An Ode To "Pedaheh"

We have the Scottish to thank for one of Canada's favourite winter sports, curling.

We have Henry Ford to thank for his legendary accomplishment, Canada's first legit car.

We have our native peoples to thank for the creation of the great water wizard, the canoe.

We have the Jews in Italy to thank for banking, which our society could not live without.

....and we have the Ukrainians to thank for (drum roll please)... THE PEROGY!

Yes, I saved the best for last.

Perogies are a sort of dumpling filled with yummy fillings such as cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, bacon, or even fruit.

Often they are smothered in butter, bacon onions and sour cream... is your mouth watering yet?

They go by many names in different languages including "pierogi," "perogi," "piroghi," "pirogi," or "pyrohy."

Many countries in Europe claim they are responsible for the invention of one of the YUMMIEST foods in the world.

I believe Ukraine must be the country responsible for the favourite staple, as Ukrainians say it, "pedaheh" in Manitoban's diets.

Think about it, the percentage of Ukrainian Canadians in Manitoba is staggering, although I do not have the exact stats. And how many restaurants sell perogies on their menus? Oh, and let's not forget the aisle in the grocery store in Winnipeg that has a wide selection of perogies for all occasions.

Join me in a toast to PEROGIES, a food group of their own.

AND A STANDING OVATION TO UKRAINE, for the delicious dumplings!

Are you hungry yet?

One last thought:

I guess Manitobans share their love for the perogy with Albertans. In 1993 the village of Glendon put up a 25 foot statue of the tasty treat (up top).