Poppy Seed Kolache

Poppy Seed Kolache Recipe: A Delicious Czech Pastry
Poppy Seed Kolache is a traditional Czech pastry that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. This sweet and savory pastry is made with a soft and fluffy dough that is filled with a delicious poppy seed filling. If you're looking for a tasty and easy-to-make pastry, then this recipe is perfect for you.
Ingredients (for 12 servings):

For the dough:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

For the filling:

- 1 cup poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure that the milk is warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash on the dough before baking.

Cooking Process:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
6. In a saucepan, combine the poppy seeds, honey, milk, and butter. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
7. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the raisins, chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
9. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
10. Place the dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Spoon the poppy seed filling onto the center of each dough piece.
12. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together to seal.
13. Brush the egg wash over the dough.
14. Bake the kolaches for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown.
15. Let the kolaches cool for a few minutes before serving.
Appearance and Taste:
Poppy Seed Kolache is a delicious pastry that is soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet and nutty poppy seed filling. The pastry has a golden brown color and a shiny glaze from the egg wash. The filling is thick and creamy, with a hint of honey and vanilla. The raisins and chopped walnuts add a nice texture and flavor to the filling. Overall, Poppy Seed Kolache is a perfect pastry for any occasion.
Type of Dish: Sweet Pastry
Main Ingredients: Poppy Seeds, Flour, Butter