A peasant staple through much of eastern Europe, pierogies first appeared in Canada on the tables of Ukrainian immigrants settling the prairies in the 1890s. Called “varenyky” or “pyrohy” in Ukrainian, the Polish “pierogi” has long been the name used here. The dumplings are traditionally stuffed with sauerkraut, beef, cabbage or mushrooms (and even sugared cherries), though mashed potatoes and cheese (either cheddar or dry pressed cottage, called farmer’s cheese) have become Canadian favourites. Here are four of the best.