Eastern Europeans have a charming tradition of offering "cake and coffee" to any guest who visits, expected or unexpected. That means some type of dessert has to be on hand in the pantry at all times. Those that are moist and have a long shelf life like Cream Cheese Pound Cake, Nut Roll, Strudel, Bread Pudding and those that can be pulled together quickly are the darlings of the Eastern European cook. Here are 10 to try.
1. Royal Mazurek
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
A Mazurek is a flaky, flat Polish pastry traditionally served at Easter time. But its buttery crust has made it mandatory at any special occasion year-round. This mazurek is "royal" because the dollops of preserves in the latticework resemble the jewels in a crown.
2. Dobosh Torte
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
This seven-layer Hungarian cake sports a caramel top.
3. Croatian / Serbian Nut Roll
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
This is one of the moistest nut rolls I've had the pleasure to taste. The recipe comes to me by way of Sophia Saliwonczyk.
4. Kolaczki
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Polish kolaczki are flaky filled cookies that can be made in diamond shapes, rounds or with all four corners folded in toward the center.
5. Sernik
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Polish cheesecake - sernik - is a rich, delicious dessert not at all like the American cream cheese cakes most people are used to.
6. Chrusciki
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Polish crullers - chrusciki - are more familiarly known as angel wings. They are a flaky and light fried pastry dusted with confectioners' sugar.
7. Potica / Povitica
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Serbian-Croatian potica - also known as povitica - is a sweet yeast bread roll with a moist walnut filling.
8. Chocolate Bajadera Torte
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
This rich Croatian dessert has seven layers of wafer and chocolate-nut filling. You'll need a strong cup of Croatian Turkish-style coffee with this one!
9. Indianer
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Indianer - Hungarian cream puffs - are like French profiteroles.
10. Bublanina
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Bublanina, a Czechoslovakian dessert, is made with whatever fruit is most plentiful at the time.
