Poppy Seed Kolache

Poppy Seed Kolache Recipe from Croatia | Ingredients: Flour, Ground Almonds, and More

Region / culture: Croatia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Poppy Seed Kolache is a traditional Czech pastry that is popular in many Eastern European countries. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

History

Kolache originated in Central Europe and were brought to the United States by Czech immigrants in the 19th century. The traditional version of this pastry is filled with fruit preserves, but poppy seed filling is also a popular variation.

Ingredients

3 cups of flour
0.5 cup of ground almonds
1.5 tsp of baking powder
0.25 tsp of salt
0.5 cup of sugar
1 cup of butter
1 egg
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of grated lemon peel
2 tbsp of water

How to prepare

Mix the first five ingredients and the lemon peel; cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Combine the egg, lemon juice, and water, then add it to the flour mixture.
Knead lightly into a ball and divide it into 8 parts.
Roll out each part on a floured board until it reaches a thickness of 0.25 inches, then cut it into 4-inch squares.
Spoon about 1 tsp of poppy seed filling into the center of each square.
Bring two ends together to form a cylinder.
Pinch them together to seal.
Place them on a greased baking sheet and brush them with milk.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Variations

You can use different fillings such as fruit preserves, cream cheese, or nutella.
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the kolache before serving for a sweet touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the ends of the kolache well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

- Brushing the kolache with milk before baking will give them a golden brown color.

- You can make the poppy seed filling from scratch or use store-bought filling for convenience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Poppy Seed Kolache warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough lightly will help create a tender pastry.

- Rolling out the dough to an even thickness will ensure that the kolache bake evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the ground almonds with ground walnuts or pecans.

- Lemon juice can be replaced with orange juice for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the kolache just before baking for a quick and easy breakfast option.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Poppy Seed Kolache on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Poppy Seed Kolache with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Poppy Seed Kolache in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Poppy Seed Kolache contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Poppy Seed Kolache contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Poppy Seed Kolache contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Poppy Seed Kolache contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Poppy seeds are a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten, nuts (almonds), and eggs.

Summary

Poppy Seed Kolache is a delicious pastry that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Poppy Seed Kolache is a delicious pastry with a sweet poppy seed filling that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With a tender dough and flavorful filling, these pastries are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Poppy Seed Kolache. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Agnes in the small village where she lived. Aunt Agnes was known for her baking skills, and she had always been a source of inspiration for me in the kitchen.

As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread. Aunt Agnes was busy kneading dough, her hands moving with practiced ease. I watched in awe as she shaped the dough into small rounds and filled them with a sweet poppy seed filling.

"Poppy Seed Kolache," she explained, noticing my curiosity. "A traditional Czech pastry that's perfect for any occasion."

I had never heard of Poppy Seed Kolache before, but as soon as Aunt Agnes offered me a taste, I was hooked. The pastry was flaky and buttery, with a sweet and nutty filling that was simply irresistible. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Aunt Agnes was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she patiently guided me through each step of the process. From preparing the dough to making the filling, she taught me all her tips and tricks for creating the perfect Poppy Seed Kolache.

But Aunt Agnes was not the only one who contributed to my knowledge of this recipe. Over the years, I have gathered bits and pieces of information from various sources – friends, cookbooks, and even strangers I met along the way. Each person had their own unique twist on the classic recipe, and I made sure to incorporate their ideas into my own version.

One of the most memorable encounters was with an elderly baker named Mrs. Kowalski. I met her at a local farmers' market, where she was selling an assortment of pastries, including her famous Poppy Seed Kolache. Mrs. Kowalski had been baking for decades, and her expertise was evident in every bite.

I struck up a conversation with her, and before I knew it, we were deep in discussion about all things baking. Mrs. Kowalski shared her recipe for Poppy Seed Kolache with me, emphasizing the importance of using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to let the dough rise properly.

Her advice was invaluable, and I made sure to incorporate her wisdom into my own baking routine. From then on, I always made sure to source the best poppy seeds and flour for my kolaches, and I never rushed the proofing process.

As I continued to experiment with the recipe, I added my own personal touches, like a hint of lemon zest to brighten up the filling and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a touch of sweetness. Each batch of Poppy Seed Kolache I made was a labor of love, a tribute to all the people who had shared their knowledge with me over the years.

Now, whenever I bake a batch of Poppy Seed Kolache, I can't help but think back to that fateful day in Aunt Agnes's kitchen. The recipe may have originated from her, but it has evolved and grown with me, incorporating the wisdom and expertise of all the people I have met along the way.

And as I share these delicious pastries with my friends and family, I can't help but feel a sense of pride knowing that each bite is a testament to the power of sharing and learning from others. Cooking is not just about following a recipe – it's about connecting with others, sharing stories, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And for that, I am eternally grateful.