Pepper Cabbage ~ A Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Recipe

During our family trip last week, we ventured back to Hershey, Pennsylvania. My husband grew up in that area and we have visited regularly over the years. Of course a visit to Hershey, Pa., wouldn't be complete without going to Chocolate World at Hershey Park! It's good, family fun, and, of course, loaded with candy! Even though you can get Hershey candy anywhere, we always come back with a bag full.

My husband is also fond of the traditional, Pennsylvania Dutch foods he grew up eating. And so, we also visited one of his favorite markets, Laudermilch Meats, just up the road from Hershey in Annville. He gets his usual favorites, Longhorn cheese and Ring Bologna. This time he also picked up some Pepper Cabbage salad. It is so simple and delicious, I couldn't resist sharing it with you!

There are so many recipes you can find on the internet, but this one basically has a handful of ingredients:

1 head of cabbage

1 green pepper(about 1/2 a cup or so)

1/2 C water

1/4 C plus 1 Tbsp. Cider or White Vinegar

1/4 C Sugar

1 tsp Salt

Pepper (to taste)

The key to this recipe is to finely chop and dice the cabbage and green pepper, and I mean fine!  Mix the dressing and combine with the pepper/cabbage, and refrigerate it for a few hours.

The pictures I found don't really do it justice because they all look like slaws where the cabbage is sliced rather than diced. Either way you do it, I'm sure it will still taste great. You can also opt to add other flavors, colors, and textures with carrots, red or yellow peppers, celery, or celery seed.

What traditional or regional recipes do you miss from your childhood?