Here I sit on Christmas Eve eve morning writing to you, drinking my coffee, eating Pula and watching NCIS.
Grandma Mary would have approved of the first two ,she might have thought computers were neat, and may have even thought about trying to use one. NSIC? She might have thought that Jethro was a dish.
Who is this Grandma Mary? Well, she was a sweet, feisty woman who loved her grandkids and never failed to let them know it, she was even gracious enough to put up with me when I tagged along with Aunt Sassy for a weekend visit to her house. Then I married her #1 grandson, also known as DaddyKaos,and Papa.
Grandma Mary was born and raised in Finland, and came to the US with Grandpa Gus in the early 1900's to start a new life. She was also GG's (DK's mom) mom. The reason for this mini-biography? DK and I made Pula yesterday. It is the first time in over tweleve years that I have made it (Finnish Cardamom dough). Pula is Finnish for bread, and it is good stuff. If you have never tasted it try it if you get a chance, it is different, and you either like it or you don't. Finding it will be the biggest challenge. We use Grandma Mary's recipe, it is a way to bring her into the holiday, I usually use Grandma Marys big ole yellow, farmhouse bowl to make Pula in, but like so many things , it is packed away, and "I'm not unpacking anything until we know where we are going to live."
Cami mentioned making Pula to Mei. Mei said," Why for Christmas, it's an Easter bread." We always thought it was a Christmas thing. It doesn't really matter, anytime is Pula time, I just remember it at Christmas.(Message to Mei, maybe Grandma Mary would be a good subject for a Friday Meiography. She was a very special, not a real earth shaker, but quit a gal, a pioneer of sorts.)
Clue, when making Pula and it is about 12 degrees outside, takes a little bit longer to rise then in warmer weather, those little yeasties need warmth to grow, and it is a little hard to find anyplace warm enough when it is that cold outside.
Well, there is half an hour left of Gibbs, and my coffee needs a reheat (the Pula is long since gone) and there are other things to do. I need to start the chicken going in the slow cooker for the Christmas Days "GUMBO" fest. Just DK and me. What in the world will we do with all of that left over goodness? FREEZER! ;)
To My Youngest
1 day ago
5 comments:
I know Iowa is a bit far from California, but I didn't know it was already Christmas Eve morning there! LOL - just teasing!
Having had a lot of Scandinavian exchange students over the years, I've been exposed to many of their national delicacies - baked goods - and while anything with Cardamon takes getting used to, once you like it, you'll always like it! Hmmm, maybe it's time to make some Swedish Saffron bread.....
Pulla was kind of an anytime thing, but I remember it especially at Easter, and I tend to make it at that time. Plus, you are right, it takes forever to rise in the cold weather.
I still miss Grandma Mary.
Christmas Eve eve Boo, do you need reading glasses. Love Ya !
Mie, we miss her too, that is why we always remember her most on the special days that she loved.
ok ok ok - you're right - let's just say it's the dark background and the dark type - and not mention my need of reading glasses!
xoxo
my pulla is baking right now!!!!
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