Thanks to all who gave advice on the sugar-free cheesecake. I didn't
go completely sugar free but pretty close using a combination of the
advice you all gave. The old lady had no clue it was coming and was
besides herself with joy when she saw it even though it wasn't very
pretty. It turned out just fine and it made her very happy. She said
at least 5 times what a nice easter she was having. Having her
granddaughter and great-granddaughter with her for the holiday made
her very happy.
The old lady is Polish born and came here in 1949. Louise is the
first generation born in the states. The immigrants practice
something called Swieconka. Louise mentioned it to me last week but I
thought she was joking but found out from another group she was
serious. So the food was brought to the church and blessed on
Saturday so we could celebrate on Sunday. I'm a non-believer but it
was fun watching how happy granny was with the whole day. Actually we
think the uncle that brought to food to be blessed just took it with
him in the car and went to the bar for awhile.
Growing up we always had pretty elaborate easter meals like the ones
that have been described here in the last week but from what I read I
knew that wasn't what was going to be served. When we arrived the
food was on the table and the first thought that came to mind was:
WHOA! Talk about the ultimate theme party! It was just how I had
read. Bite sized fresh and smoked sausage, ham torn into bite sized
chunks, rye bread, sliced boiled eggs, horseradish, and butter.
That's it. Now granny didn't actually have butter and we knew she'd
have margarine so we brought butter. We also know whole wheat bread
is better for her so I made two loaves which is what everyone chose.
Potato salad is also sometimes served for Polish Easter so I made some
which went over well and everyone wanted some of the leftovers.
Obviously none of my offerings were blessed but nobody seemed to mind.
Granny lives in a 4 flat across the hall from her son. 25 years ago
he married an Italian. Soon after the Polacks finished the meal the
Italians started showing up for their feast. The doors were kept open
and it was kinda like a dorm party with nobody under 40 allowed. It
was a 5 hour food-fest and lots of fun. I was full so I didn't pay
much attention to the other sides food but it all smelled good.
We're under a boatload of stress right now and it was nice to have a
day without a care in the world and lots of pleasure for a change.
For those who don't know what Swieconka is:
http://annhetzelgunkel.com/easter/swiecone.html#basket
The sausage came from a Polish Deli. You know.....The kind sheldon
says doesn't exist. Cheap and authentic. They even have milk this
week for less that Aldi does. We're hoping Louise can get by with her
Polish because from what I read on Yelp you're SOL if you only speak
English.
http://www.joeandfranks.com/
Lou