Have you ever wondered why our grandmas made an apple cake called Petrovača on Petrovdan? Or why they put a whole potato in the beans, only to throw it away later? Get ready for a real treat of old customs and tricks our ancestors used, which many of us have forgotten or don’t understand today!
Petrovača – The Apple Cake That Holds Magic
Petrovdan is a day full of customs, especially in Vojvodina and southern Banat. On Petrovdan, it was forbidden to cut apples with a knife or play with them, because it was believed that doing so would bring a heavy hailstorm that would destroy the crops. But the most interesting thing is the cake they made – Petrovača.
This cake isn’t just any pie. It’s made of two layers of dough with a filling of grated apples, sugar, breadcrumbs, and cinnamon. The dough is made from lard, eggs, sugar, milk, lemon zest, and flour mixed with baking powder. It’s baked at a low temperature and then sprinkled with vanilla sugar and powdered sugar.
This cake is not just a treat but a part of tradition and beliefs passed down from grandmothers to grandchildren.
Whole Potato in Beans – The Trick That Will Change Your Cooking
Did you know that grandmas often put a whole potato in the beans, which is then thrown away? It might seem pointless, but this trick has a scientific explanation!
The potato absorbs excess starch that causes bloating and gas, making the beans easier to digest. Also, the potato neutralizes bitterness and gives the stew a creamy texture. So next time you cook beans, remember this old trick and maybe avoid those unpleasant side effects of overeating!
Why Are These Customs Important Today?
In a time when everything changes fast and traditional recipes and customs are slowly forgotten, it’s important to remember these little secrets our ancestors used. These recipes are not only tasty but also part of our culture and identity.
Just imagine – the custom of not cutting apples with a knife on Petrovdan, or making the cake exactly this way, or putting a potato in beans to reduce bloating. These small things make our tradition rich and unique.
Conclusion
So next time you make Petrovača or cook beans, remember these old tricks and customs. You might be surprised how wise our ancestors were and how useful their recipes and customs still are today.
And honestly, who can resist an apple cake full of tradition? And beans with potato? It’s like having a secret ingredient for the perfect meal! If you have your own old trick or recipe, share it in the comments – maybe you’ll discover the next big secret of our grandmas!
After all, who doesn’t love a good story with a good bite? Let’s keep these little magic moments alive that connect us to the past and make our kitchen special!
