‘Lituanica’ – the Unsolved Mystery

BY ALGIS GINTAUTAS Lituanica’ – the Unsolved Mystery 75 years after a still-unexplained crash killed the two Lithuanian flyers who were trying to establish a new record in aviation history, the cause of the crash and their death continues to be a mystery. JULY 15-17, 2008 MARKS THE 75TH ANNI- …

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Cool soups for a hot summer

COLD BEET SOUP šaltibarščiai 4 cooked red beets, peeled and coarsely grated (canned beets can also be used) 2 fresh medium-size cucumbers, finely cut 2 hard-boiled eggs 6 Tbsps. sour cream 4 cups sour milk or buttermilk 1 cup boiled water 8 sprigs fresh dill, finely chopped 1 cup scallion …

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Pagan Lithuania

By Gloria Kivytaitė O’Brien Lithuanians were some of the last people in Europe to embrace Christianity. Among the reasons for this was their deep attachment to their old beliefs and the ruthlessness of the “baptizers.” AS THE CRUSADES IN THE HOLY LAND raged on, the Roman Catholic popes, in the …

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For your summer buffet

BACON BUNS Lašiniuočiai 1 package dry yeast 1 tsp. sugar ½ cup warm water ¾ cup warm milk 1/3 cup sugar ½ cup oil 1 tsp. salt 3 eggs, beaten ¼ tsp. mace 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour In a small bowl dissolve yeast in warm water; add …

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‘Gold of the North’

By Leif Brost Amber, a fossilized tree resin millions of years old, has fascinated civilizations for millennia. This fascination continues to this day. LITHUANIANS REGARD AMBER AS THEIR “GOLD.” Others refer to Baltic amber as the “Gold of the North.” While amber can be found throughout the world, the finest …

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A salad by any name..

MIXED VEGETABLE SALAD Daršovių mišrainė 4 medium potatoes, cooked and cubed 4 medium beets, cooked and cubed 4 medium carrots, cooked and cubed 1 cup cooked white kidney beans 1 cup cooked peas 1 cup cubed dill pickles 2 tart apples, peeled and cubed 1 medium red onion, chopped fine …

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A Stroll Through the Courtyards of Vilnius University

by Julie Skurdenis EVER SINCE I FIRST VISITED VILNIUS MORE THAN 30 years ago, one of the first places I go to, once I have set my suitcase down in my hotel room, is the University in Old Town. I love to meander through the complex of courtyards comprising the …

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į sveikatį! To your health!

HONEY LIQUEUR Krupnikas 1 tsp. caraway seeds 10 cloves 10 whole allspice 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks 1 vanilla bean 2 one-inch pieces yellow ginger 2 one-inch pieces white ginger 10 cardamom seeds ½ nutmeg Pinch of saffron 2 to 3 strips orange rind 2 to 3 strips lemon rind …

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A Feast for the Living – and the Dead

On this special occasion of the year, all living members of the family get together to enjoy each other, and to remember those who have departed. Kucios (pronounced Koochios) is the name of the day before Christmas in Lithuania (and among Lithuanians scattered everywhere). It is also the name of …

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A few more Kūčios dishes

CHRISTMAS EVE BISCUITS Šližikai  /  Kūčiukai 1 cup self-rising flour 2 cups ordinary flour 2 Tbsps. powdered sugar 1 egg 1/3 lb. margarine (2 sticks) 1 cup cold water (approx.) Mix all ingredients  (margarine should be room temperature –  soft), knead dough, cool in refrigerator 2-3 hrs.  or overnight, roll …

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