Elsie Hronek's Kolaches

Elsie Hronek's Kolaches Recipe from Czech Republic

Region / culture: Czech Republic | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Kolaches are a traditional Czech pastry that has become a beloved treat in many households. This recipe for Elsie Hronek's Kolaches is a delicious and sweet version that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of a soft, pillowy dough filled with a sweet prune mixture makes these kolaches irresistible.

History

Kolaches have a long history that dates back to the Czech Republic. They were originally made as a wedding dessert, but have since become a popular pastry in many countries, including the United States. Elsie Hronek's Kolaches are a variation of the traditional recipe that adds a unique twist with the prune filling.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of water
1.5 cups of scalded milk
2 packages of yeast
0.5 cup of sugar
0.5 cup of butter
2 tsp of salt
4 beaten egg yolks
5 cups of flour
1 package of prunes
sugar
cinnamon

How to prepare

Prune topping

Cook the prunes in water until they are soft.
Beat the prunes until they are well mashed.
Add sugar and cinnamon to taste.
Set the mixture aside and allow it to cool.

Kolaches

Put the yeast in 0.5 cup of warm water with 1 tsp of sugar.
Scald 1.5 cups of milk.
Add 0.5 cup of sugar, 0.5 cup of butter, and 2 tsp of salt to the scalded milk in a large bowl, then beat in 2 cups of flour.
Add the beaten egg yolks and the remaining 3 cups of flour.
Put the mixture on a flat surface and knead it.
Put the dough in a greased, large bowl and let it rise until it has doubled in size.
Shape the dough into large walnut-sized balls and place them on a greased cookie sheet.
Dip your finger in melted butter and make a 'well' in the top surface of each ball.
Fill the wells with the prune filling and let them set for approximately 10 minutes.
Bake them in a 375°F (191°C) degree oven for approximately 15 minutes.
Remove them from the oven and brush the bread surface with more butter.
Optional: Sprinkle the top with coconut.

Variations

Instead of prune filling, try using apricot, cherry, or poppy seed filling for a different flavor.
Add a streusel topping for extra sweetness and crunch.
Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a finishing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help develop the gluten and create a tender pastry.

- Be sure to let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This will ensure that the kolaches are light and airy.

- Brushing the baked kolaches with butter adds a rich and flavorful finish to the pastry.

Serving Suggestions

Elsie Hronek's Kolaches are best served warm with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as a sweet treat.

Cooking Techniques

Scalding the milk helps activate the yeast and create a light and fluffy dough.

- Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic helps develop the gluten for a tender pastry.

- Making a 'well' in the dough before filling helps keep the filling contained while baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have prunes, you can use any fruit preserves or pie filling for the filling.

- Margarine can be used instead of butter.

- All-purpose flour can be used instead of bread flour.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Elsie Hronek's Kolaches can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the baked kolaches on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation. Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream on the side for a beautiful and delicious dessert.

Pairing Recommendations

Elsie Hronek's Kolaches pair well with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy and comforting treat. They also go well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet and satisfying dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Elsie Hronek's Kolaches contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Elsie Hronek's Kolaches contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Elsie Hronek's Kolaches contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Elsie Hronek's Kolaches contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Elsie Hronek's Kolaches are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk, egg yolks) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Elsie Hronek's Kolaches are a delicious pastry that is relatively low in calories and a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. However, they do contain dairy and gluten, so they may not be suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Elsie Hronek's Kolaches are a delightful pastry that is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat. The combination of a soft, pillowy dough filled with a sweet prune mixture makes these kolaches irresistible. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and comforting pastry that will be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the small town of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I had always loved to cook and bake, and I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my mother, learning all of her wonderful recipes. But there was one recipe that stood out to me above all the rest - Elsie Hronek's Kolaches.

Elsie Hronek was a beloved member of our community, known for her incredible baking skills and her generous spirit. She was always willing to share her recipes with anyone who asked, and I was lucky enough to be one of the lucky recipients. I remember the day she handed me the handwritten recipe for her famous kolaches, a sweet Czech pastry filled with fruit or cheese. I was thrilled beyond words and couldn't wait to try my hand at making them myself.

I set to work in the kitchen, following Elsie's precise instructions to the letter. I mixed the dough, let it rise, and then carefully shaped it into little rounds. I filled them with a delicious apricot filling, just as Elsie had suggested, and popped them in the oven to bake. The house filled with the most wonderful aroma as they cooked, and I knew that I had created something truly special.

When the kolaches were finally done, I couldn't wait to taste them. I bit into one and was immediately transported back to my childhood, to the days spent in the kitchen with my mother and the warm, comforting flavors of home. They were absolutely delicious, and I knew that this recipe would become a treasured favorite in my own collection.

Over the years, I have made Elsie Hronek's Kolaches countless times, sharing them with friends and family and passing the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren. Each time I make them, I think of Elsie and the kindness she showed me in sharing her recipe. I am forever grateful for her generosity and for the delicious gift she gave me that day so many years ago.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of baking bread and sweet fruit fillings, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The recipe for Elsie Hronek's Kolaches has become more than just a recipe to me - it is a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and warmth that can be found in a simple pastry. And for that, I will always be grateful.