Maker of the Chilly Dilly

At the start of the twentieth century (l900) Agnes Kwasnik, (Kevin and Keith's great grandmother) left the country of Poland and came to the United States with her few belongings and her famous recipes; all of which were her closely guarded secrets. Her most famous recipe known through-out the Polish countryside was for her pickles.

Cold, crisp and full of zing, the pickle or the "Chilly Dilly" in which it is now called became the talk of neighborhoods around the Detroit area. Agnes gained the reputation around Detroit area with family and friends for making her famous "crock pickles".

Crock pickles are considered as a fresh pickle as compared to a pickle that is processed (canning) in a jar under heat. The process and recipe for crock pickles (and her original "CROCK") was passed on to her grandson, Ronald Hritzkowin, and then to his sons Kevin and Keith.

Chilly Dilly in action.

Over the years crock pickles were still only made during the normal growing season of pickles here in Michigan. Then with the onset of mass transportation and the growth of "produce only" markets, the availability of purchasing fresh pickles all year had arrived. Therefore, to this day, Grandma's "CROCK" can be used all year long and holds a place of prominence in the family. Although some have made minor changes to the original recipe, it is basically the same.

The name 'CHILLY DILLY' for the pickles is because they are kept in the refrigerator and kept cold which enhances the flavor and the crunch.