• The bi-monthly publication Zarja-The Dawn.
• Local branches and events across the country.
• SWUA Heritage Museum in Joliet, IL with exhibits, library and merchandise.
• Scholarship Opportunities for high school seniors and adults of any age who are continuing education students.

Preserving, and selling, Slovenian traditions

The Joliet branch of the Slovenian Women's Union of America (Branch 22) is selling books with the aim of perpetuating Slovenian traditions while introducing readers to a new culture.

The cookbooks and children's picture books do more than share recipes or tell stories -- they animate the richness of the Slovenian culture.

This is Damijan Stepancic and he is the illustrator of "Anton's Circus." Peter Svetina, the man in the background, is the author. (Submitted Photo)

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• Recipe for Slovenian noodle strudel

Each of the nine hardcover children's books boasts a separate author and beautiful illustrations, but all contain the story in English and in Slovenian. Some of the stories told may be rich in metaphors.

For instance, the use of the forget-me-not in the stories is a reminder for people to "forget not" their native land, even as it pays tribute to the flower that grows there. Jana Bauer's "In the Land of Gingerbread" is more than a captivating fairy tale. It is a whimsical description of Slovenia's geography and culture.

"There is even a walk down Potica Road," said Mary Lou Voelk, national vice president of culture and heritage for the Slovenian American Women's Union. "I really feel that language keeps the culture alive. If you lose the language, you lose the culture."

Moreover, sociological research suggests that food plays its own role in preserving heritage, said Edward Gobetz, professor emeritus of sociology at Kent State University in the 1998 forward to "More Pots and Pans," a traditional, Slovenian cookbook also sold at the heritage museum.

"Immigrants may shed their 'old country' clothes and some of their customs at the very first notice of ridicule or embarrassment, yet their grandchildren still gleefully refer to the way Grandma prepared a dish and don't want her art to be lost," Gobetz wrote.

Food histories, holidays surrounding their use and tips to ease preparation accompany many of the authentic recipes. This is last is especially helpful for such complicated pastries as potica and strudel, which may daunt even the most experience Slovenian cook, especially since some of these recipes span several pages.

Also included are recipes for two uncommon poticas--chocolate and pork cracklings--and two less popular strudels: spinach and carrot. Many terms are listed in Slovenian; a translation is in the back of the book. A special section features children's recipes and cooking anecdotes.

Jonita Ruth, museum office manager, remembers her mother baking strudel although Ruth herself never learned to make it, despite her mother's numerous attempts to teach her. However, thanks to "More Pots and Pans," Ruth now makes a noodle strudel that has been a hit at many potluck dinners.

"It's real easy to make," Ruth said. "And you don't have to be Slovenian to cook it."