recipe: szarlotka.

Sorry for not posting recently, but I have been feeling a bit under the weather. Just been having some sinus problems and boy let me tell you they are NEVER fun!

Anyhow, last friday was the Seattle Metals Guild Reception for Helen Williams Drutt and Nancy Worden hosted by Micki and Bill Lippe. Tomorrow's post will be more about the reception along with some photos. Today, I wanted to share with you the recipe for the the "szarlotka" (Polish apple cake) that I baked for the reception last Friday.

The recipe came from this lovely Polish cookbook:


here is a translated verision of the recipe:
4 1/2 c. sifted flour
3 1/2 tsp. baking powder
8 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 lb. butter
4-5 tbsp. sour cream
4 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract

To make crust, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in butter. Combine sour cream and egg yolks and add to flour mixture. Mix dough and then knead lightly; form into ball and chill.

filling:
3/4 c. sugar
4-5 (or more)apples, peeled
1 tsp. cinnamon or to flavor

Grate apples and mix with sugar and cinnamon.

Photo of all the crust ingredients placed into the food processor ready to be mixed together.


The dough is then lightly kneaded. Next, form the dough into a kidney or ball like shape--- wrap the dough with aluminum foil and chill in the freezer for 30 mins or so.


Once the dough has chilled. Lightly grease your cooking dish. Cut slices of the dough and place them around your desired dish. Make sure to work the dough slices together with your fingers so there are no cracks. Once this step is complete, place the apple filling in. Finally, the last layer of the "szarlotka" is covered with a thin grated layer of dough on top and placed into the oven for 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden.


Golden brown.... all done! Optional: Once cake has cooled you can dust with powdered sugar.



Ready to eat, enjoy! This is definitely on the list of my favorite Polish desserts. The list is pretty long.... since first there are so many great recipes and second I LOVE desserts/sweets! haha. I hope you enjoyed this little cooking post, perhaps there will be some more in the future. Until tomorrow everyone. Bon appetit or as we say in Poland: Smacznego!