Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka

Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka Recipe

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka is a delicious and traditional dessert that combines the flavors of sweet apples and tangy oranges in a crumbly pastry base. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The Mazurka is a traditional Polish dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is named after the Mazurka, a lively Polish folk dance, and is often served at special occasions such as weddings and holidays. The combination of apples and oranges in this recipe adds a unique twist to the classic dessert.

Ingredients

225 g / 8 oz plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
100 g / 4 oz caster sugar
grated zest and juice of 1 orange
175 g / 6 oz butter
2 egg yolks
3 tbsp double cream

Topping

500 g bramley apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
75 g caster sugar
a few flaked almonds

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 180°C / fan 160°C / 350°F / gas mark 4.
Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl, then add the salt, sugar, and orange zest.
Add the butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles crumbs.
Beat the egg yolks and cream together, then stir them into the flour mixture and mix with your hands to make a crumbly dough.
Press the dough into the base of a 26 x 16 cm (approx. 10 x 6.5 in) rectangular tin, pushing it up a little around the edges to create a rim.
Prick the base all over with a fork.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven.
Toss the apple slices, caster sugar, and juice of half the orange together, then arrange the apple slices over the dough.
Bake for another 20 minutes or until the slices are tender but not mushy.
If desired, you can place the mazurka under a hot grill to slightly caramelize the apple slices.
Leave to cool slightly in the tin before cutting into 12 rectangles.
Serve warm or cold with cream.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture for extra flavor.
Substitute the oranges with lemons for a tangier twist.
Top the mazurka with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to peel, core, and slice the apples evenly to ensure they cook evenly.

- Be sure to prick the base of the dough with a fork before baking to prevent it from puffing up.

- For a caramelized finish, place the mazurka under a hot grill for a few minutes after baking.

- Serve the mazurka warm with a dollop of cream for a delicious treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka warm or cold with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Rubbing the butter into the flour mixture creates a crumbly texture for the dough.

- Pricking the base of the dough with a fork before baking helps prevent it from puffing up.

- Caramelizing the apple slices under a hot grill adds a delicious finish to the mazurka.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of apples for this recipe, but tart apples like Bramley work best.

- Substitute the double cream with milk or yogurt for a lighter version of the mazurka.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for the mazurka in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. The apple mixture can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the mazurka into elegant rectangles and serve on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover mazurka in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of Vitamin C from the oranges and apples.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of sweet apples and tangy oranges in a crumbly pastry base. This traditional Polish recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for some inspiration for dinner. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and torn magazine clippings, my eyes landed on a faded piece of paper with the title "Mazurka" scrawled in elegant script.

I felt a rush of excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The combination of apples, oranges, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg sounded like the perfect dessert to satisfy my sweet tooth. I could already imagine the fragrant aroma wafting through my kitchen as the mazurka baked in the oven.

I traced my finger over the words, trying to decipher the handwriting. It seemed to be a mix of Polish and English, with measurements and cooking times written in a haphazard manner. It was clear that this recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

I closed my eyes and let the memories wash over me as I thought back to the first time I tasted mazurka. It was at my grandmother's kitchen table, where the scent of cinnamon and apples filled the air. She had a twinkle in her eye as she served me a slice of the golden-brown pastry, dusted with powdered sugar. I took a bite and was transported to a world of warmth and love, where every bite was a reminder of the bond we shared.

My grandmother had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a family tradition, a way to keep our heritage alive through the generations. I remembered watching my grandmother knead the dough, her hands moving with practiced ease as she formed the pastry into a perfect rectangle. She would sprinkle the apples and oranges on top, then sprinkle them with sugar and spices before baking it to golden perfection.

I knew that I had to make this recipe my own, to add my own touches and flavors to make it truly special. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, feeling a sense of connection to my ancestors as I mixed the dough and sliced the fruit. The scent of apples and oranges filled my kitchen, mingling with the warm spices to create a symphony of flavors that danced through the air.

As I pulled the mazurka out of the oven, I knew that I had created something truly special. The golden pastry glistened with a sugary glaze, while the apples and oranges peeked out from beneath the surface, their juices bubbling and caramelizing to perfection. I couldn't wait to share this creation with my family and friends, to pass on the tradition of mazurka to the next generation.

As I sat down to enjoy a slice of the warm pastry, I closed my eyes and let the flavors wash over me. The sweet apples and tangy oranges mingled with the spices, creating a harmonious blend that reminded me of my grandmother's kitchen and the love she poured into every dish she made. I knew that she was watching over me, proud of the way I had honored her memory and kept our family tradition alive.

And as I savored the last bite of the mazurka, I knew that this recipe would be a staple in my kitchen for years to come. It was more than just a dessert - it was a link to my past, a reminder of the love and heritage that had shaped me into the cook I was today. And I couldn't wait to pass on this tradition to my own grandchildren, so that they too could experience the magic of Polish Apple and Orange Mazurka.