This Kolache recipe was given to Grandma Lois when she married into Grandpa Vala’s Czech family. Great-grandma Vala was worried that a Swedish woman wouldn’t be able to master the recipe for this traditional Czech pastry, but Grandma Lois was soon famous for making the best Kolaches around. She used to make them almost every Saturday, but now she leaves the baking to her five grandaughters. This recipe is all about nurturing the yeast and it is well worth the extra effort required.

Fruit Filling - Any fruit filling may be used. Solo fillings in prune, poppy seed, and apricot are traditional. Cherry and sweetened cream cheese fillings are the Vala sisters’ favorites.

In a large Mixing Bowl (KitchenAide)
Dissolve: 2 pkgs. dry regular yeast, in 1/2 c. warm water

Mix in:
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. melted margarine
2 egg yolks
2 c. half & half (warmed)
2 tsp. salt

Add:
5 c. flour (plus or minus), to make a nice soft dough

Beat well and let rise in a warm place until about doubled. Place raised dough on floured board and roll out to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut with small round cookie cutter. Place on greased cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Press down center of dough and place filling in center, let rise for 30 min., bake in 425 degree oven 10 min. or until golden brown; do not over bake. Remove from oven and brush with melted margarine; cool. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.