In 1970, Fresno, CA's Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church Ladies’ Guild members and their friends decided to come together to publish the first 'Armenian and Selected Favorite Recipes' cookbook.
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‘Armenian and Selected Favorite Recipes' cookbook. |
This comprehensive, easy to follow recipe collection is
available for sale, and is a must for anyone who is interested in making
traditional and authentic Armenian dishes (as well as many American
specialties) including kufta, keyma, shish kebab, harissah, pilaf, lamb shanks,
dolma, basterma, yalanchi, sarma, lahmajoon, monti, chorag, gata, cheese berag,
paklava, bourma, lavash, shakarishee, and roejig, to list a few.
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Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Fresno, CA |
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church is the oldest
Armenian church in the Western United States, and the oldest standing Armenian
church in the country. It was added to
the National Register of Historic Places on July 31, 1986.
Christine Vartanian Datian’s parents and family have belonged to the church since about 1907 when her grandfather and his family emigrated to Fresno from Bitlis, Turkey.
Christine Vartanian Datian’s parents and family have belonged to the church since about 1907 when her grandfather and his family emigrated to Fresno from Bitlis, Turkey.
Armenian culinary traditions are over 2000 years old. Armenian cuisine is as ancient as its
history, and the land it is standing on.
According to the cookbook’s introduction, Plutarch said
that Ancient Armenia was “a land that abounded in all sorts of plenty.”
Holy Trinity Church Armenian Bread Sticks (Simit)
Christine adds, “Many of the cookbook’s celebrated and
beloved Armenian recipes have survived years of war, genocide, forced migration
and assimilation, yet still exist today. That millions of families from around the world continue to make and
enjoy these recipes feels like a miracle.”
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Simit: One of the treasured recipes from 'Armenian and Selected Favorite Recipes' cookbook. |
Yield: About 45 pieces
Ingredients:
4 cups flour
1 cube butter at room temperature (Note: 1 cube is
equivalent to 1 stick or 1/2 cup)
3/4 cup shortening
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 dry yeast cake, dissolved in warm water (Note: 1
dry yeast cake is equivalent to one (1/4-ounce) packet of dry yeast - or - 2-
1/4 teaspoons of active dry or instant active dry yeast.)
2 tablespoons madzoon (plain yogurt) or sour cream
1 tablespoon whiskey or brandy, optional
1-2 large eggs, beaten
Sesame seeds as garnish
Preparation:
Pre-heat oven to 350° F.
In a large bowl, blend the flour, butter, shortening, and
salt together until well combined.
Add the yeast, sour cream or madzoon (plain yogurt), and
brandy (if using).
Mix and knead well.
Let dough rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Take small amount of dough each time, roll pencil thin
(about 6 inches long), and twist into a braid. Place on a greased cookie sheet and brush tops with beaten egg.
Lightly sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, do not
burn. Remove from oven and cool
completely on wire racks.
If you are interested in ordering a copy of the cookbook, please call or email:
Ms. Nazik Arisian
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church
2226 Ventura St.
Fresno, CA 93721
Church Office: (559) 486-1141
Email: nazik@holytrinityfresno.org
The cost to purchase a copy of the cookbook is $20.00 plus $5.00 for shipping.
Make check payable to: Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.
Thank You!
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