FOOD

Pierogies, desserts, beer garden at Ukrainian festival on Saturday

Dave Garey
Correspondent

It's time to enjoy homemade pierogies.

The volunteer pierogi-makers at the 5th annual Ukranian Festival in Hanover this Saturday plan to serve up more than 11,000 of their delectable creations.

Food lovers are advised to come hungry and experience a smorgasbord of Ukrainian comfort foods and desserts available for on-site dining or take-out. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. on the grounds of the Ukrainian American Cultural Center, 60 N. Jefferson Road, in the Whippany section of Hanover Township (click for map: https://goo.gl/maps/jwX9f).

While fans of pierogies — varenyky, in Ukrainian — have varied preferences when it comes to fillings and toppings, the festival version, which usually sell out by the end of the event, features a tried and true blend of potatoes, sautéed onions and cheese, says festival co-chair Oksana Lodziuk-Krywulych.

Care is taken to ensure that the flour and egg-based pouches are tender to the palate, before being smothered with pan-browned onions, or, if diners prefer, dollops of sour cream.

For those without a Ukrainian mother or grandmother, there are no worries at this event, which runs until 7 p.m. rain or shine.

"Most of the ladies making (the pierogies) are wonderful home cooks and they bring their expertise to us," Krywulych said. All cooking is done under the watchful eye of Eugenia Kozak, 82, of Cedar Knolls, who is considered the matriarch of the kitchen.

Bags of frozen pierogies ($8 per dozen) will also be sold at the festival.

Kovbasa, the Ukrainian version of kielbasa, will be served alongside a helping of kapusta — a special sauerkraut that is literally de-soured, soaked in chicken stock and fried up with onions and bacon.

Beef and pork-filled stuffed cabbage, flavorful beet-based borscht and a pig roast are among the other hot delicacies.

"They start roasting the pig at four (a.m.) in the morning," Krywulych said. "It's nice and tender when the crowds start coming in at 11:30 (a.m.)."

A combination plate with stuffed cabbage, two pierogies, kovbasa, kapusta and bread, costs $11.

For those seeking a more authentic dining experience, foods can be eaten in the beer garden, accompanied by genuine Ukrainian beverages.

The Ukrainian beer list features several varieties of Lvivske (Lvivske 1715, White Lion, Mitzne and Dark) and Obolon (Premium and Magnat).

Specialty beverages include the Ukrainian Blush — a mix of orange vodka, cranberry juice and club soda; the Angry Kozak — a shot of tequila, hot sauce and pepper; and a drink commemorating the new president of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, who was once dubbed "The Chocolate King" for his success in the confectionary business. The Poroshenko beverage contains light rum, kahlua and coke.

Pace yourself on sampling the hot foods and adult beverages, so there's room for the generous assortment of homemade desserts.

Among the popular selections are cheesecakes, babka, apple streudel, nut rolls, medivnyk (honey cake), pampushky (Ukrainian doughnuts) and a variety of tortes — ranging from fruit and walnut, to poppy seed and chocolate.

Beyond the food, another festival draw is an array of Ukrainian dancing, music and singing presented during two separate stage shows, beginning at 12:30 and 3 p.m.

Six dance ensembles — including the Iskra Ukrainian Dance Academy that trains at the cultural center — will showcase Ukrainian ballet, folk, character and athletic dances.

More than 200 performers, many of them Ukrainian-American middle, high school and college students from Morris County and throughout New Jersey, are slated to participate.

The popular Hopak, considered the national dance of Ukraine, and famous for its high-energy jumps and spins, is among the scheduled performances.

"This year, with the crisis in the Ukraine, we feel it is more important than ever to share our beautiful culture with everyone," Krywulych said.

Members of the Ukrainian American Relief Committee, who were in Ukraine during the student protests earlier this year, will be present to address the crowd.

Children are welcome at the event; there will be a "Kids' Kingdom" play area featuring an inflatable obstacle course, bowling and bounce house, as well as entertainment by a magician.

Admission and parking are free, with free shuttle service provided from designated nearby parking areas.

A Ukrainian Zabava dance follows the festival inside the cultural center between 7 p.m. and midnight. Admission to the Zabava is $5, and free for attendees 21 years and younger.

Send your local food news and events to eabreu@dailyrecord.com

IF YOU GO:

Event: 5th Annual Ukrainian Festival

When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine

Where: Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey; 60 North Jefferson Road, in the Whippany section of Hanover Twp.

What: Celebration of Ukrainian culture, including homemade Ukrainian foods and desserts; beer garden; dance and music performances; vendors; and a "Kids' Kingdom"

Admission and parking: Free

Online:www.uaccnj.org

MAP:

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