A window into the unique food culture of Northeast Pennsylvania.
You may wonder, what makes the food culture of Northeast Pennsylvania so unique? The answer lies in its rich history. Situated within the coal pockets of Pennsylvania, the region attracted people from diverse cultural backgrounds who settled in various Coal Camps or Patch Towns for work. This created a patchwork of different ethnicities, and with it came a vibrant food culture that blended together in unique and unexpected ways.
For me, the history and food culture of the Pennsylvania Patch Towns hold a personal connection. My maternal grandmother was born and raised in Eckley Miners' Village, a renowned patch town, and her recipes have been passed down from one generation to the next. While many of these recipes reflect my Polish and Slovak heritage, they also incorporate influences from other cultures that were part of the tight-knit mining communities. The sense of community and sharing that defined these communities is something I treasure.
Each recipe I possess has a story behind it, and I'm excited to share them with you. Together, we'll breathe new life into traditional dishes by modernizing cooking techniques and elevating simple ingredients to new heights. Along the way, we'll also discover new recipes and gain new experiences that will enrich our culinary journeys. So let's roll up our sleeves and get cooking!