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DARLENE’S PIEROGI – following in her mother’s footsteps

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“I am often asked the question: ‘What is your favorite type of food?’ Although I always answer Japanese, the real response should be and is pierogi, the delectable Polish dumplings that my mother, Big Martha, made so well in many incarnations: potato, sweet cabbage, blueberry, peach, plum, and apricot.”
— Martha Stewart

Hi there,

To continue my series saluting Mother’s, it is my pleasure to bring you the story and the recipe for these delicious pierogi from Darlene Foster. Darlene is a very talented storyteller and her work can be found at DarleneFoster.wordpress.com.

Mom’s Pierogi by Darlene Foster

Darlene’s Mom

One of my favorite memories about growing up on the farm is when Mom would make pierogi. It’s my ultimate comfort food. After mom passed away last year, I was determined to make them in her memory. Mine are never quite as good as hers were, though. As you mentioned, mothers seem to have a secret ingredient. I think that the ingredient must be love. 

Pierogi are from Eastern Europe and are called by a number of different names. In Russia and Ukraine, they are called varenyky and in our German Canadian home we called them case knoephla, but they are mostly known by their Polish name of pierogi. Here is mom’s recipe. I’m so glad I got it from her. Whenever I start to miss her, I make a batch.

Mom’s Pierogi
Dough:
2 cups warm water
½ cup cooking oil
2 tsp salt
6 tbsp sour cream
6 cups flour
In a large bowl combine water, oil & salt
Beat with a wire whisk
Gradually beat in flour & sour cream
Work until a nice soft dough
Let rest while making the filling

Filling:
3 cups cottage cheese ( dry is best, or drain the whey)
1 egg
chopped green onion
Mix thoroughly

Roll out dough until quite thin
Cut into 2” squares or circles
Put 1 tbsp of filling in each centre
Fold over and pinch tightly shut

Place in boiling water. Boil for 3 minutes or until they float on top.
Serve with buttered breadcrumbs, sour cream, fried onions or sauerkraut.
Can be frozen
Note: Mom would serve them after boiling them the first night and then fry the leftovers in butter the following night. I loved the pan-fried perogies best so I always fry mine after boiling and draining them on a paper towel.
They can be filled with other things like mashed potatoes, grated cheddar cheese or sauerkraut but we preferred them with cottage cheese growing up.
Enjoy!

It has been my pleasure to bring this post to you. I’m thinking that perhaps we should all make pierogi to honor the brave women of the Ukraine and open hearted women in Poland who are coming to their aid.

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52 responses to “DARLENE’S PIEROGI – following in her mother’s footsteps”

  1. Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
    Darlene says:

    Thank you so much for featuring mom’s pierogi. The funny thing is, I had some last night as I was thinking of her. That’s so cool that Martha Stewart also loves pierogi! Have a fabulous week my firnd.

    Reply
      • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
        Darlene says:

        I think I wrote friend in Klingon. Sorry about that.

  2. Angie@Angie's Recipes – Angie's Recipes is an interactive blog dedicated to sharing yummy & creative recipes, helpful cooking hints and tips. Enjoy your visit and spread the word!
    Angie@Angie’s Recipes says:

    I too adore pierogi! Thank you, Darlene, for sharing your mom’s recipe. They look so very tempting.

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Angie.

      Reply
  3. Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen – I'm a writer, cook, gardener, photographer, poet, quilter, and accomplished daydreamer. I'm also a wife, mother, grandmother, sister. cousin, aunt, and friend, no particular order on any given day. I've been a writer all my life, newspaper reporter and columnist, radio news writer, and magazine contributor, and poet and short-story writer as the spirit moves. Now, I turn my attention to my cookbook, the blog, and a cooking column "Memorable Meals," which runs in our county newspaper. Besides my family, I love dogs, cats, good coffee, chocolate, and my never-dwindling pile of books I intend to read. Our family ran a small Vermont Inn for 18 years, with our focus on local, organic ingredients. I cook from scratch, and try not to use anything that has ingredients I cannot pronounce! After many years of daily serving up local delicacies, cooking classes, and catering, we are now only open for special events, and the odd cooking class. We also host musicians and artists, having helped produce a musical festival and other musical events for nearly 20 years. Many incredible artists have found a place at our table. Wonderful experiences, we will treasure always. My family and friends are my practice subjects. With a family that includes nut, peanut, tree fruit, and vegetable allergies, gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, vegetarians, vegans, heart conscious, and a couple of picky eaters, there has to be a few quick tricks in the book to keep everyone fed and happy! Personally, I do not eat red meat or most full-fat dairy (usually) for health reasons, making the occasional exception at Thanksgiving and Christmas or our anniversary if the duck is locally raised. I do eat fish and seafood, so I try to come up with alternatives and substitutions when available. I serve local organic eggs and cheeses to my family who can tolerate dairy (My husband recently had a heart attack, and I need to watch my own cholesterol so I am careful, but have been known to let a little piece of really good cheese accidentally fall on my plate!). I believe strongly that eating in a way that is good for our planet is also good for our bodies, and I try to educated myself about our food sources! I cook by the seasons and draw on inspiration from the strong and talented women in my family who came before me, as well as the youth in the family who look at the world with fresh eyes. Food links us all, whether sharing a meal, cooking it together, or writing about it for others to enjoy. I love taking an old recipe and giving it a modern spin, especially if I can make it a littler healthier and use foods that are kinder to the Earth and to our bodies. I believe strongly in sustainable, delicious eating of whole foods, and the wonderful flavors we have at our fingertips! And finally, I love conversing with all the talented cooks and chefs out there who dot the globe! It's a wonderful, world full of culinary pen pals, and I cherish them all! XXXOOO Dorothy
    Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen says:

    What a lovely recipe! Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Mom would be pleased that I shared it.

      Reply
  4. V.M.Sang – UK – I was born and educated in the north west of England. I trained as a teacher in Manchester and taught in Salford, Lancashire, Hampshire and Croydon. I write fantasy novels currently. I also make cards, knit, crochet, tat, do cross stitch and paint. I enjoy walking on the Downs, cycling and kayaking. I do not enjoy housework, but like cooking.
    V.M.Sang says:

    I’ve never had these, but they look and sound delicious. Keeping this so I can try to make some.

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      I hope you enjoy them should you make some.

      Reply
  5. debrapurdykong – British Columbia, Canada – I'm a British Columbia author who's been writing for over 30 years. My volunteer experiences, criminology diploma, and security work inspired me to write the Casey Holland transit security novels set in Metro Vancouver. I'm also a part-time facilitator in Creative Writing Workshops through Port Moody's Recreation program. Feel free to contact me at dpurdykong@gmail.com
    debrapurdykong says:

    Sounds delicious, Darlene. What a lovely photo of your mom.

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      It is a nice photo of her. Thanks, debra.

      Reply

  6. Lovely post. The pierogi look so tasty. 🙂

    Reply

  7. 💜 …and Quite Rightly So EveryOne; gotta Love a Girl who Loves Her Food, because The Way to a Mans Heart is His Stomach NOT!!! Picking at a Salad 🥗 😋 🤔 🤗 😬 ☺️ 🥗 and NOT!!! Worrying about Spinach on YOUR!!! Teeth 😂🤣😅😆😁😄😃😀🙂 🙃😉😊 😇 🥰😍🤩 EveryBody

    …💛💚💙…

    Reply

  8. I have never had the chance to taste them but I’ve heard are super delicious 😋 Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      I hope you enjoy them, should you try the recipe.

      Reply
  11. CarolCooks2 – Udon Thani – Enjoying life in The Land Of Smiles I am having so much fun researching, finding new, authentic recipes both Thai and International to share with you. New recipes gleaned from those who I have met on my travels or are just passing through and stopped for a while. I hope you enjoy them. I love shopping at the local markets, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetable ones I have never seen or cooked with. I am generally the only European person and attract much attention and I love to try what I am offered and when I smile and say Aroy or Saab as it is here in the north I am met with much smiling. Some of my recipes may not be in line with traditional ingredients and methods of cooking but are recipes I know and have become to love and maybe if you dare to try you will too. You will always get more than just a recipe from me as I love to research and find out what other properties the ingredients I use contain to improve our health and wellbeing. This is now taking me into other areas like deforestation, chemicals and preservatives in the food chain. Exciting for me hence the title of my blog, Retired No One Told Me! I am having a wonderful ride and don’t want to get off, so if you wish to follow me on my adventures, then welcome! I hope you enjoy the ride also and if it encourages you to take a step into the unknown or untried, you know you want to…….Then, I will be happy!
    CarolCooks2 says:

    These sound and look delicious, Darlene thasnk you for sharing your mothers recipe 🙂 x

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Carol.

      Reply
  12. Annette Rochelle Aben – Westland, MI – My life is ALL ABOUT being a COMMUNICATOR, so I write/publish books, (find my on Amazon) articles, essays, poetry, heck I love writing LETTERS. I am also a host/producer of internet radio shows; (find me on Blog Talk Radio) my own shows as well as shows that other people host. Since I was a little girl I have been a singer and fronted bands for years. People everywhere are wearing my jewelry and eating the food I create and sell. In my spare time I am a mentor/guide for others along their personal and professional paths. Thank you for joining me here and be sure to let me know what I can help YOU with!
    Annette Rochelle Aben says:

    See, many of my friends don’t believe me when I told them that my neighbor used to make these using cottage cheese. Yes, she DID strain the liquid out but I remembe watching her time and time again. My brother tries his hand at making pierogi every now and then, but there is a lady who shops at the meat market where he works and she always gifts him 3-4 dozen at a time!

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Lucky him. I love them with cottage cheese!

      Reply
  13. Colleen M. Chesebro – East Lansing, MI – An avid reader, Colleen M. Chesebro rekindled her love of writing poetry after years spent working in the accounting industry. These days, she loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. In addition to poetry books, Chesebro’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of her writing community on TankaTuesday.com by organizing and sponsoring a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, where participants experiment with traditional and current forms of Japanese and American syllabic poetry. Chesebro is an assistant editor of The Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology & Gitty Up Press, a micro-press founded by Charli Mills and Carrot Ranch. In January 2022, Colleen founded Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in creating eBooks and print books for publication. In addition, she creates affordable book covers for Kindle and print books. Chesebro lives in the house of her dreams in mid-Michigan surrounded by the Great Lakes with her husband and two (unicorn) cats, Chloe & Sophie.
    Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry says:

    Darlene, my family, made bierox. They filled squares of bread dough with a mixture of ground beef and cabbage, shapped them into pillow shapes, and pinched them closed. They brushed butter on the top and baked them in the oven. This is what the wheat farmers in Kansas ate. I love all these old recipes. <3

    Reply
      • Colleen M. Chesebro – East Lansing, MI – An avid reader, Colleen M. Chesebro rekindled her love of writing poetry after years spent working in the accounting industry. These days, she loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. In addition to poetry books, Chesebro’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of her writing community on TankaTuesday.com by organizing and sponsoring a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, where participants experiment with traditional and current forms of Japanese and American syllabic poetry. Chesebro is an assistant editor of The Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology & Gitty Up Press, a micro-press founded by Charli Mills and Carrot Ranch. In January 2022, Colleen founded Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in creating eBooks and print books for publication. In addition, she creates affordable book covers for Kindle and print books. Chesebro lives in the house of her dreams in mid-Michigan surrounded by the Great Lakes with her husband and two (unicorn) cats, Chloe & Sophie.
        Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry says:

        Thank you! I came from Darlene’s blog. So sorry about the mix up. ❤️

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Oh mom made something like that too! I can’t remember what she called them. She would bake bread and then save some of the dough for them. I think we called them cabbage busters but I could be wrong. Yes, farmer food. Thanks, Colleen.

      Reply
      • Colleen M. Chesebro – East Lansing, MI – An avid reader, Colleen M. Chesebro rekindled her love of writing poetry after years spent working in the accounting industry. These days, she loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. In addition to poetry books, Chesebro’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of her writing community on TankaTuesday.com by organizing and sponsoring a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, where participants experiment with traditional and current forms of Japanese and American syllabic poetry. Chesebro is an assistant editor of The Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology & Gitty Up Press, a micro-press founded by Charli Mills and Carrot Ranch. In January 2022, Colleen founded Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in creating eBooks and print books for publication. In addition, she creates affordable book covers for Kindle and print books. Chesebro lives in the house of her dreams in mid-Michigan surrounded by the Great Lakes with her husband and two (unicorn) cats, Chloe & Sophie.
        Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry says:

        They were darn good! I miss some of those old dishes. 💜

  14. Christa Polkinhorn – Born and raised in Switzerland, I have always had a desire to explore the world outside of my beautiful but tiny country. As a young woman, I traveled through Europe, came to the United States on an exchange program, and ended up staying. My travels led me to China and Japan as well as South America. I studied literature and linguistics in Zurich and California. Now, I live and work as writer and translator in southern California and divide my time between the United States and my native Switzerland. The tension and excitement this "double life" creates informs my literary work. Most of my novels take place in several countries. Aside from writing and traveling, I am an avid reader, a lover of the arts and dark chocolate.
    Christa Polkinhorn says:

    OMG. Now I’m hungry. It looks and sounds delicious. On my way to the kitchen! LOL.

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      I just finished off my leftovers. They are so good. (Even though mine aren’t quite as good as mom’s)

      Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      It’s always great to learn about a new to you recipe. That’s why I love Bernadette’s blog.

      Reply
  16. insearchofitall – I live in Oregon – This was originally a blog about my process of healing the after effects of a profound and debilitating case of Bells Palsy. This blog has grown into a way to strengthen my writing ability, connect with wonderful people. traveling with them on this spiritual journey. I like to share my love of books, sewing, quilting attempts and weed pulling. I'm delighted you are here.
    insearchofitall says:

    I’ve never had pierogi but they look very good. My mother didn’t like to cook and I don’t have a real aptitude for it but if I ever find it somewhere, I’d love to try it.

    Reply

    • I suppose if you ever wander into a Polish neighborhood you would find it. Also, Mrs. T’s in the freezer section of the market sells a pretty decent one. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
      • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
        Darlene says:

        I used to find them in the frozen section of Safeway. If you ever see them, give them a try.

  17. HI Bernadette, it’s great to see Darlene here with another recipe. This sounds delicious.

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Robbie. Something different for you to try.

      Reply

      • Hehe, that is exactly what I thought.

  18. joylennick – Costa Blanca, Spain – I'm 'young/ancient,' writing's in my blood, have had same husband for 68.. blessed years; three worthy sons. Love most aspects of life, especially nature, music, animals, travel and the arts. Am fascinated by people and what makes them tick! Into poetry, article writing/short stories, and am awaiting publication of my 6th book by QGS Publishing. . Regard humour as a life-line. Humanist.PS 2021 – Now on 10th book,retired in Spain (British) awaiting publication .The Dobrowski Portrait.https:joylennick.wordpress.com/
    joylennick says:

    They sound great, Darlene. When we married, I was introduced to Jewish cooking and food and one of my favourite snacks was chopped egg and onion on crackers. As we also love pancakes, they sound a tasty combination. xx (Eric’s family came from Poland.)

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      I rememeber that Eric’s family came from Poland. Perhaps he had these as a child.

      Reply

  19. This sounds delicious, Darlene! I love pierogies, but I’ve only had store bought, never homemade. What a wonderful way to remember your mom.

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Teri. It is a nice way to remember her and she would like to be remembered by her good food.

      Reply

  20. Darlene, your mother has to be smiling about your sharing her pierogis recipe. I think I would like the pan fried ones as well.

    Reply
    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Karen. I’m so glad I have this recipe. I believe she is smiling as she was proud of being a good cook.

      Reply
  21. D. Wallace Peach – 30 Miles beyond the edge of civilization, Oregon – I'm an adventurer in writing, peering under rocks in my garden for secret magic. I can't stop writing. My stories want to explode from my head. They demand my attention and surge from my fingertips faster than I can put them to paper. I love what I do.
    D. Wallace Peach says:

    I love pierogies and never knew how to make them. They sound versatile too, which makes them fun to try. Thanks to Darlene for sharing her mom’s recipe. And thanks Bernadette for hosting her. 🙂

    Reply
  22. Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
    Darlene says:

    Thanks, Diane. They are not too difficult. It took me about three tries to get them close to how I remember mom’s were. (My fault) Let me know if you try them. xo

    Reply
  23. Toni Pike – Canberra, Australia – Toni Pike is a multi-genre author who enjoys writing page-turning fiction for adults, hilarious books for children, and non-fiction. She also loves travelling and being with family and friends. She lives in Australia and firmly believes that coffee and long walks are an essential part of any day. Do you like books that you can’t stop reading? Pike is the author of LINDA’S MIDLIFE CRISIS, DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS. The Brody Cody Series is for children aged 6-9: BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE and BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE. She’s also the author of two non-fiction books. THE ONE WAY DIET is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight. HAPPY TRAVELS 101 is a short book of travel tips with advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas. To find out more, her website is tonipike.com.
    Toni Pike says:

    These sound scrumptious, Darlene. Toni x

    Reply

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