When we celebrate birthdays here, we used to allow the kids to choose a restaurant for their birthday meal. Once we were down to one income, that was no longer an option. So now, we let the kids choose their favorite birthday meal. This guy's normal favorite has been Walking Tacos (tacos made in an individual Doritos bag, and therefore, portable), however, this year he asked for pierogies.
There is a company named Janka and they, by far, make the best pierogies I have ever had. Their pierogies cost about $1 a piece though. When you're feeding 9 people, that can get expensive.
I first made homemade pierogies about 3 years ago. They are fairly labor intensive, but if they come out right, they are OH so good! Anyhow, I had not yet perfected the whole dough process and so, sometimes they would be more of a pain than others. We set out to make pierogies for the birthday meal and this batch came out wonderfully. I ended up taking pictures as we went along. Here's our process....
After making the dough, it needs to be rolled. (Yes, everyone's hands were washed and the counter sanitized :) )
My daughter was in charge of making 'mashed potato balls'
Grandma made the actual pierogies
We think they taste best fried... in lots of butter!
With onions of course....
Oh the other thing, my son asked for, was an ice-cream birthday cake. My sister found this great idea that uses ice cream sandwiches. You put a layer of ice cream sandwiches. Spread whipped cream over the first layer. Add whatever cookies or candy toppings of your choice (Reese's peanut butter cups shown below). Add another layer of ice cream sandwiches. Another layer of whipped cream and topped with candy/cookie topping again. They are easy and delicious!!!
The crazy thing about pierogies is they can take hours to make and are probably eaten within less than 1 hour. I guess that can probably be said about many meals though. Here's the gang enjoying the birthday...
