Memory Lane

It is a joy to look back on memories and traditions that strengthen our cords and bind us together as a family. One such tradition was almost lost to the Kimble’s when our mother died. On special occasions, she would labor for what seemed like hours in the kitchen to prepare a mouth watering dish that each of us loved. It was her secret recipe; her gift to us. Even now, I remember the aroma that filled the house, and the sweet and sour flavor that excited my taste buds. Finally, dinner was ready. We all sat around the dining room table. Daddy said the blessing. Then one by one, we passed our plates as she served us her labor of love – Halupsi.

A few years ago, I met a Jewish woman at work who had recently come from the Soviet Union. Her family was originally from Poland. We began discussing ethnic foods when I revealed my childhood favorite. Her face lit up as she repeated my words in her accent – “Chalupsi!” Before I could get the recipe, she was laid off from her contract position. But she recently returned. She gave me her recipe, but the ingredients did not totally match the memory of my taste buds. I did several searches on the internet to piece together what I believe comes close to our mother’s recipe.

I found twenty-five names for the same dish which translated means little pigeons. These represent peoples of either German, German-Polish, German-Russian, Russian, Russian-Ukrainian or Ukrainian descent. But two things stood out as distinctively Jewish in the recipes I reviewed. Pork and vinegar were eliminated, and brown sugar, spices, and lemon juice were added into the tomato juice or sauce giving the dish a sweet-sour flavor.

Another interesting fact is that this is a favorite Jewish dish that is used in the celebration of Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles. Traditional Sukkot dishes include stuffed vegetables of many varieties filled with meat, vegetables, fruit, matzah meal and various spices. These symbolize God’s provision of a bountiful harvest. They are easy to transport from the kitchen to the sukkah, or temporary booth, they are living in during this week-long observance that God has ordained. So try this recipe for yourself. Remember our family tradition, and thank God for His many blessings. (See Recipe Below)