Boova shankel - It's a meal unto itself, and a means for those whose memories of their Pennsylvania-Dutch past sway to the dinner table, to enjoy a tasty bit of that history.  It's also a delicious addition to any table of those who've never enjoyed this tasty pleasure.

                The Pennsylvania-Dutch have a long history of making hearty and delicious meals.  Many area residents long for, and seek out, eateries with specialties in that tradition.  Newer or not-so-Pennsylvania-Dutch residents and visitors look for those spots that can help them enjoy a taste of the meal traditions that they've heard about.

                Now, longtime friends Don Mensch from Pennsburg and Jason Van Dyke from Forkstown have teamed up to bring this taste of the past to all.  Van Dyke indicated that although they are "friends from way back, this is a whole new adventure for us." 

                The Boova Haus, located in the Quakertown Farmer's Market, 201 Station Road in Quakertown, specializes in Boova Shankel but offers other delicious meals at the eatery.

                The Boova Shankel, which means boy's foot or thigh in the dialect, was so named because of its shape.  Described as a Pennsylvania-Dutch style pierogi, Don and Jason prepare them according to an old recipe from Don's late mother, Anna (Genszler) Mensch.

                Anna was a mainstay of the Pennsburg Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary kitchen volunteers who served delicious meals to tens of thousands of people over several decades.  As the years progressed and Anna couldn't navigate the kitchen like she used to, Don began making the Boova Shankel for her.  Family and friends who enjoyed them persuaded Don to continue making the Boova Shankel for others to enjoy.

                Describing the allure of the Boova Shankel, Don said that "everybody loves and misses them and they are so good."

                The Boova Shankel is classic egg dough wrapped around a filling of mashed potatoes, celery, onion and parsley.  The generously proportioned Boova is then gently sautéed in butter and topped with your choice of fried onions, turkey gravy, or roast beef and mushroom gravy.

                If you prefer, the Boova Shankel can also be purchased uncooked for $3.99 or $10 for a three-pack, and you can take them home and apply your own topping to satisfy your taste.

                But that's not all you'll find at the Boova Haus.  They have a hearty meatloaf meal or a mountain of incredible macaroni and cheese; both will satisfy your appetite.

                But, don't forget to leave room for desert.  The Boova Haus offers "Fried Pie" with a delicious fruit filling of the day for just $2.99.  The pies, wrapped in the same classic egg dough, come complete with a dusting of powdered sugar to please your sweet tooth.

                The Boova Haus was opened for business two weeks ago, but Van Dyke and Mensch are having a "Grand Opening" beginning Friday, August 28.

                The Boova Haus is located at Space #403, near exit 18 and is open during all Quakertown Farmer's Market hours.  Normal hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.