Category: Holidays

Hungarian poppy seed & walnut rolls

| April 1, 2012 | 6 Comments
Hungarian poppy seed & walnut rolls

A Hungarian favorite, bejgli is a sweet roll that is filled with either poppy seed (mákos) or walnut (diós) filling. There are many variations and even savory alternatives, but these two are the most common. Bejgli is usually served for Christmas and Easter. Ingredients Dough 1 cup (250 ml) of warm water 2 packages (16 grams) of active dry yeast [...]

Continue Reading

Pinca: Croatian Easter bread

| February 15, 2012 | 2 Comments
Pinca: Croatian Easter bread

An Easter tradition in Croatia, pinca also known as sirnica is a sweet bread that is flavored with raisins, rum and citrus zest. It is commonly shaped into a round loaf that is marked with a cross to symbolize the Crucifixion of Christ. Another variation is to tuck hard-boiled colored Easter eggs into the bread’s [...]

Continue Reading

Traditional Hungarian Christmas foods

| December 15, 2011 | 7 Comments
Traditional Hungarian Christmas foods

To Hungarian children, of course, it’s all about Mikulás. But for the grown-ups, Christmas celebrations in Hungary focus a lot on the culinary delights. Here are a few of the highlights. Halászlé (Fish Soup) As a relic of the earlier church tradition of fasting for Advent, it is still traditional for fish to be eaten [...]

Continue Reading

Paprenjak

| December 6, 2011 | 0 Comments
Paprenjak

Paprenjak is a traditional Croatian biscuit that contains a unique mix of honey, walnuts, pepper and spices. Its origin is still unclear but it  is known to have existed since the 16th century and more lately its become a family tradition in many Croatian homes to make paprenjak for Christmas. To make paprenjak you need special wooden mould’s [...]

Continue Reading

Hungarian Christmas honey cookies

| December 3, 2011 | 6 Comments
Hungarian Christmas honey cookies

Honey cookies also known as mézeskalács are a traditional Christmas treat in Hungary and are often sold at festivals and markets. Similar to gingerbread, these cookies are made with honey and spices and are decorated with white sugar icing.  This recipe is an adaptation from Nora Papp’s recipe, who is the creator and editor of Wise Lady, a [...]

Continue Reading

Fritule

| November 25, 2011 | 0 Comments
Fritule

Fritule is a traditional Croatian pastry that is most commonly made for  Christmas. Although very similar to a doughnut these fluffy pastries are actually much smaller in size and are shaped into round balls. In this recipe, sour cream and grated apples are used to give it a richer taste. They make an excellent accompaniment to [...]

Continue Reading

Russian Easter bread

| March 20, 2011 | 7 Comments
Russian Easter bread

This recipe for kulich is by food blogger Alina Petropavlovska and her mother who have  kept the tradition of baking this sweet bread for Easter every year. She says this recipe reminds her of the incense they use in the Orthodox church as it combines the perfect blend of spices. A few tricks that Alina has recommended for making a great kulich involves kneading the dough [...]

Continue Reading

Carnival doughnuts

| February 22, 2011 | 0 Comments
Carnival doughnuts

Farsang is known as the carnival season in Hungary,  is the time where Hungarians celebrate with rich and fatty foods. In particular, the Fánk, similar to a doughnut is a common treat for many locals. Ingredients 1 tsp (8 grams) active dry yeast 2 cups (474 ml) warm milk 1/2 cup  (125 grams) granulated sugar 1/2 tsp [...]

Continue Reading

Christmas poppy seed rolls

| November 17, 2010 | 0 Comments
Christmas poppy seed rolls

No other time are poppy seed rolls most enjoyed than during the Christmas season. These sweet rolls have always been a favorite and almost every family prides themselves on having a great recipe to make them. This recipe includes a citrus glaze which makes these rolls extra sweet. For a festive look, you can decorate your rolls with nuts and dried fruits. Happy baking! [...]

Continue Reading

Potato pancakes

| September 7, 2010 | 3 Comments
Potato pancakes

Ingredients 6 large potatoes, peeled and shredded 2 eggs, beaten 1 onion, finely chopped 1-2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 cup (115 grams) flour 4 tbsp (50 grams)butter 4 tbsp (50 grams) oil salt and pepper to taste Directions In a large bowl, add the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix in the potatoes, onions, and [...]

Continue Reading