Kolache

Hello again everyone! Sorry it has been so long since I posted anything. I have been ridiculously busy with school and the like. I am back again and I will try to post something at least once a week. In celebration of spring I will be posting a lovely Czech recipe for a delicious pastry that most people know as a kolache.  In Czech it is called a koláč.  For people who have no idea what they are, think of a jelly doughnut, or this.

That is also a kolache. A highly decorated kolache, but a kolache none the less. Looks tasty! Today I will share my recipe with you all. I hope you enjoy. Keep in mind that this recipe makes about 70 of them. I have a huge family and require huge recipes to cook for them.

Ingredients

 2 ½  cups warm milk
 1 ½ (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
 ½ cup white sugar
 ½ cup shortening
 1 tablespoon sea salt
 2 eggs
 2 egg yolks
 6 ½ cups unbleached flour
 ½ cup fruit preserves of your choice

Directions

1.       Pour warm milk over the yeast, and let dissolve completely

2.       Add sugar, shortening, sea salt, eggs, egg yolks, and flour

3.       Stir until completely combined

4.       Remove the dough and place in a well-oiled bowl

5.       Turn once in the bowl to coat the surface with oil

6.       Cover bowl with a towel and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled (this takes about an hour)

7.       Spoon out dough with a spoon and roll into ball and set on baking sheet

8.       Brush the tops with shortening and let rise until doubled once again

9.       Flatten the balls and make a depression in the centers with the back of a spoon

10.   Pre-heat your oven to 375°F

11.   Fill the depressions with whatever fruit preserves you have chosen and allow to rise once again

12.   Bake 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned