August 31st, 2026

Hello Reader

I'm on a plane heading back to Wyoming today. Two weeks in Poland have left my heart full, and I already miss everyone. I'm also so excited to see my puppz and my husband as well :)

I ate my weight in all kinds of Polish food. I spent hours walking around Warsaw, photographing and just enjoying how the town and its places changed.

I celebrated my 50th birthday with my family in Bydgoszcz. I sat around a table with people I love and remembered how much fun it is to gather.

I'll share more about the trip in next Monday's newsletter (photos and all!). But today, I want to make sure you have what you need for Labor Day next week.

Because Labor Day cookouts need great sides, I've got you covered. Here are some of my favorite crowd-pleasing sides for your holiday spread.

Polish Creamy Leek Salad (Surówka z Pora) Mild, sweet leeks blanched until just tender, tossed with tart apple, crunchy walnuts, and fresh dill in a creamy mustard-horseradish dressing. Simple ingredients. Surprisingly layered flavor. Polish Creamy Leek Salad

Sałatka Jarzynowa (Polish Vegetable Salad) This vegetable salad is delicious and very easy to make. Simple ingredients, but they pair so well together to create this irresistible dish. Salatka Jarzynowa

Polish Mizeria (Creamy Cucumber Salad) There’s a specific smell to Mizeria. The fresh cucumbers, the dill, and the cream. I don’t know what it is, but it smells like home, hot summer, and memories. Polish Mizeria Salad

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with Cottage Cheese Dressing This Best Crispy Smashed Potatoes Salad takes the viral sensation and gives it a fresh, flavorful twist. Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Napa Cabbage with Warm Potatoes and Bacon Salad This Warm Baby Potato and Crispy Bacon Surówka brings together crisp Napa cabbage, warm, tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and a rich, caramelized onion-and-garlic dressing that soaks into every bite. Napa Cabbage with Warm Potatoes

Quick Tip: Stress-Free Labor Day Cookout

Labor Day is a week away. Here's how to plan and make it easy:

This week (do these now):

• Make your shopping list based on the recipes above
• Grab groceries mid-week to avoid the weekend rush
• Prep the new leek salad recipe as a test run
• Marinate any meats a day or two ahead for deeper flavor

Weekend before (Sept 5-6):

• Make sałatka jarzynowa (actually improves after 24-48 hours!)
• Prep dressings and sauces
• Chop veggies and store separately
• Wash and dry salad greens if using
• Boil eggs for the potato salad

Sunday night (Sept 6):

• Assemble any make-ahead salads
• Pull meats from freezer if frozen
• Set out serving platters and utensils
• Chill drinks

Labor Day morning (Sept 7):

• Make mizeria (fresh is best)
• Make creamy tomato salad
• Make surówka z pora (fresh leeks are best!)
• Pull meats from fridge 30 minutes before grilling
• Set up the grill

Labor Day day-of only:

• Grill or smoke your protein
• Assemble any warm salads (like the napa cabbage/potato/bacon one)
• Slice fresh tomatoes
• Enjoy!

The smart hosting strategy:

• Set up self-serve stations, so you're not stuck plating
• Keep drinks in a cooler outside so people help themselves
• Label dishes if you have unusual ones (like the Polish salads!)
• Prep an appetizer people can graze on while you finish grilling

Pro tip: Focus on 3-4 great sides rather than 8 mediocre ones. Quality over quantity always wins at a cookout.

Before you go :)

Thank you for being part of My Omni Kitchen! Made something delicious? Tag @sylwiavaclavekphotography - seeing your creations is the best part of my day.

P.S. Hit reply anytime - I read every email and love hearing from you!

P.P.S. I'm planning my April recipes - is there a dish you would want me to make? Reply and tell me what you're craving!