Crullers
Dissolve in a cup of milk a little nutmeg and a cup of sugar. Beat 3 eggs well & after adding 3 tablesp. melted butter, add the eggs alternately with 4 cups of flour sifted with 4 teasp. of baking powder. Use plenty of flour on the board so dough will not stick, roll out & cut in 8 inch strips. Slit in center about an inch long & twist through. Fry in deep fat & dust with confectionery sugar. This should make about 3 dozen.
If your recipes and traditions have been forgotten or lost along the way, there are now many Web sites that may help you to revive these old traditions or start new ones!
Easter Sites
Passover Sites
Ancestry Daily News
