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Welcome To Slow Food Buffalo |
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Who We AreRecognizing that the enjoyment of wholesome food is essential to the pursuit of happiness, Slow Food U.S.A. is an educational organization dedicated to stewardship of the land and ecologically sound food production; to the revival of the kitchen and the table as centers of pleasure, culture, and community; to the invigoration and proliferation of regional, seasonal culinary traditions; and to living a slower and more harmonious rhythm of life. Slow Food Buffalo, the local Convivium (chapter) of the movement, is an active part of the Western New York community. We host events to raise awareness of local food producers and their products, hold educational tastings, and support local groups that share similar goals. Our mission is to have fun sharing the things we love about our home while ensuring their continued existence. |
Saturday, March 22, 2008Polish Swieconka Basket The past few weeks I have been telling you about all the wonderful foods that are sold at the Broadway Market – many that are specialties for the Easter Season. On Easter Saturday, many local churches now have basket blessing on Saturday afternoon. Families bring beautifully decorated baskets, usually draped in vintage linens, filled with s representation of the food that will be consumed at their family meal on Easter day. I just returned from a basket blessing at Assumption Church on Amherst Street near Grant. I go to Assumption because that is where my family lived for many years. My family roots run deep in Black Rock as both sets of my grandparents settled in that neighborhood when they came from Poland. The busy church smelled like I was back at the Broadway Market! Whiffs of smoked sausage, sweets, horseradish and chocolate were abound. Father Richard Jedrzejewski, pastor of Assumption Church, cheerfully greeted the crowd from the altar and explained the tradition of Swieconka (sh-vee-en-soon-kah) or blessing of the Easter food basket. After a short prayer, Father Richard then proceeds to walk throughout the church to bless each family basket with a pretty hefty dose of holy water. Getting wet is a favorite part of this tradition for many especially the kids. Smiles are on everyone’s face. Here is a sample of what is usually put in a basket and the reason why these foods are served.and their religious meanings. Butter: This dairy product is often shaped into a lamb reminding us of the goodness of Christ that we should have toward all things. Cross Bread: A round rye loaf topped with a cross, symbolic of Jesus, the Bread of Life. Horseradish: Symbolic of the Passion of Christ still in our minds. (May be white or pink grated red beets added.) Hard-boiled Eggs: Indicate new life and Christ's Resurrection from the Tomb. Sausage: A spicy sausage of pork products, indicative of God's favor and generosity. Ham: Symbolic of great joy and abundance. Salt: So necessary an element in our physical life, that Jesus used its symbolism: "You are the salt of the earth." Cheese: Shaped into a ball, it is the symbol of the moderation Christians should have. Chocolate: No Symbolism. I just bring my daughters chocolate filled basket along – just for the heck of it. Can’t hurt! Wesolego Alleluia or Happy Easter to all.
posted by Sandy Starks @ 4:11 PM
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