BOILING STONES
(Things a man can do in the kitchen)
© July 30, 2007
By: George O. Martin, Jr.
Royalty
It seems there is royal blood in my family. I would have never expected it, knowing what I do about my parents and their blue collar heritage, being a blue blood seems far fetched. But this past weekend I was introduced to my daughter the princess of Slovakia. Dressed in a beautiful gown, with flowers in her hair and pretty slippers on her feet she was to be ‘Royalty for a Day’. As far as I was concerned, she looked better and more royal than any princess I have ever seen. She really did!
What brought about this royal presentation was the fact that a family friend, who loves parades, especially when he can be a part of one, suddenly felt the need to make a political statement. He became sensitive to the political split that divided the country of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic, and the Slovak Republic. Far more sensitive than either of the two resulting countries involved. Noting that a certain city nearby was to celebrate their Czech heritage, as they do annually, he thought it only fitting that the Slovak traditions should not be forgotten.
Creativity and dedication to pursuit are this man’s greatest assets. With a pick up truck, a paper Mache’ chicken, three lovely ladies ready to wear out of date,1960’s gowns, and pluck, he created a float of Slovakian Princesses. It easily rivaled, in a tongue in cheek manner, the one honoring the Czech Princess selected for the event.
The resulting display was grand as the truck rolled down the main street in the parade. As the vehicle rolled slowly along the route, the chicken conveniently produced eggs, which were placed all over the bed of the vehicle. The four princesses presented themselves in good fashion and waved regally toward the attending crowds.
My daughter represented the youth and culture of the Slovaks. Another lady in modern dress showed the up to date nature of the country. A third lady portrayed the mystery of the Carpathian Mountains with a continuous Witch-like cackle and demeanor. The fourth princess, dressed in red hair and streaming ribbons typical of the Roma Gypsy displayed with overabundance that important segment of their society. The fact that the Gypsy princess was not of the usual gender seemed only to excite the crowd to into further delight.
All in all it was great fun for my personal princess. She smiled pleasantly the rest of the day. The other three “ladies” went on about their duties with the joy of knowing they had given voice and vision to a forgotten segment of the world, the fiercely independent and wonderful people of the Slovak Republic.
It was only after the parade, and thinking of that paper mache’ chicken, that I remembered the only Slovak recipe I had ever eaten. It was Egg Cheese, called Serrik, and it is simple to make and tastes great. Beat together well 1-dozen eggs, 1-quart and one half of milk, 1-tsp vanilla, 1-tblsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly over a low heat stirring until it looks like yellow cottage cheese and the liquid and solid separates. Pour into 2, clean new knee high stockings, tie into a ball, and hang to let drip for 2 hours. Refrigerate overnight, take the stocking off the cheese, slice and eat.
