Family Recipes: Grandma's Kolocky

Shelby of The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch and Laura of The Spiced Life have put together a monthly event called "Family Recipes: Memories of Family, Food, and Fun". The moment I saw this on Shelby's blog, I knew exactly what I would make.

I absolutely adore my Grandma. She is such a cool woman. She tells it like it is and you never have to guess what she is thinking. Some of my greatest memories come from my summer visits to Chicago to visit my Grandma. I always remember her making goodies and delicious food. This woman makes amazing dumplings, pierogis, and sauerkraut (I've heard the sauerkraut is amazing... I don't eat sauerkraut!). And don't get me started on her baked goods! Even when I saw her two years ago (I can't believe it has been that long!!!), she was in the kitchen making a roast for my visit. That's right... my 80+ year old grandma was in the kitchen with her oxygen tank making sure I had a delicious meal when I arrived. She is such a great grandma!!!

My favorite thing I remember Grandma making was kolockys. (Although her fruit pizza ranks up there!). Everytime I would see her, she would have these on hand for me. I LOVE THEM! She would always make a variety of fillings (almond and apricot were among them), but my favorite were poppy seed and cheese. Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm!

Believe it or not, this is only the second time I have made these myself. I think it is because even though I consider myself a good cook, nothing compares to Grandma's. :) I am hoping with more practice, my kolocky will look and taste just like hers!

Here are the recipes straight from my Grandma to you! Oh, and one note... Grandma would only use SOLO pie filling for the poppy seed. I'm sure you could use any brand, but I get happy seeing that familiar can! :)

Grandma's Kolocky

2 cups flour

1/2 pound butter

Dash of salt

1 egg, beaten

Solo pie fillings (poppy seed, apricot, almond), Cheese filling (recipe below)

Powdered sugar

Mix ingredients like pie dough. Take dough size of walnut, imprint with thumb, and put in desired filling. Bake at 350 until light brown (about 10 minutes). Cool on rack. Dust with powdered sugar.

Cheese Filling

2 cups farmers cheese

1/4 cup butter, softened

2 eggs, seperated

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp lemon zest

Force farmers cheese through a food strainer. Beat egg yolks with sugar and butter. Add zest and cheese. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into the cheese mixture.