Fruit Kolacky

Fruit Kolacky Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Czech Republic

Region / culture: Czech Republic | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 10-15 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Fruit Kolacky is a traditional Polish pastry that is typically served during holidays and special occasions. These delicious pastries are filled with a sweet fruit filling and are perfect for serving with tea or coffee.

History

The recipe for Fruit Kolacky has been passed down through generations in Polish families. It is believed to have originated in Poland and has since become a popular dessert in many other countries as well.

Ingredients

2 packages of active dry yeast
0.25 cup of water
7 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp of salt
2 cups of softened butter
4 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups of whipping cream
apricot preserves (or any other fruit filling!)

How to prepare

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
Stir in yeast, eggs, and whipping cream.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, with the greased side up.
Cover the dough and refrigerate until firm, for 6 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roll out the dough on a sugared or floured surface to a thickness of 0.13 inches.
Cut the dough into squares measuring 2.5 inches.
Spoon 1 tsp of filling in the center of each square.
Bring two opposite corners of the square to the center and pinch to seal.
Moisten your fingertips with a little bit of water.
Fold the sealed tip to one side and pinch to seal.
Place the filled squares 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 10–15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Variations

Try using different fruit fillings such as apricot, raspberry, or cherry.
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the pastries before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up.

- Use a sugared or floured surface when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.

- Be sure to seal the edges of the pastries tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Fruit Kolacky is best served warm with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to knead the dough until smooth to ensure a light and flaky pastry.

- Refrigerating the dough before baking helps to firm it up and makes it easier to work with.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

- You can use a plant-based whipping cream substitute for a vegan version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Fruit Kolacky ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake the pastries.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Fruit Kolacky on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Fruit Kolacky pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Fruit Kolacky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fruit Kolacky contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fruit Kolacky contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fruit Kolacky contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Fruit Kolacky contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fruit Kolacky is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A due to the fruit filling.

Alergens

Fruit Kolacky contains dairy (butter, eggs, whipping cream) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Fruit Kolacky is a delicious pastry that is relatively high in calories and fats, but it also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fruit Kolacky is a delicious and traditional Polish pastry that is perfect for serving during holidays and special occasions. With a sweet fruit filling and flaky pastry crust, these pastries are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered the recipe for Fruit Kolacky. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining and the smell of freshly baked pastries filled the air. I was visiting my friend Anna, who was known for her amazing baking skills. She had just taken a batch of Fruit Kolacky out of the oven and the sight of them made my mouth water.

Anna saw the look of longing in my eyes and she smiled, knowing that I was a sucker for anything sweet. "Would you like to learn how to make these?" she asked, handing me a plate with a steaming hot Kolacky on it. I eagerly took a bite and was immediately transported to a world of sweet, tangy fruit and buttery pastry. It was love at first bite.

I watched as Anna worked her magic in the kitchen, rolling out the dough, spooning on the fruit filling, and folding the edges over to create the signature Kolacky shape. She explained each step to me in detail, making sure I understood the importance of precision and patience when it came to baking.

As the Kolacky baked in the oven, filling the house with their irresistible aroma, Anna shared the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had brought it with her from the old country. It was a traditional recipe that had been passed down through generations, each family adding their own twist to make it their own.

I was fascinated by the history of the recipe and the way it had traveled through time and across continents to reach me. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make Fruit Kolacky for myself.

Over the years, I honed my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different fruit fillings, tweaking the dough recipe, and perfecting the folding technique. I made Fruit Kolacky for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays to family gatherings. Each batch was a labor of love, a tribute to the generations of women who had come before me and shared their culinary knowledge.

I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing on the tradition of Fruit Kolacky to the next generation. They marveled at the sweet, flaky pastries and the stories that went along with them, connecting them to their roots and to me in a way that only food can.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, rolling out the dough and spooning on the fruit filling, I can't help but think of Anna and her grandmother and all the women who came before me. I am grateful for the knowledge they passed down to me, for the recipes that have become a part of my family's story.

As I take the Fruit Kolacky out of the oven and place them on a plate, I know that they are more than just a delicious treat. They are a connection to my past, a link to the generations of women who have shaped me into the cook and the person that I am today. And as I take a bite and savor the sweet, tangy fruit and buttery pastry, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the gift of this recipe and all it represents.