Page 59 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2024

Croation Crab Dip by Patsy Kuluz. Seasoned Crackers by Sarah Pitalo.
Cookbooks are so important because nothing brings people together better than food. That’s why there’s no doubt that cookbooks can be used as a resourceful weapon against sadness and hurt, but they’re also a integral tool for merriment and joy. You see, inside those worn out pages stained with splattered grease and clotted flour are the most beautiful of treasures, passed down through generations. My momma’s cornbread recipe belonged to her momma and her momma before. And although it consists of only four basic ingredients (sugar ain’t one of them), it possesses a depth and richness that can only be fully appreciated when you understand the love that went into each simple step.
We love preserving our history here on the Coast, with cookbook after cookbook narrating local fare. But one of my absolute favorites is the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary (SLA) Cookbook. The SLA is the women’s auxiliary under the Slavonian Benevolent Society (SBS). Founded in 1913 by Croatian immigrants, the SBS and its women’s auxiliary are considered the fundamental backbone for the seafood industry we know along the Coast today.
With history, traditions, culture, and, of course, food all brought directly to Biloxi from Croatia, it became evident over time that that the SLA wanted to preserve these elements by way of a cookbook. The first edition was published in 1985, containing a multitude of unique recipes such as traditional Boat Cabbage and Zlevanka, a buttermilk dessert. Daube and Spaghetti is an absolute classic and a feast for the entire family. Additionally, original cooking techniques were included such as the preparation of Bakalar, which calls for the beating of the fish with a hatchet until soft. These genuine and charming approaches to cooking were well received with thousands of copies sold. It made only sense that an updated edition was needed and in 2022 the second edition went to press.
The second edition grew is size and number of recipes with more and more input from the local Croatian community. Original artwork from SLA members was included, along with history encompassing both the SLA and SBS. Still, my favorite revision is the addition of an entire cookbook chapter dedicated to the most coveted of all local Croatian desserts: the Pusharata. These small, fried balls of dough are simply priceless. With more than 20 recipes featured, it’s easy to see why an entire chapter was needed. Each recipe contains its own special flare, with an extra pinch of this or an extra helping of that. Unique to each family’s lineage, these recipes are a perfect example of why passing knowledge through generations is not only important, but truly special.
Organizations such as the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary are vital to the preservation of our rich coastal history. These ladies
take such pride in their heritage and rightly so. Perusing the recipes trying to find the best is impossible because each one brings something special to your table. To purchase one of these amazing cookbooks, contact Mrs. Debora Stanovich at debstanovich87@gmail.com. I can promise that you won’t be disappointed!
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