Dad's Famous Kolacky's

Introduction

History

This recipe has been in our family for as long as anyone can remember. It originated in Eastern Europe and has been a staple at family gatherings and holidays ever since. The name "kolacky" comes from the Czech word "koláče," which means a small, round pastry filled with fruit or cheese. Our version of the recipe has been tweaked over the years to make it even more delicious.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to scald the milk before adding it to the dough. This helps to activate the yeast and create a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size. This will give the kolacky's their signature soft and airy texture.

- When filling the kolacky's, make a deep depression in the center to hold the cream cheese filling. This will prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Dad's Famous Kolacky's are best served warm with a cup of coffee or tea. They make a great addition to a brunch spread or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to scald the milk before adding it to the dough to activate the yeast.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size.

- Make a deep depression in the center of the dough rounds to hold the cream cheese filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of shortening in the dough for a richer flavor.

- Feel free to use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of regular cream cheese for a lighter option.

- If you don't have lemon zest, you can use orange zest or omit it altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Dad's Famous Kolacky's ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Dad's Famous Kolacky's on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. You can also top them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Dad's Famous Kolacky's pair well with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also go great with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Dad's Famous Kolacky's in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350-degree oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dad's Famous Kolacky's contains approximately 200 calories. These calories come from a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dad's Famous Kolacky's contains approximately 25g of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the flour and sugar in the dough, as well as the sugar in the cream cheese filling.

Fats

Each serving of Dad's Famous Kolacky's contains approximately 10g of fat. The fat comes from the shortening in the dough, the butter in the filling, and the cream cheese.

Proteins

Each serving of Dad's Famous Kolacky's contains approximately 5g of protein. The protein comes from the eggs in the dough and the cream cheese in the filling.

Vitamins and minerals

Dad's Famous Kolacky's are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals. However, they do contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamin A from the milk, eggs, and cream cheese.

Alergens

Dad's Famous Kolacky's contain dairy (milk, cream cheese, butter) and eggs. They may also contain nuts if desired as a topping. Please be cautious if you have allergies to any of these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, Dad's Famous Kolacky's are a delicious treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and calorie content. They are a great option for special occasions or as a special breakfast or dessert.

Summary

Dad's Famous Kolacky's are a delicious and nostalgic treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a sweet cream cheese filling and soft, fluffy dough, they are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and savor every bite of these delightful pastries.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the quaint little village of Krakow, Poland. My father, may he rest in peace, was known throughout the village for his delicious Kolacky's. Every Sunday, he would spend hours in the kitchen, meticulously preparing the dough and filling for these sweet and flaky pastries.

I remember sneaking into the kitchen one Sunday afternoon, drawn in by the intoxicating aroma of butter and sugar that wafted through the air. My father looked up from his work, a twinkle in his eye as he beckoned me closer.

"Come, my little one," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "Would you like to learn the secret to making the best Kolacky's in all of Poland?"

I nodded eagerly, my eyes wide with excitement. My father chuckled and motioned for me to sit at the table beside him. He began to explain the process, showing me how to mix the dough just right so that it was light and flaky. He then taught me how to carefully spoon the sweet fruit filling onto the dough, ensuring that each Kolacky was perfectly stuffed.

As I watched my father work, I felt a sense of pride and admiration wash over me. Here was a man who had mastered the art of baking, a skill that had been passed down through generations of our family. I knew in that moment that I wanted to carry on this tradition, to become a master baker just like my father.

Over the years, I honed my skills, perfecting the recipe for Dad's Famous Kolacky's. I added my own little twists and variations, experimenting with different fillings and flavors. Each batch I made brought me closer to my father, to the memories of those Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen, learning from the best.

As I grew older, I began to share the recipe with friends and neighbors, delighting in their reactions as they tasted the sweet, buttery goodness of my Kolacky's. They marveled at the flaky crust and the burst of flavor from the fruit filling, begging me to reveal the secret behind my delectable treats.

But the true magic of this recipe lies not in the ingredients or the measurements, but in the memories it evokes. Every time I bake a batch of Kolacky's, I am transported back to that cozy kitchen in Krakow, to the sound of my father's laughter and the smell of cinnamon and sugar that filled the air.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, surrounded by the laughter of my grandchildren and the tantalizing aroma of fresh-baked Kolacky's, I am filled with a deep sense of contentment. I may have learned this recipe from my father, but it is now a part of me, a piece of my heart and soul that I will pass down to future generations.

And so, as I take another bite of a warm, flaky Kolacky, I can't help but smile. For in that moment, I am not just a baker – I am a keeper of traditions, a guardian of memories, and a proud daughter of a man who will forever be known for his famous Kolacky's.

Categories

| Cheese Recipes | Cream Cheese Recipes | Czech Desserts | Czech Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Yeast Recipes |

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