Merry Christmas and a happy healthy new year to you all! Your stuffed peppers and stuffed cabbages are similar to the recipes I used that were so “ethnic” back in the day. I remember using ground turkey breast hoping it would be considered healthier but after one try I was back to my babcia’s recipe, a mix of veal, beef, and pork. And whatever form of tomato (stewed, whole canned, fresh, soup) was in the pantry. I make them now in bulk and freeze them in pairs for single meals. Can you maybe find Cubanelle peppers? The taste sounds similar to your description, are used lots in Italian cooking. But they aren’t shaped the same…oh well. Our holidays were delightful but for missing the Chicago gang of two. Was sweet to chat with them. We are getting elderly (84 and 86 now, my favorite time of year when he is two years older than I!) and have signed on for senior living places nearby. I’m hoping they never call as I’ve not been pleased with the tours of the places we’ve been. I love the Quaker one but Bruce was not impressed. What will be will be. Take care. Be well. Hug the young ones for me when you see them. They are good people.
Thank you, Helen! Same to you and Bruce! I'll let the kids know you may be moving soon...maybe that will entice them to visit. I'll look for Cubanelle peppers too. I remember your stuffed peppers. It's funny how I thought they were hard to make back then. Super easy but look impressive right?
My chicken corn soup with potatoes and celery and a bit of jalapeño topped with fresh fried bacon bits (and more jalapeño for those who love it) it nice for this cold weather. Maybe tomorrow night?
1) AFAIK, sarma doesn’t use tomato-flavored broth. In fact there is no broth, just oil, paprika and shredded kraut. Then add smoked meats (like špek). Then add cabbage rolls, and repeat adding layers. If it’s a little dry, add a little water, but no tomato (dictated to me by my amazing Croatian wife).
2) We have found fresh (not dried) cranberries in produce section of Kaufland in Poreč. Not consistently available, but more so at this time of year.
Rob thanks for this. That’s cool about the no tomato sauce, we’ll have to try it that way. My husband is Croatian too and I wonder if this is a regional twist? He grew up in Zagreb. And Kaufland has great stuff—good to know about the cranberries. Plodine in Buzet doesn’t seem to have them.
My pleasure, Heather. Could be a regional thing, like NE clam chowder (NEVER tomatoes) vs. Manhattan style, haha. Although my wife grew up in Zagreb and she never heard of anyone using tomato in sarma. Anyway, if you are in Buzet area, we highly recommend InterSpar on Ankaranska cesta in Koper, not too far from you. Food much cheaper, and they just completely renovated/expanded the store, almost like a mini super Walmart :) Great produce, fresh fish and meat. Butcher super nice. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!
I accidentally deleted this post from Richard Renner. Sorry about that Rich! Happy Thanksgiving and great to hear from you. (And why can't I restore your comment, huh Substack? "Now that you mention it, I loved stuffed peppers growing up (the way my Italian Mom made them) but haven’t had them in years. This year, as always, she’ll be doing the traditional turkey along with the usual side dishes, including pasta, when we all gather at my parents’ house. Happy Thanksgiving!"
I’m not fond of too much heat but this recipe calls for thin slices of jalapeño to be served as garnish for the chowder, along with crumbled bacon. We’re having it tonight. So I need to get out to the kitchen and rattle those pots and pans (music from the 50’s).
Merry Christmas and a happy healthy new year to you all! Your stuffed peppers and stuffed cabbages are similar to the recipes I used that were so “ethnic” back in the day. I remember using ground turkey breast hoping it would be considered healthier but after one try I was back to my babcia’s recipe, a mix of veal, beef, and pork. And whatever form of tomato (stewed, whole canned, fresh, soup) was in the pantry. I make them now in bulk and freeze them in pairs for single meals. Can you maybe find Cubanelle peppers? The taste sounds similar to your description, are used lots in Italian cooking. But they aren’t shaped the same…oh well. Our holidays were delightful but for missing the Chicago gang of two. Was sweet to chat with them. We are getting elderly (84 and 86 now, my favorite time of year when he is two years older than I!) and have signed on for senior living places nearby. I’m hoping they never call as I’ve not been pleased with the tours of the places we’ve been. I love the Quaker one but Bruce was not impressed. What will be will be. Take care. Be well. Hug the young ones for me when you see them. They are good people.
Thank you, Helen! Same to you and Bruce! I'll let the kids know you may be moving soon...maybe that will entice them to visit. I'll look for Cubanelle peppers too. I remember your stuffed peppers. It's funny how I thought they were hard to make back then. Super easy but look impressive right?
And they freeze so well!
The bean/corn soup looks really good!
It is! Going to try pinto beans and will report back.
My chicken corn soup with potatoes and celery and a bit of jalapeño topped with fresh fried bacon bits (and more jalapeño for those who love it) it nice for this cold weather. Maybe tomorrow night?
No jalapeños for me. Hatch chili peppers all the way.
Great post, Heather. A couple of comments:
1) AFAIK, sarma doesn’t use tomato-flavored broth. In fact there is no broth, just oil, paprika and shredded kraut. Then add smoked meats (like špek). Then add cabbage rolls, and repeat adding layers. If it’s a little dry, add a little water, but no tomato (dictated to me by my amazing Croatian wife).
2) We have found fresh (not dried) cranberries in produce section of Kaufland in Poreč. Not consistently available, but more so at this time of year.
Rob thanks for this. That’s cool about the no tomato sauce, we’ll have to try it that way. My husband is Croatian too and I wonder if this is a regional twist? He grew up in Zagreb. And Kaufland has great stuff—good to know about the cranberries. Plodine in Buzet doesn’t seem to have them.
My pleasure, Heather. Could be a regional thing, like NE clam chowder (NEVER tomatoes) vs. Manhattan style, haha. Although my wife grew up in Zagreb and she never heard of anyone using tomato in sarma. Anyway, if you are in Buzet area, we highly recommend InterSpar on Ankaranska cesta in Koper, not too far from you. Food much cheaper, and they just completely renovated/expanded the store, almost like a mini super Walmart :) Great produce, fresh fish and meat. Butcher super nice. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!
You too! And they are putting in a Spar in Buzet, not sure how big. Cheers!
I accidentally deleted this post from Richard Renner. Sorry about that Rich! Happy Thanksgiving and great to hear from you. (And why can't I restore your comment, huh Substack? "Now that you mention it, I loved stuffed peppers growing up (the way my Italian Mom made them) but haven’t had them in years. This year, as always, she’ll be doing the traditional turkey along with the usual side dishes, including pasta, when we all gather at my parents’ house. Happy Thanksgiving!"
I’m not fond of too much heat but this recipe calls for thin slices of jalapeño to be served as garnish for the chowder, along with crumbled bacon. We’re having it tonight. So I need to get out to the kitchen and rattle those pots and pans (music from the 50’s).
This is great! I can especially relate to this line: I tend to take recipes as suggestions.