Old Family Poppy Seed Roll

Old Family Poppy Seed Roll Recipe from Lithuania - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Lithuania | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Old Family Poppy Seed Roll is a traditional Eastern European dessert that has been passed down through generations. This sweet and nutty pastry is perfect for special occasions or as a treat for your family and friends.

History

This recipe has been in our family for decades, originating from our ancestors who immigrated from Eastern Europe. The poppy seed roll has always been a favorite dessert during holidays and celebrations, loved for its unique flavor and comforting taste.

Ingredients

0.5 package of granulated yeast
1 tsp of sugar
0.67 cup of lukewarm milk
2.25 cups of flour
1 cup of butter
0.25 cup of sugar
0.5 tsp of salt
1 egg, slightly beaten
grated rind of 1 lemon

Filling

0.5 lb (227 g) of ground poppy seeds
1 cup of sugar
grated rind of 1 lemon
0.5 cup of raisins
0.5 cup of milk

How to prepare

Soak yeast and 1 tsp of sugar in milk.
Blend flour, butter, sugar, salt, and lemon rind together using fingers.
Once yeast is softened and the mixture starts to bubble, incorporate it into the dough and knead well.
Divide the dough into 2 bowls, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
Roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.25 inch.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough and roll it up like a jelly roll.
Place the rolled dough in a greased pan.
Brush the dough with beaten egg.
Prick the dough all over with a needle to prevent blistering.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45 minutes, or until lightly browned.
For the filling, combine poppy seeds, sugar, lemon rind, raisins, and milk in the top of a double boiler.
Cook the mixture until it thickens enough to be spread.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Drizzle the roll with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice for a sweet finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough well to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Prick the dough with a needle before baking to prevent blistering.

- Brushing the dough with beaten egg before baking will give it a beautiful golden color.

- Allow the roll to cool before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Old Family Poppy Seed Roll with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough well is essential for a light and fluffy texture.

- Rolling the dough evenly will ensure a uniform filling distribution.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond milk or soy milk as a dairy-free alternative.

- Margarine can be used instead of butter for a vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

The Old Family Poppy Seed Roll can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the roll into thick slices and arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Old Family Poppy Seed Roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover poppy seed roll in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Old Family Poppy Seed Roll contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Old Family Poppy Seed Roll contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Old Family Poppy Seed Roll contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Old Family Poppy Seed Roll contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Poppy seeds are a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium, providing essential nutrients for bone health and energy production.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, butter, egg) and gluten (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

The Old Family Poppy Seed Roll is a delicious dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also offers essential vitamins and minerals from the poppy seeds.

Summary

The Old Family Poppy Seed Roll is a beloved dessert that has stood the test of time. With its sweet and nutty filling wrapped in a light and fluffy dough, this pastry is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for the Old Family Poppy Seed Roll. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was in the kitchen with my mother, helping her prepare for a family gathering. As we were going through old recipe cards, my mother pulled out a yellowed piece of paper that had been passed down through generations. She told me that this was a recipe that had been in our family for years, and she wanted me to learn how to make it.

The recipe itself was simple, with just a few basic ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and of course, poppy seeds. But what made this recipe special was the technique. My mother showed me how to knead the dough just right, so that it was soft and pliable. She taught me how to roll it out into a thin sheet, spread the poppy seed filling evenly, and then carefully roll it up into a log.

As we worked together in the kitchen, my mother shared stories of her own childhood, when she would help her own grandmother make this very same recipe. She told me about how they would spend hours in the kitchen, laughing and talking as they baked together. And as she passed down these stories to me, I felt a deep connection to my family's past.

After we finished making the poppy seed roll, we placed it in the oven to bake. The sweet, nutty aroma filled the kitchen, and I knew that this recipe would become a special part of my own cooking repertoire. When the roll was finally done, we let it cool before slicing it into thick, delicious slices.

As I took my first bite of the Old Family Poppy Seed Roll, I felt a sense of pride and nostalgia wash over me. This recipe represented so much more than just a delicious pastry – it was a link to my family's history, a connection to the women who had come before me and passed down their culinary traditions.

Over the years, I have continued to make the Old Family Poppy Seed Roll for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of the love and care that went into creating this recipe, and the bond that it has helped me forge with my family.

I have since shared this recipe with my own children, passing down the tradition to yet another generation. And as we gather around the table, enjoying slices of warm poppy seed roll, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished part of our family for years to come.

So, the next time you take a bite of this delicious pastry, remember that it is more than just a dessert – it is a piece of history, a taste of tradition, and a reminder of the love that binds us all together. And I hope that as you enjoy it, you too will feel the connection to your own family's past, just as I do with every bite of the Old Family Poppy Seed Roll.