So much begins with a meal...

How to make Polish Kotlet Mielony (a.k.a. Sznycel)

You will need:

• 0,4-0,5 kg (11 lb.) meat: pork, turkey, beef (in equal quantities)
• 1 stale bread roll (about 50-80g or 2-3 oz.)
• 1 glass milk
• 50 g (2 oz.) onion
• 1 egg
• salt, pepper, dill
• 1 garlic (optional)
• 20 g (0,7 oz.) breadcrumbs
• Oil (vegetable oil, lard or margarine)

It is possible to prepare a Kotlet Mielony from just one kind of meat, say pork. However for best results you should use different kinds of meat at the same time.

Mince the meat thoroughly, add finely grated onion. Soak the stale bread roll with milk and squeeze it. Add the bread and egg to the meat.  Add salt, pepper, dill and grated garlic.

Polish Kotlet Mielony (Sznycel) - on the right - with potatoes and vegetables

Zoladkowo-Gorzka (Special Herbs Bitter Vodka) is a flavored vodka, prepared with herbs and dried fruits. To some extent it is prepared in a similar way to Polish nalewkas (infusions) – herbs are macerated in alcohol. The vodka is matured before it is bottled. Zoladkowo-Gorzka is rather sweet and herbal in taste, and brownish in colour (thanks to the addition of caramel). The sweetness is distinct but not overwhelming.

Zoladkowo-Gorzka Vodka
Special Herbs Bitter Vodka
(small bottle)

This herbs bitter vodka is actually quite pleasant to taste. As such it’s “easier” to drink than many dry vodkas. But on the other hand its sweet flavor makes it somewhat harder to pair with food. It will go well with desserts or meals which contain sweet sauces. Or it can be drunk just for the pleasure of it, of course. As every vodka, Zoladkowo-Gorzka should be served chilled or on the rocks with a slice of lemon.

How to cook Polish Rosol (Polish Broth)

You will need:

• 0,5 kg (1,1 lb.) chicken meat
• 0,5 kg (1,1 lb.) beef
• Vegetables: carrot, celery, leek, parsley, onion
• Salt, pepper
• Dried mushrooms (optional)
• Noodles

Classic Polish Rosol