The Croatian Cultural Association Geelong is set to transform a chilly July evening into a feast for the senses with their upcoming Winter Cooking Presentation. The event will include an engaging cooking class. On July 7th, 2025, the Croatian Community Centre will become a hub of culinary tradition, warmth, and community spirit.
An Evening of Authentic Croatian Comfort Food
Starting at 6:00 PM, with doors opening at 5:30 PM, food enthusiasts and culture lovers will gather at 172 Cox Road. They will witness the preparation of three beloved Croatian comfort dishes. The event promises to be both educational and delicious. It offers attendees the chance to learn about traditional cooking methods while enjoying the rich aromas and flavours of authentic Croatian cuisine.
The modest cost of $10 for members and $15 for non-members makes this cultural experience accessible. It is for all who wish to explore the hearty, soul-warming dishes that have sustained Croatian families through countless winters.
Meet the Master Chefs
The evening will be led by the talented Špoljarić family. Each family member brings their own expertise to showcase different aspects of Croatian culinary tradition.
Ivan and Anton Špoljarić will demonstrate the preparation of two cornerstone dishes: Pileći Perklet and Zlevenka (also known as Kukuruznica). Their combined knowledge represents generations of Croatian cooking wisdom passed down through family traditions.
Lilly Špoljarić will prepare the comforting Žličnjaci. She adds her own special touch to this beloved dish, which has warmed Croatian hearts for generations.
The Star Dishes: A Taste of Croatia’s Culinary Heritage
Pileći Perklet: A Paprika-Infused Delight
Originally a traditional Hungarian dish, perkelt is widespread in eastern Croatia and has become a beloved staple of Croatian cuisine. Pileći Perklet, the chicken version of this classic dish, showcases the Croatian love affair with paprika and slow-cooked comfort food.
This hearty dish typically features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, paprika-laden sauce with onions and peppers. The secret to authentic perklet lies in the quality of the paprika and the patience required for proper slow cooking. The result is a deeply flavourful, warming dish that embodies the essence of Croatian comfort cooking.
Zlevenka (Kukuruznica): Sweet Cornbread Tradition
Zlevanka is a traditional cornbread from Northern Croatian regions of Zagorje, Međimurje, and Podravina. It is a simple dish made of everyday ingredients which can be found in every household. These include maize flour, milk, eggs, sugar, sour cream, yoghurt, and fresh cream.
This versatile dish represents the ingenuity of Croatian home cooking, transforming simple pantry staples into something truly special. Zlevanka is a sweet cornbread from northern Croatia. The batter is very thin and it is poured into a large baking sheet, so that it comes out thin. It can be sweet or savory.
The beauty of Zlevenka lies in its adaptability – it can serve as a dessert, a side dish, or even a light meal. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it a perfect accompaniment to stronger flavoured dishes. Moreover, it can be a delightful treat on its own.
Žličnjaci: Comfort in Every Spoonful
While specific details about Žličnjaci may vary by region and family tradition, this dish represents the type of hearty, spoon-served comfort food relied on during cold winter months. Lilly Špoljarić’s preparation promises to reveal the secrets behind this beloved dish.
More Than Just a Cooking Demonstration
This event represents more than just food preparation. It is a celebration of Croatian cultural heritage and the important role of traditional cooking in maintaining community connections. Events serve as vital links to the homeland for Croatian families living in Australia. They ensure traditional recipes and cooking methods are preserved and passed on to future generations.
The intimate setting at the Croatian Community Centre provides the perfect atmosphere for cultural exchange. Attendees can ask questions, share their own family cooking stories, and perhaps even pick up tips for their own kitchens.
What to Expect
Attendees are encouraged to bring their appetite, curiosity, and love of food. The evening promises to be interactive, with opportunities to learn about ingredients and cooking techniques. Additionally, the culture significance of each dish will be explored. The aroma of paprika, the warmth of freshly baked cornbread, and the shared food experiences will make this a memorable winter evening.
Whether you’re of Croatian heritage looking to reconnect with traditional recipes, a food enthusiast eager to explore new cuisines, or simply someone seeking a warm, welcoming community event on a cold July evening, this Winter Cooking Presentation offers something special.
Join the Feast
The Croatian Cultural Association Geelong’s Winter Cooking Presentation is more than an event. It’s an invitation to experience the warmth, hospitality, and rich culinary traditions that define Croatian culture. As winter settles over Geelong, there’s no better way to chase away the chill than with the comforting embrace of traditional Croatian cooking.
Mark your calendars for July 7th, and prepare to warm your winter with flavours that have brought comfort to Croatian families for generations. In the welcoming halls of the Croatian Community Centre, food becomes a bridge between cultures, generations, and hearts.
See related story: The Croatian Cultural Association in Geelong