SPLIT PEA SOUP Žirnių sriuba 1 lb. split peas 1½ lbs. smoked sausage cut into chunks ¾ cup carrots, diced 1 onion, minced 1 stalk celery, diced 6-8 cups water Salt and pepper Rinse peas. In large pan bring water and peas to boil for about 30 mins. Skim off …
Read More »Culture: Goldsmithing in Lithuania: Seven Centuries Plus
BY K. PAUL ZYGAS The complete absence of gold or silver-bearing ores in their country has never stopped the Lithuanians from appreciating and crafting the noble metals. Jewelry found in archaeological sites reveals that silver has been prized and fashioned in Baltic lands continuously since times immemorial. While small deposits …
Read More »Traditional Kūčios dishes
Traditional Kūčios dishes Although in previous years we have featured dishes you can make for your Christmas Eve supper table, we continue to get requests for more. By tradition Lithuanians abstain from eating meat on this day, and the Kūčios supper consists of twelve meatless dishes that usually include fish, …
Read More »Profiles: Lithuania’s Greatest Bohemian
By Tom Gregg Webster’s defines Bohemian as a person, often a poet or artist, with an unconventional lifestyle. World War II Lithuanian refugee and longtime filmmaker and poet Jonas Mekas has consistently qualified. HE BEATNIKS were the hippies of America’s 1950s. If you remember the era, you certainly remember them. …
Read More »For those hot, hot days of summer
LET’S COOK LITHUANIAN with Dana Siliūnas For those hot, hot days of summer RADISH SALAD Ridikų mišrainė 1 bunch fresh large radishes 2-3 scallions (green onions) 2-3 Tbsps sour cream Salt and pepper to taste Wash and trim radishes. Grate coarsely either in food processor or by hand. Drain for …
Read More »Lithuanian Profiles: the Darius and Girėnas Mystery
BY JOHN MILLAR Almost 70 years later, the true cause of the fateful crash of the “Lituanica” and the death of its two pilots remains an unsolved mystery. IN THE YEAR 1993 LIETUVOS BANKAS, Lithuania’s National Bank, issued a Treasury note, valued at 10 litas, on the face of which …
Read More »Folklore: the Ghosts of Trakai Castle: Stories of the Castle Watchman
by Galina Bogdel Stories of the Castle Watchman I WAS BORN AND GREW UP IN an old Karaite house which had been bought and repaired by my father. The house stood between the lakes Totoriškiu and Galve opposite Trakai Castle. Later on, the local authorities tore down the house and …
Read More »Some Lithuanian Favorites
LET’S COOK LITHUANIAN Lithuanians have some favorite dishes Lm they have been enjoying for centuries. They still prepare them the same old- fashioned way their grandparents and great-grandparents used to prepare long time ago. Here in America many of us are either not familiar with some of these dishes, or …
Read More »Our Lithuanian Roots: for Genealogy Legwork, You Need Legs (Lggs)
By Tom Gregg (Grigonis) Not all professional foot – ball players are motivated outside of athletics. But as the 2001 National Football League season wound down, Joe Jurevicius had not just one big offseason plan but two. First, he would return to college to complete studies for his Fiuman Development …
Read More »Imperial Dessert
NAPOLEON TORTE Napoleonas Napoleon torte has been a favorite dessert on the Lithuanian festive table for ages. It is served during the most important holidays and celebrations, as well as on informal occasions. Legend says that the recipe was brought to Lithuania by Napoleon’s own chef during the Emperor’s 1812 …
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