Making Pierogi with my Nieces
The holidays always make me think of my mother and all of the wonderful traditional recipes that she would prepare. Being of Polish heritage, one of the dishes served at Easter in our home were giant platters of pierogi, the Polish version of filled dumplings. I think it’s important to keep tradition alive, so I invited my nieces, Sophie Herbert and Kristina Christiansen, as guests on my show, to hone their pierogi making skills. We had so much fun and the pierogi were delicious. You can watch this program on Monday and the recipe, of course, can be found at Marthastewart.com.
1 It was so much fun having my nieces on the show. Here I am with Kristina and Sophie.
2 This is the pierogi dough resting beneath a glass bowl.
3 We made a blueberry filling as well as a traditional cabbage filling - my mother's favorite.
4 Farm fresh eggs go into the dough.
5 Cornmeal is sprinkled to keep the pierogi from sticking.
6 The setup
7 Sophie wanted to practice before the show to brush up on her pierogi-making skills.
8 The dough is very manageable and elastic.
9 Tom Joseph - TV chef, giving Sophie a hand.
10 My mother liked to use these old-fashioned aluminum tumblers to cut the dough. They make the perfect size circle and cut very well.
11 Sophie seems to be quite a good pierogi maker.
12 Sophie covers the rounds with a linen towel to prevent drying.
13 Kristina pops into the kitchen.
14 Sophie drops the pierogi into rapidly boiling salted water.
15 The blueberry pierogi are delicious with sweetened sour cream flavored with a touch of vanilla.
16 And the cabbage are great with melted butter.
17 Deb Genova, one of the TV makeup artists, applies Kristina's makeup.
18 Fran Brescia - producer and Sophie on set for dress rehearsal
19 Fran and Sophie setting the mood
20 Reviewing all the steps
21 The monitor tells it all.
22 A look of surprise
23 Pretty cousins
24 Getting prepped and primped backstage
25 A very lovely portrait
26 Here we are on set and ready to demonstrate.
27 We got quite silly.
28 Sophie and Kristina will have to come back again, soon.
i'm from slovakia and in my country we make pirohy (name of it in slovak) two ways.
make the dough from cooked mashed potato and flour, if you want it savoury fill it with bryndza which is a soft sheep cheese and sprinkle with pieces of fried bacon and sour cream. if you want it sweet, fill it with plum jam and sprinkle dry-fried breadcrumbs with sugar, add melted butter and toss well together. don't know what the breadcrumbs are in us but the english ones are quite like a gravel to me so i make my own at home. i dry the english toast bread in owen at lowest temperature for around an hour and half and beat to breadcrumbs I sift before they are the way i want them to be...
Posted by: danulique | March 26th, 2010 at 7:01 am
I am so thrilled when Martha cooks polish recipes on her show. I do miss watching her mother along side her.
Very since I was a little girl I stood beside my mother and aunt and watched as they cooked and baked a lot of slovak recipes and others.
Now that they are gone I try and cook the traditional foods that I was thought with help from Martha's recipes.
Thank You for shows, cookbooks, and magazines
they help me very much.
Posted by: Barbara A. Brown | March 26th, 2010 at 7:44 am
Hello, Martha. I'm from Ukraine and in my country we call these tasty little things "vareniki". They look exactly like Yours. We make the simple dough (water, salt and flour) sometimes add an egg. The filling is various (potato, cherry, cabbage, meat, berries, mushrooms). We also have pierogi in our cuisine they look like pies with the same filling as for vareniki but we use short pastry mostly.
Have a good day!:))
Posted by: Iryna | March 26th, 2010 at 7:48 am
Sophie looks a lot like you, Martha.
Posted by: Jay | March 26th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Martha, you are a light. Love your inviting personality and wry wit. And, that Sophie, a real chip off the block. A natural if ever I've seen one.
robert
Posted by: Robert | March 26th, 2010 at 9:20 am
mmmmmm.. love your Pierogi's can taste the from here. your nieces are just lovely..passing on traditions.. we need more of them passed on. xo Laura
Posted by: laura venosa dellaporta | March 26th, 2010 at 10:11 am
I'm Polish, too, Martha. And I was very pleased with your opening in MSL about pierogis. They are a very basic food, yet delicious. I used to make pierogis with my Babcia (grandma). Her favorite were cabbge, too. But she made special apple ones for me with the golden apples they grew in their backyard.
Posted by: NeatNicole from Illinois | March 26th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Hi Martha,
'Pretty' definitely runs in your family - what a gorgeous picture that is of the three of you! I feel like I've watched those 2 grow up from seeing them on your show and you've kept us up on some of their activities. I can still picture Sophie trying to knead dough like Big Martha and cute little Kristina making head bands with you. Time really flies.
~
I have been talking so much about wanting to make Pierogi that I'm going to do it. I'll wait until after I see the show on Monday though cuz I'm a klutz with flour concoctions. I don’t think I keep the dough cold enough to roll out. I will try again because I really want to taste a Pierogi. Have a great weekend! Trish
Posted by: Trish | March 26th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Martha , You are such an inspriation ! My Mom and I love to watch your show and we truly ejoyed this episode . Thank you for helping make those of us who have devoted our lives to homemaking feel worthwhile , and for providing us with new and exciting ideas every day ! Bless you
Posted by: Kathleen Quick | March 26th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Thanks so much Martha! I wish you would have Sophie on your show more often. She is wonderful!! (And purple is definitely her color! She looked like springtime in your kitchen.)
Posted by: Lin Valentine | March 26th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
What are some herbs that I can plant around my garden to discourage deer, rabbits, and groundhogs? I experimented with some basil, oregano, and parsley last year and placed them around our container garden. This year we are expanding from containers to in-ground, but have a lot of critters that could ruin our efforts. We love your show, books, oh we just love you!
Posted by: Susan Hall | March 26th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Martha,
Love the pierogi segment! Being Polish too, I can't wait to see Monday's show! (though it airs a day late here in CT!)
I remember Sophie clips especially the one making Chrusicki! Big Martha was the best in rolling dough I swear and seeing you and Sophie trying to master her technique was priceless!
I've made my great Aunt's pierogi recipe. Your Mom's uses sour cream. Is this usually a traditional ingredient? Does it make the dough softer? Have you ever tried farmer's cheese in your pierogies? Yum!!
Have a great weekend and thanks for having Sophie as your guest again. WE love seeing her (quite the grown-up lady now!! )
Paula M.
Posted by: Paula M. :) | March 26th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I'm so happy that someone of your stature in the community is proud of their heritage. Too many times we forget where we come from. Polish people are very proud and I think we have many contributors to society. Maria Curie, Pope John Paul, Lech Walesa and of course Martha Stewart. Keep up the traditions, they are great!!!!
Posted by: Teresa | March 26th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Thanks for this memorable report about Polish culture. After reading it, will make some with my sister for this Easter. Ours will be filled with mashed potatoes and cheese, just as our beloved mother used to make. Our grandmother also used a glass for cutting the dough.
Have a nice Easter, Martha & nieces.
Posted by: Elizabeth Miskiewicz | March 26th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Hi Martha, What a lovely blog about your beautiful, young nieces and their appearance on an upcoming TV Show. I remember seeing both of them on your original TV Show many years ago. They were so much fun to watch and I certainly look forward to their appearance on your show on Monday as well as on the Hallmark Channel starting on Monday. Loved your TV Show on Thursday. I haven't eaten much lamb, but Tony Maws' recipe looks delicious. Seeing Jim Cramer again was so much fun! He is so much fun to watch on MSNBC. Just loved watching James Wong talk about his new book-'Grow Your Own Drugs'. I'm going to have to get a copy soon. Sure miss seeing your mom making pierogis and other delicious things on your TV Show. Have a great weekend and hug all of your animals for me. Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | March 27th, 2010 at 1:42 am
My mom and I made Apple Strudel today, but the recipe we used was another one other than her original.
We are of Hungarian decent and mom used to make it when we were young. We lived in a populated Polish community, so also learned all the good recipes you make with your mom and family.
The recipe we made today was great, it was fantastic, but the dough didn't turn out so great. Not flakey at all. Mom said there was no butter in the recipe, I was quite surprises, so next time we are going to try YOUR dough/strudel recipe, to get that ultimate flakey dough! Happy Easter...
Posted by: Janice | March 27th, 2010 at 1:48 am
How wonderful when a family cooks together! Especially all generations! Lovely.
Posted by: Candylei | March 28th, 2010 at 9:29 am
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Sophie is, of course, a classic charm.
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The other young lady I'm not so familiar with. She is certainly her own star to be born as well!
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Hope to see these two, perhaps, guest hosts along the way!
.
Posted by: andrea and weims on twitter | March 28th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Martha.. I love the design of your website and I miss watching your shows.. as I work as an executive in HealthCare and am not home to watch them.. I am looking to start a new business venture that is centered around helping people change their lives for the better, whether it be renovating their homes, a wardrobe makeover, creating gardens, changing their careers.. I was wondering..as you look back when you first started creating the idea for your business, what was the pivotal point for you and how did you make the leep into a busines that is centered around "home"..?
Posted by: Kim | March 29th, 2010 at 7:57 am
Hi Kim - A few years ago, I wrote a book called 'The Martha Rules,' all about how my business developed. It describes in detail the answer to your question.
Posted by: Martha Stewart | March 29th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Hi Martha,
I am truly inspired by your site, your ideas and philosophy. I loved this pierogie segment and what a lovely family! Will also have to look for that "Martha Rules" book.
Posted by: Nadine | March 29th, 2010 at 10:29 am
I really like some of your decorating ideas recipes etc.but I noticed something missing on the easter decorations,the Cross. That really is the reason for easter. Jesus loves everyone ask him into your heart and you will be filled with Joy and Love. He will reveal himself to you too!
Posted by: cher kory | March 29th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Martha, your nieces have grown even more lovely through the years! It was wonderful to see Sophie again as we all remember her on your earlier show baking alongside you and Big Martha. She has such confidence for a young woman and a smile that could light up any room.
Today, we watched the video from a few years ago of you and your Mom making potato Pierogi. My husband's family is Polish (and Hungarian) and I have promised him that I will finally learn to bake many the foods he grew up enjoying. Thank-You for sharing memories of Big Martha with us this holiday and always teaching us new and better ways of living.
Posted by: Kate | March 29th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
I remember growing up next door to a Ukrainian family. They made the best pierogiusing their homemade farmers cheese and sauerkraut. Boiling them and then frying with salt pork, garlic, onions and topping them with homemade sour cream. YUM!
Posted by: Jantje | March 29th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Sophie and Kristina are such lovely young women. Please feature them on your show again.
Posted by: Roz | March 30th, 2010 at 10:31 am
I've seen two shows with Sophie on them. Yoga then pierogies. She's beautiful and very warm.
As she grows even further into that amazing voice of hers, she'll be quite a screen presence.
Debra
Posted by: Debra | March 30th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
It's fantastic to see you with your family and I groan when I think of how much energy and talent you mom had. She was a wonder! I still knead my bread like she does - in one fell swooop!
I hope you turn your eyes toward heaven on this holy Easter Sunday coming up in a few days and remember who first planned your life and recreated you and holds you dearly in His hands. Bless you darling!
Laurel
Posted by: Laurel Andersen | March 30th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Martha, I love you. You are so creative and full of life.I admire your talent.I would like to come to your show. Let me know how.
Rashida
Posted by: Rashida Kapadia | April 1st, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I missed this show, but loved your neices .. they are beautiful girls. ..always enjoyed your mom on the show. . .she was sooo cute. .. Do you and Alexis cook together much?
Posted by: W Shearin | April 3rd, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Sophie,
All children from Deenabandhu remember you with delight. Hope you cook these dishes when you will be with us!
-Jaydev and children, Deenabandhu
Posted by: Deenabandhu, Chamarajanagara, India. | April 4th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Love the photos with your nieces. I would imagine they really enjoyed being on tv. The illustations are wonderful. I enjoy your blog very much!
Posted by: Cindy | June 26th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Contrary to my name, I am full blooded Irish who was married to a full blooded Polish boy. He is gone now. I had the kids up for the 17th for corned beef and cabbage and they asked when I was having my Polish supper again. So, next Sunday, in honor of my deceased husband's birthday, I am doing the pirogies, and gwumpkis, and Polish sausage. I think I will also try making the bow-tie cookies too. I haven't made them for years. Now my Granddaughters want to come up and learn how to make the pirogies. It will be nice to hand down recipes. I fill mine with shredded left over beef roast I have heated in butter with onion, salt and pepper. I got this recipe from a woman I knew who came directly from Poland via a displaced persons camp in Germany after WW11.
I sure miss your program since it went to cable. Out where we are we do not have cable.
Posted by: Jo Anne Ramatowski | March 25th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
MY MOTHER WAS POLISH AND EASTER WAS OUR FAVORITE EATING HOLIDAY. PEROGI'S WERE OUR FAVORITE. SHE WOULD MAKE STUFFED CABBAGE AND BIGOS(HUNTERS STEW) JUST TO NAME A FEW DISHES. AS AN ADULT I WATCHED THE EPISODE OF YOU AND YOUR MOM MAKING THE PEROGIS AND I'VE MADE YOUR RECIPE EVER SINCE. I LOVE YOUR SENSE OF TRADITON AS A MATTER OF FACT MY SISTER AND OUR DAUGHTERS ARE GETTING TOGETHER THIS WEEKEND TO MAKE THEM. THE FUNNIEST MEMORY I HAVE IS MY SISTER-IN-LAW IS IRISH AND REALLY IS A MEAT AND POTATO PERSON. ONE EASTER MY MOM WAS DIVYING THE LEFTOVERS AND MY SISTER WAS FOAMING AT THE MOUTH WAITHING FOR THE PEROGI LEFTOVERS AND OUR MOM GAVE THEM TO OUR SISTERINLAW BECAUSE THEY WERE THE ONLY THING SHE LIKED ON THE TABLE THANKS FOR THE MEMORY. HAPPY EASTER
Posted by: JOANNE CAMPBELL | April 8th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Dear Martha, I am Polish(Chicago) and my friends here in Redwood Country have been asking for my Pierogi recipes for a long time. I have now arranged a PIEROGI PARTY for at least 7 friends and will be using my family recipes and YOURS! They are very excited. Me too!! Thank you!
Tricia
Posted by: patricia Geniusz Stanley | April 17th, 2011 at 2:23 pm