Your guests will feel like royalty when you offer them this flaky Polish pastry known as "mazurek." It's also known as "mazurka," which is actually a Polish folk dance. It also means "country sparrow" and a person from Mazur in North Central Poland.

"Mazurek" used to be associated with Easter time, but now it's a year-round treat.

The fact that this one has a lattice-work top with dollops of fruit preserves resembling the jewels in a crown makes it a Royal Mazurek ("Mazurek Krolewski"). Other varieties include plain and those topped with almond paste. Enjoy this with a strong cup of coffee or hot tea served the Eastern European way -- in a glass!

This image gallery gives you a better idea of what you're in for.

Photo (c) Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.