Kolaches | Made by Meaghan Moineau
### Title: "A Taste of Tradition: Crafting Perfect Kolaches for Every Family Gathering"
#### Description: Discover the heartwarming tradition of making kolaches, a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. With a blend of soft dough and sweet filling, this delightful treat is sure to bring joy to any gathering. Dive into our step-by-step guide and explore a nostalgic story that makes this dish a family favorite.
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The aroma of freshly baked kolaches wafts through the house, and suddenly, I am transported back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. Every family gathering was incomplete without a batch of her famous kolaches, perfectly golden and filled with sweet poppy-seed goodness. As a child, I remember eagerly watching her skilled hands work the dough, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful masterpiece.
### Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for yeast)
- 1 package yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar (for dough)
- 4 cups flour
- Canned poppy-seed filling
- 1/2 cup sugar (for Popsika)
- 1/4 cup flour (for Popsika)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
### Instructions:
1. **Activate the Yeast**: Begin by sprinkling 1 tablespoon of sugar over the yeast in a small bowl. Dissolve the mixture in lukewarm water and set aside to activate.
2. **Prepare the Milk Mixture**: In a small saucepan, heat the milk and dissolve the shortening. Allow it to cool to lukewarm before adding the salt, egg yolks, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
3. **Combine Mixtures**: Pour the milk mixture into the yeast mixture, creating a harmonious blend.
4. **Form the Dough**: Gradually add flour to the liquid mixture, working the dough by hand or with a mixer until it becomes glossy and slightly sticky.
5. **First Rise**: Cover the dough and place it in a warm, draft-free location, allowing it to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
6. **Shape the Kolaches**: Once risen, punch down the dough and knead it lightly. Divide into egg-sized portions and form into balls. Arrange them on well-oiled baking pans about an inch apart and butter the tops.
7. **Second Rise**: Let the dough balls rise for about 15 minutes, then make indentations in each for the filling.
8. **Add Filling**: Fill each indentation with a large teaspoon of canned poppy-seed filling.
9. **Prepare the Popsika Topping**: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and combine until the mixture resembles crumbs. Sprinkle the Popsika over the filled kolaches.
10. **Final Rise and Bake**: Allow the kolaches to rise again, doubling in size, for about 45 minutes to one hour. Preheat the oven to 375°F, then bake the kolaches until they turn golden brown.
11. **Cool and Enjoy**: Remove from the oven, cool slightly, then transfer the kolaches to wire racks to cool completely.
### A Nostalgic Family Memory
One winter evening, as snowflakes danced outside, my family gathered in the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen. The laughter of my cousins filled the air as we eagerly awaited the kolaches. My grandmother shared stories of her childhood, lovingly kneading the dough while recounting tales of her own mother teaching her the same recipe. Each bite of the kolaches carried the taste of heritage and the bond of family, a tradition we continue to cherish.
### Difficulty Rating: 6/10
### Classification: Dessert
Kolaches, with their soft, buttery dough and sweet filling, are more than a dessert; they are a symbol of love and tradition, perfect for any family gathering. Whether you’re revisiting cherished memories or creating new ones, this recipe is sure to bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your home.