An Easter Tradition at the Lord's Ranch
by Ellen Hogarty
A few weeks ago, Mary Ann wrote about the importance of keeping family traditions going and passing them on to the next generation.
One of the traditions that I have is to make a morning brunch to celebrate Easter Sunday. This tradition started back in the early 80s when my friend, Christina, was visiting the Lord’s Ranch from Canada. She is of Irish/Croatian descent like I am, and I said to her, “My Croatian grandmother [my dad's mom] taught my mom how to make poteca, and my mom taught me how to make it.” Poteca is a delicious nut bread made for special occasions in Croatia. I told her, “Let's get up early and make it for the Ranchers for Easter Sunday as a special treat.” So we did—and thus a Ranch tradition was born!
I've added to the menu over the years and include coffee cake, banana bread, sticky buns, and fresh fruit. But the spotlight always remains on the poteca (pronounced “po-teetz-ka”).
My mother was always so happy that a family tradition of ours lived on, and she was able to join in when she was at the Ranch for the Easters she spent with us. And the Ranchers are always happy to partake in this culinary tradition.
What family traditions do you have? Are you keeping them alive?
Happy Easter! Alleluia! He is Risen!