Kolaches

A traditional Czech pastry.

Total Time

2 Hours 10 Minutes

Servings

72

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups warm milk
• 1 1/2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 6 1/2 cups plain flour
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves

Instructions

1. Pour warm milk over yeast, and let dissolve. Then add sugar, shortening, salt, eggs, egg yolks, and flour. Stir until well combined. Remove dough to a well oiled bowl, and turn once to coat the surface. Cover, and place in a warm spot. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
2. Dish out dough with a tablespoon, and roll into balls. Brush each with shortening, and let rise until doubled in bulk.
3. Flatten the balls, and make a depression in the centres. Fill with fruit preserves. Allow to rise.
   Bake at 190°C for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.