Sweet Kolaches

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water with 1 tablespoon sugar sprinkled over the yeast in a mixing bowl.

Step 2

Heat milk; add shortening to dissolve. Let cool to lukewarm. Add salt, egg yolks (slightly beaten) and sugar. Add to the yeast (which by this time should have risen to a foamy stage).

Step 3

If you place the yeast and liquid in a large bowl, you are ready to add the flour a little at a time until all is used up. Work the dough either by mixer or hand until it is glossy. Cover and let rise until double in bulk, about an hour. (Dough will not be as thick as used for dinner rolls. With some flour, you may have to add 1/4 cup.)

Step 4

After the dough is risen, it can be cut off into small pieces from the bowl with a spoon, about the size of an egg: place on a floured board, then shape into round balls, rolled in hands. Place on an oiled baking sheet about an inch apart to allow space for rising. Butter each ball well, with all butter or part margarine and butter. (For the best flavor butter is essential.)

Step 5

Let rise until light, then make an indentation in each piece of dough in order to place the fruit on the Kolache and keep it from sliding off. Sprinkle topping on each and they are ready for the oven.

Step 6

Bake in a hot oven at 425 to 450 for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and again butter each Kolache before removing them onto a wire cooling rack. If the fruit or cheese are to be enclosed inside the piece of dough, spread it out a little, place cheese or fruit. on the dough, hand pinch all sides together to completely seal. Then place on a baking sheet sealed side down, and butter. Let rise until light; sprinkle with the topping (posipka or others) and bake.

Step 7

Mix this until it resembles coarse meal. This keeps well so what is left may be used next time.

Step 8

Cook prunes very slowly until soft and tender. Remove stones from cooled prunes; add sugar and cinnamon and mix well. This amount is enough for about 36 Kolaches.

Step 9

Cook apricots slowly in enough water to cover until soft and water has been cooked out. (Do not overcook as it tends to make apricots dark.) Add sugar, mash with potato masher or mixer until well blended

Step 10

Knead cottage cheese and salt together well; add egg yolk, sugar, grated rind and lemon flavoring. Mix all together until well blended. Makes about 2 dozen Kolaches.

Step 11

Grind poppy seed; add sugar and liquid. Place in a heavy cooking utensil and cook or simmer for an hour or more