Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of the Czech Republic with our exquisite Koláče! These traditional pastries, deeply rooted in Czech culture, are beloved for their delectable fillings, tender dough, and irresistible charm. Each Koláč is a culinary masterpiece, meticulously crafted with love and tradition.

Discover a symphony of flavors as you bite into these delightful treats. From the classic fruit-filled varieties bursting with the sweetness of ripe cherries, apricots, or poppy seeds, to savory options like cheese or cabbage, there's a Koláč to suit every palate.

Whether enjoyed as a breakfast indulgence, a sweet snack with coffee, or as a comforting dessert, Czech Koláče are sure to transport you to the cobblestone streets of Prague or the cozy kitchens of Czech households.

Experience the warmth and hospitality of Czech culture with every bite of our authentic Koláče. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo, these pastries promise a taste of tradition and a journey through the culinary soul of the Czech Republic.

Here's a traditional recipe for Czech Koláče:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup lukewarm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• Fruit jam (such as apricot, cherry, or plum)
• Poppy seed filling (see recipe below)
• Sweetened cheese filling (see recipe below)

For the poppy seed filling:

• 1 cup ground poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the sweetened cheese filling:

• 1 cup farmer's cheese or ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.

3- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

4- While the dough is rising, prepare the fillings. For the poppy seed filling, combine the ground poppy seeds, sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

5- For the sweetened cheese filling, mix the farmer's cheese (or ricotta), sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.

6- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls, about 2 inches in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.

8- Flatten each dough ball with your palm to create a small indentation in the center. Fill each indentation with a spoonful of your desired filling – fruit jam, poppy seed filling, or sweetened cheese filling.

9- Let the filled koláče rise for another 15-20 minutes.

10- Bake the koláče in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

11- Remove from the oven and let them cool on wire racks before serving. Enjoy your delicious Czech Koláče with your favorite hot beverage!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in Czech Koláče. Please note that these values may vary based on specific brands and variations of ingredients used:

For the dough (per serving, assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: 325
• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 6g

benefits:

• All-purpose flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and provides quick energy.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and helps regulate fluid balance in the body.
• Unsalted butter: Provides fat for texture and flavor.
• Eggs: Rich in protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and B vitamins.
• Lukewarm milk: Contains calcium for bone health and protein for muscle repair.
• Active dry yeast: Acts as a leavening agent to make the dough rise.
• Vanilla extract: Adds flavor and aroma to the dough.

For the poppy seed filling (per serving, assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: 70
• Total Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• Ground poppy seeds: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and quick energy.
• Milk: Contains calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients for bone health and overall wellness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the filling.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the poppy seed filling.

For the sweetened cheese filling (per serving, assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: 60
• Total Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 5g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 3g

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations of ingredients used, as well as the size of the servings.