Masopust in Medzibrode

Simona invited me to Medzibrode, her grandmother's village, to see an end-of-winter tradition called Masopust. Between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday, there are many celebrations and carnivals. Today, masked people marched through town with a small band. We sat in her grandmother's small kitchen/living room and waited until they sounded close.

We had goulash for lunch, and Simona and I helped her grandma make filled donuts over a wood-burning stove. The experience was unforgettable and the food was heavenly. Her grandma is the tiniest person I've ever seen. I kept thinking how funny it would be to see Jesse standing next to her.

On this video, they are making donuts with poppyseed filling. Slovaks use concentrated poppyseed in many recipes. I've had it in many desserts and in pasta. I think it's just okay, but Slovaks seem to love it.