Slovak Holiday Traditions Series: Listen to Christmas Services from Europe

On behalf of SEEP sro we wish everyone a very Blessed Christmas and New Year, "Veselé Vánoce a šťastný Nový rok! Listen to Christmas services and programs live from Slovakia via this online web stream via Radio Lumen.

Slovak Holiday Traditions Series 2012: 

December 6 - Feast of St. Nicholas, (or Svaty Mikuláš)

In some Slovak towns and villages, St. Svaty Mikuláš arrives in a horse drawn coach, along with an angel and the devil who rattles a chain. Waiting children fill the streets with singing and dancing. St. Nicholas has a present for each child. In some villages he visits each home. To read more and the St. Nicholas tradition along with recipes, visit the St. Nicholas Center at http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/slovakia/.

Slovak Easter Paska Bread and Peeps

© 2010 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.

It wouldn't be Easter in Slovakia without the traditional paska bread. This link features a decorative version from a recipe by Charlotte Pribish Conjelko of Indiana. To make the cute little dinner roll peeps shown above, click here.

Easter Week: Syrek (Hrudka) - Slovak Egg Cheese Recipe

In honor of Easter Week today we will start a series on Slovak Easter and Spring traditions. Today's feature is the Slovak egg cheese Syrek also known as Hrudka. Basically it is a dozen eggs, quart of milk, salt, sugar slowly cooked over a double boiler and drained in a cheesecloth.  For step-by-step recipe, click here and for another variation, click here. As for seasoning, some like it more salty, others tend to make it sweeter as the influence of Eastern Slovakia. Our family recipe adds a little vanilla. If you have a preference or recipe to share, please post a comment and/or link.

Visit SEEP at the Slovak Mass & Easter Breakfast (Pittsbugh PA)

ANNUAL SLOVAK MASS & EASTER CUSTOMS BREAKFAST
Saturday, March 31, 2012

St. Adalbert Church
160 So.15th Street, South Side, Pittsburgh PA

Please note the earlier times:
9:45 a.m. Recitation of Rosary (in Slovak)
10:00 a.m. -- Slovak Mass
11:00 a.m. -- SAMPLE SLOVAK EASTER FOODS
paska (sweet bread) sunka (ham) sirek (egg cheese) hrin (beets & horseradish)
at Prince of Peace Parish Center 81 South 13th Street, South Side, Pittsburgh PA

• Homemade Baked Goods
• Craft Demonstrations
• Cultural Displays - (stop by the SEEP sro table and say "hello")
• Imported Slovak gifts
• Slovak "Auction" /Raffles

FREE ADMISSION - Donations Gratefully Accepted
For more information call (412) 481-8380

THIS SUNDAY! - Slovak Mardi Gras Event (Johnstown PA)

Celebrate carnival at the Slovak Fašiangy (Mardi Gras) February 19 at Venue of Merging Arts (Johnstown, PA). Activities include authentic Slovak bryndza cheese halusky cooking demo, Kamienka travelogue, gallery exhibit, displays, Slovak Imports and more. Halusky and light refreshments will be served. BYOB for 21+ with proper ID. Tickets online at: Eventbrite or at the door. https://www.facebook.com/events/118107568309775/

IN THE NEWS: Slovak heritage will be the center of attention at an upcoming party.

(TRIBUNE DEMOCRAT- JOHNSTOWN, PA) - A Slovak Mardi Gras, or Fasiangy, will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 19 at Venue of Merging Arts, 305 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

The Sustainable Environmental Economic Partnership, a Slovak-American partnership from Kosice, Slovakia, is sponsoring the celebration, said Karen Mesaros, who provides marketing and public relations for the organization.

Authentic Slovak potato haluski cooking demonstrations using bryndza sheep’s cheese will be given by Dennis Ragan of Indiana, Pa.
“He’s a friend and has done demonstrations in Pittsburgh,” Mesaros said. “When we think of haluski, we think noodles and cabbage, but in Slovakia, it’s potatoes and sheep cheese. It’s the national dish in Slovakia.”.....

READ THE COMPLETE STORY HERE: http://tribune-democrat.com/events/x584481250/Venue-of-Merging-Arts-to-host-Slovak-Mardi-Gras