Polka Festival 2023

A Special Welcome From Ennis, The Bluebonnet Spirit of Texas!

Welcome to the 2023 National Polka Festival! We are thrilled to welcome both locals and visitors to this unique celebration of Czech culture. Trust us, you have never experienced Polka like this before!

This family-friendly festival has something for all ages…king and queen dance contest, a festive parade through the heart of downtown, unique shopping vendors, authentic Czech food (including those delicious kolaches), costumed dancers, downtown Pivo (beer) Pavilion, 16 live Polka bands including Grammy Award winning Brave Combo, and a special country Concert featuring Mike Ryan.

During your stay, make sure to visit Ennis’ historic downtown where you will find wonderful shopping and dining. Stop by the Bluebonnet Spirit Shop located at 204 W. Knox St. to shop all sorts of Ennis gear including hats, water bottles, bags, coffee mugs and shirts. You can also enjoy the Bluebonnet Market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, hand spun pottery, jewelry, clothing and more. This unique shopping experience is a local favorite, and we are celebrating its 10-year anniversary! Located on N. Dallas St, the market is open every Saturday from 8am-noon April through October. In addition to the market families can also enjoy Saturday Mornings at Minnie, unique live entertainment every Saturday at 10am from April through October in Minnie McDowal Park.

Watch your favorite movie under the stars at the popular 7 screen drive in theatre, the Galaxy Drive-in Theatre. Catch a live play at the Ennis Public Theatre or at Theatre Rocks. Check out an action-packed drag car race at the Texas Motorplex. The options are limitless!

Mark your calendars for upcoming festivals including Blues on Main June 10th-11th and Ennis Freedom Fest on June 24th. In October, enjoy the downtown haymaze all month long and Autumn Daze

October 27th-29th. Then kick off the holiday season with the annual Christmas Parade of Lights and block party on November 30th followed by a full month of Christmas events downtown.

Ennis, designated the “Official Bluebonnet City” and the “Official Bluebonnet Trail” of Texas, is home to the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. We have just completed a very successful wildflower season and invite you to join us next April in Ennis for the Bluebonnet Trails and Festival. The Ennis Bluebonnet Festival is three days of incredible live music, food, kids’ activities, shopping, wine, and more April 19th-21st.

We are also thrilled to be a prime viewing location for the 2024 Solar Eclipse on April 8th, 2024. The duration of totality in Enns is 4 minutes and 23 seconds and we are planning to welcome visitors from all over the globe!

Don’t forget to download our free mobile app, Ennis Y’all, where you will have access to all Ennis has to offer and more details on the Polka Festival at your fingertips including the full schedule of events and maps to all three halls. Please stop by the Ennis Welcome Center at 201 NW Main to get your free Ennis visitors guides. We can be reached at 972-8784748. For more information about upcoming events visit us at www.visitennis.org.

Welcome to Ennis Y’all!

Ashley Colunga Marketing & Communications Director City of Ennis

Welcome to the 2023 National Polka Festival!

This 2023 POLKA MAGAZINE is possible thanks to the advertisers in this edition. We encourage you to patronize them throughout your visit to Ennis and the Polka Festival. The Ennis News wishes to thank organizers of the National Polka Festival, the Ennis Chamber of Commerce, and the Ennis Welcome Center for their great and patient assistance in providing information for the EN’s annual Polka Magazine.We at The Ennis News wish the organizers and visitors the best for the 56th Annual Festival!

Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

To advertise, call 972-875-3801 today or email sales@ennisdailynews.com

2023 Schedule of Events

2023 Czech Hall Food Menu

KJT Hall

1216 S. Paris St. Ennis, TX 75119

Friday, May 26

MENU: BBQ / Klobase Sandwiches, Baked Potatoes, Kraut and Klobase Boats, Kolaches, Strudel and more.

Saturday, May 27

Sunday, May 28

MENU: Barbeque Beef and Klobase, Parsley Potatoes, Green Beans, Sauerkraut, Bread, Czech Pastries.

ADULTS - $15

CHILD’S PLATE - $10

Price includes Tea/Coffee, & Dessert. Food prices do NOT include Admission.

SPJST Hall

1901 E. Ennis Ave. Ennis, TX 75119

Saturday, May 27

MENU: Barbeque Beef and Klobase, Parsley Potatoes, Green Beans, Choice of Sauerkraut or Closeslaw, Bread, Czech Pasteries.

ADULTS - $15

CHILD’S PLATE - $10

Tea and Dessert Available, Extra. Food prices do NOT include Admission.

Sokol Hall

2622 E. Hwy. 34 Ennis, TX 75119

Saturday, May 27

Sunday, May 28

MENU: Choice of Barbeque Beef and Klobase or Pork Roast and Dumplings, Parsley Potatoes, Green Beans, Sauerkraut, Bread, Czech Pastries.

ADULTS - $15

CHILD’S PLATE - $10

Price includes Tea/Coffee, & Dessert. Food prices do NOT include Admission.

Czech Tradition

Barbeque Beef and Klobase, Parsley Potatoes, Green Beans, Sauerkraut, Bread, Czech Pastries, Tea or Coffee

About the C zech Halls

Community outreach and activities —

KJT youth program, scholarships for KJT members who are graduating seniors

History — KJT Society began so that Czech immigrants could bond with each other after coming to the United States. The Ennis chapter was founded in 1900. KJT began accepting women members in 1980. Although it started out as an exclusively Catholic organization, in 2008, KJT opened membership to all Christians.

Community outreach and activities —

Sokol provides gymnastics and fitness classes for all ages and a twirling program. Facilities can be used for community functions, weddings and other parties.

History — Sokol — which means falcon in Czech — was founded in 1862 in Prague, and brought to the United States by Czech immigrants to preserve their heritage. The Ennis unit was formed in 1908.

SPJST #25

Community outreach and activities —

Available for booking your special occasions and events, like weddings, graduations, parties, Quinceaneras, Sweet Sixteens, etc.

History — SPJST (Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas) is part of the American fraternal benefit system. During the 1880s and 1890s, many Texans of Czech ancestry joined this nationwide fraternal order. The Ennis lodge was incorporated in 1967.

2622 E. Hwy. 34 • Ennis, TX 75119

1216 S. Paris St. • Ennis, TX 75119

1901 E. Ennis Ave. • Ennis, TX 75119

Country Concert 2023

Mike Ryan

With Special Guest, Alex Meixner

Advanced Tickets available online at: nationalpolkafestival.com/ purchasetickets

$29 Advanced $35 Day of the Event

* Advanced ticket sale ends on 05/26/23 at 11:59 p.m.

Saturday, May 27 | Doors open at 8pm | Sokol Hall | Ennis, Texas

2023 Polka Bands

Enjoy a weekend of polka dancing with 16 sensational LIVE polka bands performing downtown and at the KJT, SPJST and Sokol Halls.

Brave Combo

Saturday, May 27 - 8:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. - KJT

Sunday, May 28 - 9:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. - SOKOL www.bravecombo.com

Alex Meixner

Saturday, May 27 - 8:30 p.m. - SOKOL

Sunday, May 28 - 1:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. - SOKOL www.alexmeixner.com

Czech and Then Some

Thursday, May 25 - 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - KJT Bar

Sunday, May 28 - 1:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. - SOKOL www.czechandthensome.com

Ennis Czech Boys

Saturday, May 27 - 8:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. - SPJST www.ennisczechboys.com

Jodie Mikula Orchestra

Saturday, May 27 - 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - KJT

www.jodiemikulaorchestra.com

Czechaholics

Friday, May 26 - 7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - KJT

Sunday, May 28 - 12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. -

Downtown Ennis - www.czechaholics.com

The Moravians

Sunday, May 28 - 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - KJT www.themoravianspolkaband.com

Dujka Brothers

Sunday, May 28 - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - KJT From East Bernard, Texas

Texas Sound Check

Saturday, May 27 - 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -

Downtown Ennis - www.texassoundcheck.com

Texas Dutchmen

Saturday, May 27 - 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - SOKOL

Facebook: The Texas Dutchmen

Alpenmusikanten

Saturday, May 27 - 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Downtown Ennis - www.willpolkaforbeer.com

Mark Halata & Texavia

Saturday, May 27 - 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - KJT

www.halatamusic.com

Praha Brothers

Saturday, May 27 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - SPJST

www.prahabros.com

Vaneks of West

Saturday, May 27 - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - SOKOL

Facebook:Vaneks of West

Fritz Hodde & the Fabulous 6

Saturday, May 27 - 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - SPJST

Facebook: Fritz Hodde Polka Band “The Fabulous Six”

Friday, May 26 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - KJT

Saturday, May 27 - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - SPJST

Sunday, May 28 - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - SOKOL

www.stribrnanka.cz

2023 Country Concert Artist

Singer-songwriter Mike Ryan has achieved impressive accolades in just under 10 years, building a career independently that’s not only earned the devotion of fans, but the respect of other artists and notables in the music industry. Mike Ryan is just that caliber of talent. His gift as a songwriter has led to collaborations with such major label acts as Brad Paisley and Brandy Clark, and he has opened for some of the biggest names in the business, including Miranda Lambert, Hardy and Morgan Wallen, in addition to selling out his own headlining gigs. At times, even selling more tickets than major label acts with top ten singles. It’s a coup he’s managed to pull off thanks to hard work and undeniable talent. Ryan co-wrote Paisley’s Top 20 “Last Time For Everything,” and his songs have garnered over 265 million streams with 10 of them earning over ten million streams, 19 of them earning

Saturday, May 27 - Sokol

Doors open at 8:00 p.m.

more than four million streams and 27 of them earning more than one million streams.

Now after five years, Ryan has returned with Longcut, a 13-track collection that spotlights his growth as an artist and songwriter, and the broader emotional palette he paints from now as a father with two young sons with more life experience under his belt. The songs run the gamut from the playful drinking song “Off My Thinker” to the soulful anthem “All My Songs” and the album’s intriguing closer “Forgiveness and Rain,” a portrait of a farmer and son wrestling with the guilt of raising questionable crops.

“I felt all along every project that I’ve put out has been better than the last one,” Ryan says. We’ve been working for years on some of these songs and that was one thing that was unique to this record. We had these songs for a while and lived with them. After a

while, I felt like I wanted to change things and I’ve never really had the ability to do that with albums in the past. It’s taken me a little bit longer and it’s definitely a different album in some ways than it would have been if I would have put it out a couple of years ago, but I think it’s only become better.”

There’s an edge to this album and a more expansive feel because Covid led to a more relaxed timeline. There was no need to rush. Ryan, his co-writers and producers Bart Butler and Ryan Gore took their time and as a result the up-tempo tracks kick harder and the poignant ballads pack more emotional punch. There’s an intensity and maturity in this collection that signal a new chapter for Ryan. His musical integrity is firmly intact, yet there’s a much more mainstream, radio-ready feel to these songs.

“There’s definitely been some sonic growth. We’ve used a different producer this time than I have in the years past,” Ryan says of Butler, known for his work with Randall King and Jon Pardi among others. “Brent [Anderson] has produced a lot of my stuff and several of these songs were written with Brent. He ended up

producing ‘Forgiveness and Rain’ as well so he’s still there, but it was my first time working with a producer outside of Brent. Bart brought in some new players and different elements that I just thought were really crucial in making this album sound as good as it does and I’m excited about that. Working with Bart was really cool, and he’s become a good friend of mine.”

Though Ryan co-wrote songs on the album, he was also open to contributions from outside writers and some of the most distinguished names in Music City share their top shelf songs on his new project. Hillary Lindsey, Gordy Sampson and Colin Elmore penned “Loser.” “Way it Goes” was written by Phil Vassar, Brett Sherokey and Andrew Peeples. Adam Hood and Pat McGlaughlin crafted “Gonna Take a Woman.” Brandon Kinney and Josh Thompson wrote “Won’t Slow Down” and “Off my Thinker,” with award winner Ben Hayslip joining them on the latter cut.

Ryan’s own songwriting skills are what initially gained him notice in Nashville and landed him a publishing deal early in his career. Always a respected

Continued on page 20

On the road again!

PolkaFest Run returns May 27

The Ennis Rotary Club continues the annual tradition with the 23rd Annual PolkaFest Run on Saturday, May 27. Area runners of all ages will be participating in three events; a 10K Race, One Mile Fun Run/Walk and 5K Race.

Certified by the USATF, the 3.1 mile or 6.2 mile courses begin on the west side of the Bluebonnet City, the longer event starting at 7 a.m., 5K set to get underway at 7:30 a.m. In between is a One Mile Fun Run/Walk, which begins at 7:10 a.m. Awards will be distributed at 8:30 a.m.

Registration is open online at runsignup.com/ Race/TX/Ennis/PolkafestRunWalk5K10K and more information is available on the event Facebook page: PolkaFest Run.

Individuals may register in-person, May 27, at 2405 Yorkstown Dr., in front of Lonestar Fitness Center, from 5:45 a.m. until 6:45 a.m.

Registration costs vary depending on the event you choose, the age of the participant and when you register.

Funds raised by the Rotary Club go directly to benefit many local groups and projects such as Rotary Park, the Splash Pad, Ennis Public Library’s Reading Program, scholarships and non-profits in the community.

Nikki Cohan Ennis News General Manager

Fruit and kolaches are provided to runners prior to the race and kolaches and beer or water are available after. As always, the run will wrap up before the parade. So... Come for the Run, Stay for the Fun!

10K - Saturday, May 27 - 7 a.m.

One Mile Fun Run/Walk - 7:10 a.m.

5K - Saturday, May 27 - 7:30 a.m.

Sponsors Include:

songwriter, his creativity and work ethic has attracted some A-list collaborators, including Brent Anderson, Smith Ahnquist, Chris DuBois and Brandy Clark. The latter joined Ryan and Anderson to pen “Jacket On,” an uptempo look at a disgruntled lover who says hell would freeze over before she ever came home yet her man ends up sharing, “I guess the devil’s got his jacket on.” CMA Award winner Jenee Fleenor adds her signature fiddle skills to the infectious song.

Always looking to improve his skills, Ryan also worked with a vocal coach who changed his approach. “Between the last album and this one I have changed the way I sing a little bit,” he shares. “I started taking vocal lessons and learning a little bit different technique because in some of the live shows I was noticing I was running out of gas towards the end of the set. When playing three or four nights in a row, I was really struggling the last night, and it turns out I was not quite taking care of myself the way I need to be. So, I learned a few warmup and cool down techniques and then just some basic stuff about why

voices work the way they do and what can cause them to not work as good. I sing just a little bit different because of those lessons and it’s helped me do a lot better on multi-show runs.”

That newfound vocal strength and increased confidence are on full display on Ryan’s new record, particularly on such incendiary tracks as the current single “Die Runnin.’” Ryan is looking forward to flexing his new vocal skills as when he opens for Wallen at Globe Life Stadium in Arlington, Texas. “We’ve gotten to do a bunch of arenas and amphitheaters and stuff, but this is the first stadium and for it to be at Globe Life, that’s just going to be nuts,” the proud Texan says of entertaining the rabid fans in his home state. “We’re based in the DFW area and I’ve played pretty much everywhere you can play in and around that stadium, but this will be the first time performing inside of it and for a crowd like that, I can’t even imagine. It’s going to be so wild.”

Such a gig is a dream come true for a talented kid who grew up absorbing a variety of music including The Eagles, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder and Elton John in

addition to such country legends as George Strait, Clint Black, Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks. “The first song I ever learned how to play was a Bob Seger song,” he recalls, “but I grew up in the 90’s and so I was listening to 90’s music every single day and that is still my favorite era of country music.”

Ryan was also inspired by his grandfather, who directed the Texas National Guard Band for three decades. “The first instruments that I played were in his living room,” Ryan recalls. “Being a band director, he had a basic knowledge of just about every instrument under the sun and he had most of those at his disposal at the house. So, he’d pull one out and had me play it for a while, and then if I liked it, I’d keep playing. If I didn’t, he’d pull out another one and so we’d just go down the line. He made a living out of showing people how cool and how much fun you can have playing music and how it just really changes people’s lives in a lot of different ways.”

By the time Ryan was in college, he was making his own music and building an audience on the competitive Texas music scene. “I put a band together and every step of the way was just encouraged by what I saw and what

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Continued from page 21

happened,” says Ryan, who became a regular at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk and mecca for every hungry artist looking to make a name. “There were definitely some times where I was living pretty lean and wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to make my bills but it was all part of the process.”

These days, those years of hard work are paying off as he has since scored nine No. 1 songs on the Texas music charts, and his previously-released album Blink You’ll Miss It landed at No. 15 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and in the top 40 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart. His music has been embraced nationwide and he packs venues from the West Coast to the Southeast and several places in between. He’s got a new album he’s proud of and a stacked itinerary.

“We’re certainly enjoying our time and playing a lot of really fun shows. It’s just great to be out there and continue working for as long as we have,” says Ryan, who is booked by WME. “The live shows are my favorite part of the business, and we never really slow down. We’re always playing, which is great.”

C zeching in on history

Randy Bryan Bigham Contributor

Polka past and present go hand in hand

Ennis residents don’t have to be told about the city’s Czech history. It’s something they know all about and are proud to share, whether they’re Czech themselves or just warmed by the traditions with which most locals are familiar as friends and neighbors of families with Czechoslovakian roots.

Everywhere, it seems, there’s a tie to history. The Czech Museum and Library at Sokol Hall is a favorite place to visit for Ennisites or visitors. Czech costumes, rare books and other items of interest are displayed there. Call in advance to reserve a time to view its treasures.

The Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum also has memorabilia that features the city’s Czech roots along with the larger railroad history of the late 19th and early 20th century.

And Czechoslovakian culture is alive and well in Ennis year-round. It isn’t only linked to the Polka Festival, although that event gives great impetus to celebrating Czech heritage, especially through music. Modern bands may reflect the styles and tunes of today but they also keep close to their roots.

The Raymond Zapletal and Eddie Miller Band of the 1960s and ‘70s would feel right at home among the new performers.

But it’s even more than the music. As an increasing stream of visitors enjoy downtown and the newly revamped historic district, they can glimpse (and sometimes buy) relics from the Czech Republicfurniture, crystal, ceramics, even dolls.

In the Bluebonnet City, as elsewhere in Texas, people are only too familiar with kolache and other Czech delicacies, and although there isn’t a local celebration devoted exclusively to Czech Heritage Month in October, it’s never far from locals’ thoughts as the Autumn Daze Fall Festival gets underway then.

Whether it’s a concert, gift shop or restaurant, a florist or a bakery, Czech culture and history is allied to Czech pride and ingenuity in merchandising, something that’s been part of Ennis since the first immigrants from that far-off land made their way to this bluebonnet-strewn town nestled in the countryside near Dallas.

Raymond Zapletal and Eddie Miller Band performed at the first Polka Festivals in the late 1960s.

Kolache Eating Contest

Saturday, May 27 - 1 pm - Downtown

Sponsored by KJT Home Office

Prizes awarded to Men’s, Women’s, Youth Boy and Youth Girl Individual Champions. Register at the Chamber of Commerce until noon on Friday, May 26.

Register on Saturday, May 27 until noon at the downtown stage.

Stage

Kolache is Polka Fest fast food

In-take contest slated for May 27

Four champions to be crowned

An annual tradition at the Polka Fest is the kolache eating contest. It is set for 1 p.m. downtown, on Saturday, May 27. Consuming the fruit or cheesestuffed puffy dough treats takes on a science exhibit of osmosis and lasts less than a minute.

The Czech and Slovakian pastry is downed by contestants, rapid-fire, to see who can devour three in the quickest time. Prizes are awarded by the sponsor to the winner in Men’s, Women’s, Youth Boy and Youth Girls divisions.

Aspiring dessert-eaters should meet at the downtown stage at noon on May 27 or register in

Mark Warde Managing Editor

advance at the Ennis Chamber of Commerce.

Kolache is a semisweet wedding dessert from Central Europe, which later became a part of breakfast fare in South London. It has become popular in parts of the U.S.A.

Originally derived from an old Slavonic word, kolo, meaning circle or wheel, the tasty dish has varied over the years, and is even made with sausage or other meats. In true Czech tradition, however, kolache is only stuffed with non-meat items.

Czechs immigrants who settled in Texas began making klobasniky, with meat, and so the dish continues to evolve. One thing that is common is that it disappears in a hurry and its handiwork is a satisfied smile.

Kolache crowns up for grabs

Who will the winners be in 2023?

Jeff Gray (right), of nearby Cottonwood, won the 2022 Kolache Eating Contest, when he snarfed down three in 15 seconds to dethrone the sixtime champion Jonathan Newton.

The current Fire Chief at Ennis Fire Station #1 said he will not be present to

Mark Warde Managing Editor

defend his crown. Along with his wife, Pam, they will be in Florida over Memorial Day.

He conceded that 2023 will bring a different men’s champion to the table.

Winners will also be named in the women’s, boys’ and girls’ categories.

Czech it out Saturday downtown!

Thirty-six years of Polka Coronation

Annual Winners of the King and Queen Dance Contest

Mark Warde Managing Editor

The floor is cleared for scores of dancers who whirl the half-step, spin and sway and dance the night away until judges decide the best duo in town. May of 2023 will crown another pair. The 2023 King & Queen competition is slated for 9 p.m. on Friday, May 26. A chronological list of the first 35 includes:

2010 - Jon Marek and Angela Adamcik

2009 - Mark Hermis and Ashley Sulak

2008 - Richard & Joyce Brinker

2007 - Matthew Matus and Lindsey Adamcik

2006 - James & Debbie Macik

2005 - Jean & Julie Beebe

2004 - Edward Kopecky & Lillian Kaderka

2003 - Ed & Lana Mikuda

2002 - Rudy & Bea Patek

2001 - Ray & Mary Lenart

2000 - Richard & Betty Kadecka

1999 - Douglas Petery & Helen Hrach

1998 - Pat & Doris Mollenhauer

2022 - Laurie & Blake Butler (pictured above)

2021 - Samuel & Olivia Zmolik

2019 - Louis Stewart Jr. & Elaine Rosquist

2018 - Julio & Jody Hernandez

2017 - Kaylee Prasifka & Tyler Prasifka

2016 - Michael & Christina Brenek

2015 - Michael & Debbie Svatek-Logue

2014 - Gary Greener and Kara Walker

2013 - Nick & Shirley Macik

2012 - Jake & Jessica Holland

2011 - David & Diane Liska

1997 - Ricky Hoff and Annette Seay

1996 - Russell Marusak & Amanda Marusak

1995 - Ab Don Sulak and Brenda Cakes

1994 - Edward Hosek and Sylvia Hugo

1993 - Henry & Delores Jasek

1992 - Freddie & Mildred Gregory

1991 - Johnny & Lillian Divin

1990 - David Slovak & Kelly Rubes

1989 - John & Delores Jeffries

1988 - Norbert & Pauline Blazek

1987 - Calvin & Mildred Cervenka

C zech Cooking Lillie

Crowley’s classic prize winning recipes

Halushka (Potatoe Dumplings & Cabbage)

Ingredients:

5 potatoes, grated or shredded

1 Tb salt

3 eggs, beaten

3 C flour

2 onions, chopped

1 head cabbage, shredded

1/2 c. butter

Directions:

Add beaten eggs to potatoes, then add flour to make a soft dough. Have a pot of water boiling as for spaghetti. Dip spoon into boiling water and drop dough by the spoonful into the water. If spoon is dipped the dough will not stick to the spoon. Cook 10 minutes, drain, rinse with hot water. Saute onions in butter until golden brown. Add shredded cabbage and cook until tender about 1/2 hour. Add salt to potato mixture, then mix with cabbage and add to a white sauce mix.

Czech Quick Pickles (Kvasaky)

Ingredients:

Clean quart size jar

Cucumbers

1 Tb canning salt

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp pickling spice, fresh dill or dill seed

1/2 C 10% acidity white vinegar*

HOT water

Directions:

Place salt and sugar in bottom of jar. Slice cucumbers into rounds, sticks or spears and place in jar. Add pickling spice or dill, vinegar and HOT water.

Close jar and shake well to dissolve salt and sugar. Wrap closed hot jar in cup, towel or newspaper. Set aside for 12 to 24 hours. Add carrot sticks, fresh green beans or mini-carrots if desired.

*Use 5% vinegar for a milder pickle

Texas Czech Almond Pie

Ingredients:

1 C white corn syrup

1 C dark brown sugar

1/3 tsp salt

1/3 C melted butter (unsalted)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract

Polka Festival Kraut

by George F. Prachyl from the EDN

Ingredients:

1 pt. sauerkraut

1/2 c. diced bacon

2 green onions with tops, chopped or 1/2 c. onion, chopped

1 sm. raw potato, diced

1/4 tsp. sugar

1/8 tsp. caraway

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Open can or jar and drain sauerkraut well. Cover with fresh water and boil for about 10 min., then drain again. Fry bacon and onions until lightly brown. In blender, put 1 cup of water and the raw potatoe, diced, and blend until liquefied. Combine bacon and onion, potato, caraway, salt, sugar and pepper. Stir until mixed, then pour over sauerkraut. Cook for about 15 min.