1. Deep-fried Pickles

Coming from a country famous and proud of its pickling tradition, when I saw a sign in front of a bar advertising deep fried pickles - I almost felt personally offended. Deep frying a pickle! What a disgrace! There is no way throwing a pickle into boiling oil would bring any good to the world! I had to personally test this  abomination of a pickled cucumber - you know, for science. 

The lovely Canadian lady served me warm pickles covered in golden crust with dill sauce on the side - and I have to be perfectly honest: it was delicious! Crunchy outside with sour and refreshing inside made a perfect taste combination. I have no idea how many family members and Polish friends I have called after this culinary revelation - guys, deep-fry the pickles!

 I hope one day our polish pickle culture will catch up with the idea. If not, I am ready to officially start a deep-fried pickle stand in Warsaw! Be picky with your pickles!

2. The “Caesar”  - Vodka with Tomato and Clam Juice 

If there is anything  (other than pickles, obviously) making Poland famous in the world - it is our vodka. We have countless types and tastes - hundreds of combinations with different juices, herbs and spices. We are a creative nation, especially in terms of alcohol.

But clam juice? Oh dear, why? I really wanted to believe this idea originates from North American culture, but - surprise! My little research has shown that the first “Caesar” was served by a Polish guy named Pawel Pawlowski in Manhattan in 1958! In a club called “Polonaise”!

The traditional cocktail ingredients are: vodka, tomato and clam juice (called ‘Clamato’), tabasco and anchovies sauce. But Canadians take it to another level - they are ready to add anything to their weird drink! Celery? Yes of course! Pickled beans? Why not? How about bacon or fried chicken? Please, dip it in my cocktail! 

I did try the classic version and must admit… Never again. If you are not Canadian and you love it - please leave a comment! Maybe I just need to train my taste buds?

3. Beaver Tails

The beavers are very common in Canada, so no wonder that the early settlers often hunted them for food! Their fat tail was considered the tastiest part. Although beaver tail is no longer popular on the tables, it’s still an element of the traditional Canadian cuisine.

Do you believe it? Well, I did.

 With growing horror I listened to Aaron’s story about trappers cooking beaver tails over the fire in deep snows of Northern Territories. I believed in every word - after all, humanity has been known of eating weirder things* (and I can be fooled easily).

We were in Niagara, looking for something to eat after the trip to the waterfalls. “Do you want to try the tail?” He asked. I got outraged and was ready to express it with unquotable words, when he pointed at a… Confectionery Shop!

"Beaver's tail" is a long, flattened, deep fried dough with various yummy toppings. Traditionally, it is sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, but I couldn't resist the chocolate ice cream with whipped cream. Omnomnom!

*While searching the Internet for "beaver tail recipe" I came across information that beaver tail was indeed a delicacy of... Polish cuisine! This time it's not a joke!

4. Beans in Maple Syrup

Aaron is a typical Canadian and his heart pumps maple syrup instead of blood. After a few months we had been together in Ontario, I learned that there is no dish to which this brown syrup cannot be added. 

Of course, it is best known as a sweet topping for pancakes and other desserts, but in traditional Canadian cuisine it has a much wider use: as a salad dressing, meat marinade or addition to fish dishes! The aroma of bacon frying in maple syrup often woke me up in the morning while Aaron was making breakfast, and I must admit that my oatmeal doesn't smell that good.

However, beans in maple syrup - I didn't expect that! A canned version can be found on the shelf next to the beans in tomato sauce. We always had to have a few cans in stock - you never know when a hungry Canadian awakens and demands a maple syrup transfusion!

5. Poutine

Many dishes in Canada are very greasy and drowning in sauces. Poutine is one of those that after looking at it for too long you may need to check the blood cholesterol level. 

Poutine is a portion of fries topped with melted yellow cheese curds and gravy. Popular additions include pieces of meat, usually beef or bacon. On top of that mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup... And voila! A heart attack in one bite!

Where does the tradition of such high-calorie dishes come from? One theory explains that the first settlers in Canada were lumberjacks whose physical work in difficult conditions and sub-zero temperatures forced them to look for cheap and easy-to-prepare meals providing the maximum amount of energy.

I'll admit, I've been tempted by Poutine several times. Even though I love French fries and fried potatoes, Poutine was too hard for me to digest and each time I had to give up after a few bites. With utter regret, though.

 If you liked the article (and my weird sense of humor), please leave a comment! Cheers!