Even Your Polish Great-Grandma Will Be Impressed With These Kolachkes

kolaches

Kolachkes – also known as kolaches – are a traditional Eastern European pastry that have been around for hundreds of years. While the exact origin of the kolachke is unknown, it is believed to have originated in either Poland or the Czech Republic. The pastry has since spread throughout Europe, and can now be found in different variations all over the continent.

The kolachke is a pastry that is filled with a variety of sweet fillings such as fruit preserves, cottage cheese, poppy seed, jam, or a combination of all of these. The pastry is usually baked in a ring shape and has a flaky pastry crust that is often topped with a streusel topping. The kolachke is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a favorite among many sweet-toothed individuals.

Making Great Kolachkes in Your Own Kitchen

Kolachke Ingredients:

-1 package frozen puff pastry sheets
-1 cup of your favorite fruit preserves or jam
-4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
-2 tablespoons of sugar
-1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Equipment Needed:

-Rolling pin
-Baking sheet
-Parchment paper
-Cookie cutter

Baking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Unroll the puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
  3. Cut out circles from the dough with a cookie cutter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Place 1 tablespoon of your favorite fruit preserves or jam in the center of each circle and fold the edges of the pastry up to form a pocket.
  5. Brush the tops of the kolachkes with the melted butter and sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.

Serving:

This recipe will make about four servings.

Kolachkes can be served warm or at room temperature and can be garnished with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey or syrup. They are delicious served as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast. Enjoy!

Looking for other great recipes to make this week? Find a simple dinner recipe.

Recreate A Montana Favorite With This Huckleberry Pie Recipe

huckleberry pie

Huckleberry pie is a classic American dessert that is filled with sweet and tangy flavors. The combination of the tart huckleberries and the sweet and buttery crust is simply irresistible. This pie is a beloved treat in the United States, especially in the Northwest and Midwest regions.

Huckleberries are small and round, similar to blueberries in size and shape. They are juicy and have a tart and tangy flavor, which is why they are perfect for making a sweet and delicious pie. Huckleberries are also full of antioxidants, which makes them a healthy treat.

When it comes to making huckleberry pie, there are a few key ingredients and pieces of kitchen equipment you will need. You will need huckleberries, of course, as well as sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. You will also need a rolling pin, a pastry cutter, and a 9-inch pie dish.

To make the huckleberry pie, begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, in a medium bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter to create a crumbly mixture. In the 9-inch pie dish, spread the crumbly mixture evenly across the bottom. Then, spread the huckleberries over the top.

Next, roll out the remaining dough and place it on top of the huckleberries. Pinch the edges together to create a seal. You can also crimp the edges of the pie crust with a fork if desired. Finally, place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

After the pie has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool before serving. Enjoy your huckleberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly-whipped cream. This sweet and tangy treat is sure to be a hit with everyone!

Recipe for Great Huckleberry Pie:

Ingredients:
3 cups huckleberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Kitchen Equipment:
Rolling pin
Pastry cutter
9-inch pie dish

Huckleberry Pie Baking Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter to create a crumbly mixture.
  3. Spread the crumbly mixture evenly in the 9-inch pie dish.
  4. Spread the huckleberries over the top of the crumbly mixture.
  5. Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top of the huckleberries. Pinch the edges together to create a seal.
  6. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.
  7. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool before serving. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly-whipped cream.

That’s it! Hope you enjoy your huckleberry pie. And, if you need other ideas for sweet treats, check out some of our flavorful recipes.

Delicious Marionberry Pie Recipe – A True Northwest Favorite

Marionberry Pie

Nothing says Northwest like a delicious Marionberry Pie. This sweet, tart berry is a Northwest favorite, and for good reason. The Marionberry is a cross between the Chehalem and Olallieberry, and it has a unique flavor that many people enjoy. It has a sweet, tart taste that isn’t too overwhelming.

Marionberry Pie is a classic dessert that is perfect for special occasions and holiday dinners. It’s also great for a quick and easy dessert. The Marionberry’s flavor pairs well with other fruits, making it a great addition to any pie.

Making a Marionberry Pie is easy, and the results are worth the effort. Here’s what you’ll need:

Marionberry Pie Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups of Marionberries
  • ½ cup of white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the Marionberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until everything is well blended.
  3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
  4. Cover the pie with a top crust, or use a lattice crust. Crimp the edges and make sure that the crust is sealed.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
  6. Let the pie cool before serving.

This delicious Marionberry Pie is sure to be a hit at any gathering. It’s a classic Northwest favorite that will be sure to please everyone. We recommend throwing some vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy addition. Enjoy!

Need another great pie to make for an upcoming gathering? You can’t go wrong with this pecan pie recipe.

You’ll Love These Beignets With Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce

beignets on a plate

Beignets are a beloved French pastry that have been around since the 17th century. The name beignet comes from the French word meaning “bump” and refers to the square shape of the pastry. Beignets originated in France, but they have become popular around the world and in the United States in particular.

In the United States, beignets were introduced to American culture by the French-Acadians who migrated to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast in the 18th century. These beignets were made with yeast dough and fried in pork fat, giving them a unique flavor. The traditional French beignets were filled with sweet things like jam or sugar, but the American version usually has no filling.

Beignets became popular in the United States in the early 19th century and were served in cafes throughout New Orleans. The most famous of these cafes is Café du Monde, which has been serving beignets for over 150 years. Every day, Café du Monde serves up thousands of beignets, and they have become an iconic part of the city’s culture.

Beignets have become a favorite treat in the United States, and they are now enjoyed around the world. Whether you’re in France or the United States, beignets are a delicious and unique way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Recipe for Making Beignets

Ingredients:

-2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 tablespoon white sugar
-2 large eggs
-1 ½ cups warm water
-3 tablespoons butter, melted
-Vegetable oil for frying

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

-Medium bowl
-Whisk
-Rolling pin
-Cutting board
-Knife
-Frying pan
-Slotted spoon

Beignet Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the warm water and melted butter.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is combined and the dough is smooth.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a ¼-inch thickness.
  5. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
  6. Heat the oil in a large frying pan until it reaches 350°F.
  7. Carefully place the beignets in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until they are golden brown.
  8. Remove the beignets from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
  9. Serve the beignets warm with powdered sugar or your favorite dipping sauce.

Instructions for Making Dark Chocolate Sauce

Ingredients:

-3/4 cup heavy cream
-4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-Pinch of salt

Sauce Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
  2. Remove the cream from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  4. Serve the sauce warm over the beignets or allow it to cool to room temperature before serving.

Looking for other sweets to make for the fam? How about trying out this great pumpkin bread recipe?

With Mardi Gras Approaching, You Need This King Cake Recipe

mardi gras king cake

King Cake is a traditional French dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. The cake is shaped like a crown and is associated with the celebration of Epiphany, which marks the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. The cake is usually decorated with colored sugars, and a small plastic figurine is hidden inside. According to tradition, whoever finds the figurine in their slice of cake is said to have good luck!

King Cake has a long and interesting history. It is believed to have originated in 12th century France, where it was a popular treat during the celebration of Carnival. The cake was made in the shape of a circular wreath to represent the circle of life, and was decorated in colors to represent the joy of the season. Over the years, the tradition of King Cake spread to other countries, including Spain, Mexico, and the United States.

In the United States, King Cake is most popularly associated with Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. There, the cake is usually made with a sweet dough that’s filled with cinnamon, sugar, and raisins, and is topped with a variety of colors and flavors. It’s also traditional to hide a small plastic baby in the cake, which symbolizes the baby Jesus. Whoever finds the baby in their slice of cake is said to have good luck!

King Cake is a delicious dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any celebration. To make your own King Cake at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of yeast
• 1/2 cup of warm water
• 4 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1/4 cup of raisins
• 1/4 cup of chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 cup of colored sugar
• 1/4 cup of icing sugar

You’ll also need the following kitchen equipment:

• A large bowl
• A rolling pin
• A pastry brush
• A baking sheet
• A small bowl
• A whisk
• A knife

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  3. Add the warm water and melted butter, and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
  5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, and shape it into a large circle.
  6. Place the dough onto a baking sheet and brush it with melted butter.
  7. Sprinkle the raisins, pecans, and cinnamon over the dough.
  8. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. While the cake is baking, mix together the colored sugar and icing sugar in a small bowl.
  10. Once the cake is baked, sprinkle the sugar mixture over the top.
  11. Let the cake cool before serving.

King Cake is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. It also pairs nicely with coffee, tea, and champagne. Enjoy!

How about a sweet cocktail to pair with your King Cake? Test out this Jungle Bird Cocktail recipe.

A Baked French Toast Recipe So Good You’ll Need Seconds

baked french toast

Ah, French toast. A breakfast classic that is loved by many, and a dish that has been around for centuries. The history of French toast dates back to the time of the Romans, who used a mixture of milk, eggs, and spices to soak their bread slices before cooking them. The first published recipe for French toast appears in Apicius, a collection of Roman recipes from the 4th or 5th century. The French, of course, adopted the dish and named it “pain perdu,” which translates to “lost bread,” because it was a way to use up stale bread.

Today, French toast is a dish that is enjoyed around the world, and there are countless variations of it. But nothing beats a classic baked French toast that is served with a delicious array of garnishes. Here’s a recipe for a delicious baked French toast that’s sure to please everyone at the breakfast table.

What You’ll Need For Baked French Toast:

  • 8 slices of thick white bread, ideally it’s a little stale. If you don’t have stale bread, slice it the night before and leave it out. Stale bread will allow for the mix to really soak into the bread.
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

  • Large baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Medium bowl
  • Medium saucepan

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a large baking dish with some butter.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is well combined.
  3. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
  4. Place the soaked slices of bread into the greased baking dish.
  5. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, pour the butter over the soaked slices of bread.
  6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown.
  7. Serve the French toast hot, with a selection of garnishes such as syrup, honey, butter, jam, or fresh fruit.

Garnishes:

  • Maple syrup
  • Honey
  • Butter
  • Jam
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh berries (such as blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries)

This baked French toast recipe is sure to be a hit at your next breakfast gathering. With a few simple ingredients and a few minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast. Bon Appétit!

On The Next Scorcher, Make These Homemade Strawberry Popsicles

homemade strawberry popsicles

The Popsicle is an iconic summer treat that has been around for more than 100 years. It all started when 11-year-old Frank Epperson accidentally left a glass of soda and a mixing stick outside on a cold winter night in San Francisco. When he woke up the next morning, he discovered that a frozen treat had formed on the stick, which he called the “Epsicle”.

From there, it wasn’t long before the Popsicle (as it was eventually re-named) began to become a popular treat. In 1923, Frank patented the invention, and by the 1930s, it had become a popular summer treat.

Today, the Popsicle is still a beloved summer treat and making your own homemade version is easier than ever. Here’s how to make a tasty Strawberry Popsicle:

Key Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice

• 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed strawberry juice

• 1/4 cup of sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment:

• Blender

• Mixing bowl

• Ice cube tray

• Popsicle sticks

Cook Time:

• 15 minutes to prepare the mixture

• 4-6 hours to freeze

Instructions:

  1. Place all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and then pour it into an ice cube tray.
  3. Place the sticks into the ice cube tray and freeze for 4-6 hours.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

Garnishes:

• Fresh cut strawberries

• Sprinkles

• Mini chocolate chips

• Coconut flakes

Optional Additions:

If you want to make your Strawberry Popsicle even more flavorful, you can add in other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or bananas. The possibilities are endless!

Need a great easy to make dish for dinner tonight? Try out these tasty garlic noodles.

Your Kids Are Sure To Love This Puppy Chow

puppy chow dessert

Puppy Chow has been around for decades, but its origins remain a bit of a mystery. Some say it originated in the United States in the early 20th century, while others say it dates back to the early 1900s in Europe.

No matter where it comes from, Puppy Chow is an all-time favorite dessert. This classic treat is made with melted chocolate and coated in crunchy cereal. It’s easy to make, tasty, and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.

If you’re looking to make your own Puppy Chow at home, here’s a simple recipe:

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of crunchy cereal (like Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or Wheat Chex)
  • 1/2 cup of peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup of butter
  • 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

  • Large bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Cook Time:

  • 15-20 minutes

Mixing Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cereal and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the peanut butter and butter over low heat.
  3. Once melted, add the chocolate chips and stir until melted.
  4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and mix until all of the cereal is evenly coated.
  5. Once the cereal is evenly coated, spread the cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool for 10 minutes.
  6. Once cooled, transfer to a large bowl and sift the powdered sugar over the cereal. Toss until all of the cereal is evenly coated.
  7. Serve your Puppy Chow right away or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Rainbow sprinkles
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Chopped nuts
  • Crushed pretzels
  • Coconut flakes

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

For an extra kick, add some spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. These spices will give your Puppy Chow an extra special flavor. Enjoy!

How about another sweet treat to bring your kids joy? Give this moist banana bread recipe a go.

This Pumpkin Bread Will Be Loved Year Round

pumpkin bread

Pumpkin bread is a delicious and comforting fall treat that has a long history and can be enjoyed year round. It is believed that pumpkin bread originated in the United States in the 17th century, when Native Americans used pumpkin as a staple in their diets. They would mix the pumpkin with cornmeal to create a bread-like consistency, and this was then baked on hot stones. The bread was sweetened with honey or molasses, and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg were added.

Today, pumpkin bread is still a popular treat and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It has a rich flavor thanks to the spices, and the sweetness of the pumpkin is balanced by the addition of nuts, raisins, and other ingredients.

If you’d like to make pumpkin bread at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

-2 cups all-purpose flour

-1 teaspoon baking soda

-1 teaspoon baking powder

-1 teaspoon salt

-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

-1 teaspoon ground ginger

-1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

-1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

-1/2 cup vegetable oil

-3/4 cup granulated sugar

-3/4 cup light brown sugar

-3 large eggs

-1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree

-1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

-1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

You will also need a 9×5 inch loaf pan, parchment paper, and a large bowl.

To make the pumpkin bread, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line the loaf pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. In a separate bowl, mix together the oil, sugars, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If desired, fold in the nuts and raisins or cranberries.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For an extra touch, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle with raw sugar before baking.

Optional garnishes for pumpkin bread include a drizzle of caramel or cream cheese frosting, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, a dollop of whipped cream, or a crumble of graham crackers.

No matter how or when you choose to enjoy it, this pumpkin bread is sure to bring a delicious flavor of fall to your home!

In need of other great recipes to make? Find our favorite sweet recipes.

A Moist Banana Bread The Whole Family Will Love

banana bread

Banana bread is a classic comfort food that has been around for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to make. This article will explore the history of banana bread, provide a recipe for making moist banana bread at home, and offer some optional garnishes and toppings.

The origins of banana bread are somewhat blurry, but it is believed to have first been made in the late 1800s in the United States. At the time, people were looking for ways to use up over-ripe bananas that weren’t fit for eating, and thus banana bread was born. Since then, it has become a popular treat around the world, with people adding their own unique twists to the classic recipe.

Now, let’s talk about how to make the perfect moist banana bread at home. You will need the following ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional). You will also need a loaf pan, a medium bowl, a whisk, and a wooden spoon.

To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In the medium bowl, mash the bananas with the wooden spoon until they are smooth. Add the melted butter, sugar, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract, and whisk everything together until combined. Slowly add the flour and mix until just incorporated. Then, fold in the walnuts, if using.

Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let the loaf cool for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack.

For an extra special treat, you can top your banana bread with a variety of garnishes. Some popular options include butter, cream cheese, nut butter, honey, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. You can also add a few extra ingredients to your batter, such as diced apples, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries.

For a sweet and crunchy topping, try sprinkling the top of your banana bread with brown sugar and cinnamon. You can also try drizzling it with a mixture of honey and melted butter.

No matter how you choose to top it, banana bread is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy!

Need other ideas for a sweet treat? Try out one of these great dessert recipes.