Indulge in the exquisite taste of Czech Republic's beloved pastry, Trdelník. This traditional treat, also known as "chimney cake," is a culinary masterpiece that captivates both locals and visitors alike. Delightfully crispy on the outside and irresistibly soft on the inside, Trdelník is crafted from sweet dough wrapped around a cylindrical mold, then baked until golden brown. After baking, it's coated in a tantalizing mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes nuts, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with delectable spreads like Nutella or ice cream, Trdelník promises a delightful journey through Czech culinary heritage with every bite. Experience the warmth and charm of Czech cuisine by savoring this iconic pastry, a true testament to the country's rich culinary traditions.

Here's a recipe for making Trdelník, the traditional Czech pastry:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 250ml warm milk
• 7g dry yeast
• 80g granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 80g unsalted butter, melted

For coating:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Crushed nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm 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.

3- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg.

4- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they come together to form a dough.

5- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

6- 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 or until it doubles in size.

7- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into equal-sized portions.

8- Roll each portion of dough into a long rope, about 1 inch in diameter.

9- Take a wooden dowel or metal cylinder (traditionally used for Trdelník) and wrap the dough rope around it in a spiral pattern, slightly overlapping the layers.

10- Press the ends of the dough together to seal them.

11- Preheat a grill or barbecue to medium heat.

12- Carefully place the prepared Trdelník on the grill and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, turning it occasionally, until it's golden brown and cooked through.

13- While still hot, roll the cooked Trdelník in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until it's well coated. Optionally, sprinkle crushed nuts on top.

14- Serve the Trdelník warm and enjoy its delightful crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior.

15- Repeat the process with the remaining dough portions until all Trdelníks are cooked and coated.

16- Enjoy your homemade Czech Republic Trdelník as a delicious treat with family and friends!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Trdelník recipe per serving (assuming 8 servings):

For the dough:

All-purpose flour (125g per serving):

• Calories: 455 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy, contains some protein for muscle repair and growth, and supplies small amounts of vitamins and minerals like B vitamins and iron.

Warm milk (31.25ml per serving):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:Excellent source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth, and also provides protein, vitamins (such as vitamin D), and minerals like phosphorus.

Dry yeast (0.875g per serving):

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.25g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:Contains B vitamins, particularly B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin), which are important for metabolism and energy production.

Granulated sugar (10g per serving):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g

benefits:Provides a quick source of energy, although it should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content and potential negative effects on health if consumed excessively.

Salt (1/8 teaspoon per serving):

• Negligible caloric content

benefits:Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body, although excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure.

Egg (1/8 egg per serving):

• Calories: 19 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: Negligible

benefits:Excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, and also contains vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, and minerals like iron and zinc.

Unsalted butter (10g per serving):

• Calories: 71 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: Negligible

benefits:Contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin D, provides essential fatty acids, and adds flavor and richness to dishes.

For coating:

Granulated sugar (15g per serving):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g

Ground cinnamon

• (Negligible caloric content)

benefits:as antioxidant properties, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

• Crushed nuts (optional, nutritional values vary based on type and quantity)

benefits:Excellent source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins (such as vitamin E), minerals (like magnesium and zinc), and antioxidants, which contribute to heart health and overall well-being.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and variations in preparation. Additionally, these values are based on typical nutritional information for the listed ingredients and may not account for any variations or substitutions made in the recipe.