Grandma Ann's Lithuanian Kugelis

Grandma Ann

There really was a Grandma Ann who lived in the Marquette Park area of Chicago. She learned how to make kugelis—a delicious potato “pudding”—from her Lithuanian mother— and sisters-in-law who took her under their wing and taught her how to make all their favorite “old country” recipes.  People from all over the neighborhood used to come and enjoy Grandma Ann’s kugelis, and the reason was simple—because it was the best! (Which is really saying something in a Lithuanian neighborhood!)Grandma Ann’s Kugelis has always been a staple at family dinners and holiday celebrations. It is the one dish that EVERYONE of all ages enjoys...and hurries to for seconds. Over the years, it has been more than just a tasty potato side—it represents my Grandma being with us still at every family gathering. While Grandma Ann may no longer be in the kitchen to greet us with her warm smile, her favorite recipe sure is!

Helping Grandma with the preparation was one of the highest “honors” amongst her grandchildren, and this grater stands as a symbol of that. Grandma Ann’s best ingredient was the laughter and love that she shared with her family. Having Grandma Ann’s grater will truly bring you that special ingredient, too!

Try Grandma Ann’s kugelis recipe for yourself!  See below!

Ingredients

• 10 pounds organic Idaho potatoes
• 1 large yellow onion
• 10 eggs
• 4 sticks of salted butter
• 1 pound of bacon, diced
• 2 cups of boiled milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Grab These

• Grandma Ann’s Grater (3 min) or box grater (45 min)Skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• 2 medium bowls
• Large pot
• Colander
• Large mixing spoon
• 12 x 16 x 3 inch pan

Directions

Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Peel potatoes and place in large pot filled with water.

In a skillet, sauté bacon until crisp. Do not drain fat.

In a sauce pan, slowly warm 4 sticks of butter until melted.

Whisk all 10 eggs in a medium bowl.

Plug in GRANDMA ANN’S GRATER. Begin grating potatoes. Grate until bowl is full (about 5 lbs). Empty bowl of grated potatoes into colander with a bowl underneath to catch liquid. Strain potatoes to drain off more water.

Transfer grated potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Repeat for remaining potatoes. Drain bowl of liquid as needed, but leave white starch on bottom of bowl.

Grate onion and mix with potatoes.

Pour whisked eggs into the bowl of potatoes and onion. Mix well. Add cooked bacon and butter to potato mixture. Scrape starch from bowl and add to potato mixture. Mix well.

Pour boiling milk into bowl SLOWLY. Stir while pouring. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pour potato mixture into greased 12 x 16 x 3 inch pan. Place under broiler for about 10 minutes until a light brown crust is formed. WATCH CAREFULLY.

Bake for about 1hr 15min until toothpick comes out clean.

Serve in warm squares. Common toppings are sour cream or apple sauce.

Makes about 20 - 3 inch squares (Serves 12).