COOK OF THE WEEK - MISSISSIPPI DUTCHMEN

I had the privilege of visiting with one of the bands at the Polka Fest this past weekend. The Mississippi Valley Dutchmen have been playing together for over 30 years. Brian Brueggen is from Cashton, WI, a small west central Wisconsin town about 30 miles east of the Mississippi River. Brian was born in 1965, and has carried on a family tradition that goes back to the 1800s. Brian was the youngest of five children. It was a common family tradition for all of the children to sit in the kitchen and play music. At the age of 3, Brian’s grandfather told everyone that Brian would be a great musician one day. Brian’s Grandpa Herman was so right. At the age of 6, Brian began playing the trumpet. After a couple of years, he joined his dad’s band playing the second trumpet. Brian wanted to learn more, so he would “sneak” into his dad’s closet and try out the concertina. He would practice when his dad was gone. One Sunday afternoon as the family took their afternoon nap, Brian took his dad’s concertina out of the closet and practiced. Brian played “At the Spring Waltz.” From that time on the concertina was never locked in the closet and he practiced between six to eight hours every day. Music came naturally to him, which enabled him to play from the heart and compose beautiful songs. Several of his compositions have been recorded and played by many bands in the Midwest. Brian started his own band in 1985. It started as a six-piece band. As the years passed by, many larger bands decreased to three or four-piece bands. However, almost 30 years later, Brian is one of the few bandleaders who still maintains a six-piece band. In Brian’s words, the credit would go to loyal side musicians who still love to be part of a big band. The Mississippi Valley Dutchmen have secured one of the finest names in old time music, playing the traditional “Dutchmen Style” music! In 2012, the Mississippi Valley Dutchmen became the Band of the Year in the Wisconsin Hall of Fame. I also visited with Frank Galewski, who is also the Mayor of Schmickle Valley, WI. Nic Dunkel was also playing. He hails from Black Earth, WI. The band was about ready to play for several hours but I continued to visit with Brian’s son, Phillip Brueggen. Phillip was a delightful “almost 12 year old.” I asked him if he just comes along with his dad or if he plays an instrument. He said he was filling in for his grandpa who had stayed home because his grandma is sick. I was awed by this 12-year old young man as he stated he played trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano and “I play the concertina also!” He said, “I sing too!” Then in a few minutes after I purchased a couple of their CDs, here Phillip was out on the dance floor dancing with one of the ladies. I told this young man that when the Humboldt girls heard about him, they would be swarming the website to see more about him! The website is mississippivalleydutchmen.com. I had permission from Brian to use the website for part of this information. I am disappointed to only be sharing one recipe with you, as Brian had his wife send this one recipe. It does look yummy though! Pumpkin Cake1 package honey spice or yellow cake mix1/4 teaspoon ginger1/4 teaspoon nutmeg1 teaspoon cinnamon2 eggs1/3 cup water2 cups pumpkin1-1/2 teaspoons soda In a large bowl, mix and beat at medium speed for 4 minutes. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch cake pan. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 25 minutes. Serve with whipped cream and brown sugar. If you are reading this, then you probably enjoy new recipes. If you would like to share some of your recipes with the community YOU could be Cook of the Week. Please contact me, Sally Cuthbertson, if you would like to be in this column some week. I can be reached by phone at 515-368-3650 or email me at sacuthbe@msn.com. I will be happy to email or send you my short questionnaire and set up a time to come and visit you at your convenience. I’m always looking for NEW Cooks of the Week. Also, if you are new in town, this is a good way to introduce yourself to the Humboldt community and surrounding communities. I look forward to visiting with you. The COOK OF THE WEEK 3rd Edition Cookbook is available. Cost per copy is $10.70, plus $4.80 shipping/handling. Order a copy today by sending a check or money order, along with name and shipping address, to: Humboldt Independent, 512 Sumner Ave., Humboldt, IA 50548.