Recently, I went to a Polish family reunion. Aside from getting to know extended family and reminiscing on the way things used to be, there was a lot of food. Polish people know how to throw a feast.

I grew up eating Polish food regularly, since half of my family is Polish. Some of my favorite foods are Polish, and I would not want it any other way.

Anyone who cooks Polish food will tell you how much work it is. It is a labor of love to provide food for loved ones. At almost all Polish gatherings, there are food items you know to expect, and grow up to love. The use of cheap ingredients to make hearty and savory dishes is what Polish food is all about.

Here is a list of food you are guaranteed to find at any Polish-related event.

1. Golabki (Stuffed Cabbage)

I was not a fan of it when I was a kid, but I grew to love it. Cooked cabbage stuffed with a combination of beef, pork and rice all coated in a tomato sauce... It has a sweet taste that is sure to fill your belly right up.

2. Pierogi

Polish or not, everyone is familiar with the Pierogi. A delicious dough filled concoction of potatoes, mushrooms, sauerkraut and more. They can be filled with anything, really, whether it be sweet or savory. I could eat pierogi every day, they are so filling. Although you can buy them in the store, nothing beats homemade pierogi, when the dough has good consistency and they are filled to perfection. Pierogi will always be my favorite food.

3. Kielbasa (Sausage)

Some garlic, pork butts, fat and more are encased in intestines to be served. Smoked or not, sausage is for the meat-lovers, which you have to be if you are Polish. There is nothing like the flavor of Polish sausage. It tastes great with anything, whether it be its own dish or mixed in with something else, like cabbage. The process of making sausages and smoking them is not as easy as 1-2-3, but what Polish dish is?4. Haluski (Cabbage Noodles)

Haluski is a mixture of everything good. It features cabbage, but can also be made with sauerkraut and other vegetables. To make it a well-rounded meal, it also has sausage and noodles. Everyone makes it a little differently, whether it be heavy on the noodles, or heavy on the sausage.

5. Kolaczki

Kolaczki are little pastries with a jelly filling and powdered sugar. The filling can be made from an assortment of fruit, such as cherries, apricots and more. They are a favorite on the dessert table, and it is hard to have just one.

6. Paczki

Many are familiar with the Paczki, due to its popularity on Fat Tuesday, but they are, in fact, eaten other times of the year as well. They are a popular dessert item at Polish gatherings due to its soft dough and smooth descent down your throat. They can be big or small, filled with jelly, cream, chocolate and more, or filled with nothing at all.

After reading this, your mouth is probably salivating, stomach growling. I am already looking forward to the next time I am with my Polish family to partake in all the above-mentioned food.

Recently, I was told of a site where you can order Polish food and have it delivered right to your door. They are centered in Chicago but can send food nationwide. If you cannot wait until the next Polish event, check out polishfood.com or polana.com.