Blueberry Sumac Knots with Yogurt

I took a refreshing, summer twist on traditional Swedish Kanelbullar and created these delicious breakfast Blueberry knots. Knots are made with aromatic cardamom, fresh lemon zest and tangy, tart sumac. The yogurt glaze on top can be as well served on the side and knots can be dipped into the yogurt frosting especially if served…

Braided Vanilla Bread from Yogurt-Enriched Dough

Last weekend I finally got to bake again this rich & delectable yeasted bread after quite some time. After sharing some pictures of the bread on my Instagram, my inbox got filled with messages asking for the recipe and no wonder. Easy to make, great looking bread that feeds the crowd is a “go-for” treat…

Hungarian Zserbo Slices

Zserbo cake is a traditional Hungarian dessert that is very popular in parts of Slovakia as well. I was surprised when a couple of days ago a friend of mine (from Slovakia living here in the U.S.) came to visit me and when I offered her a slice of Zserbo she asked twice what was…

Walnut & Cinnamon Wreath

Walnut pastries, rolls, strudels, cakes and (you name it) all kinds of baked goods filled with walnut filling are an inherent part of a Slovak sweet culinary tradition. The abundance of walnuts and walnut trees growing in backyards and gardens behind the houses (both of my grandmas had at least one huge walnut tree in…

Vianočka – Traditional Sweet Braided Bread

Vianočka is a traditional sweet braided or plaited bread with the shape that resembles Challah. The word Vianočka in Slovak & Czech language means “Christmassy” (Vianoce means Christmas) because back in the days Vianočka was baked mainly around Christmas time (when I say back in the days the first mention of bread comes from the…

Spinach & Feta Kolaches

Kolaches are on my menu usually at least a few times a week. Being a very traditional Slovak pastry, I teach classes on kolaches and bake them for my friends who always expect some when they come over ho say hi Kolaches are a simple comfort snack and back home even a common lunch accompanied…

No-knead Sandwich Bread

Today I would love to introduce you to an amazingly versatile bread for beginners. No-knead, no-work bread mixed in (almost) no time that I used to bake a lot when I was starting with bread baking in general . Making your own bread can be scary or at least intimidating and for those who never…

Plum & Sweet Cheese Cake with Streusel from Fermented Dough

The fermented (or yeast-based) dough is probably my favorite base to lay delicious toppings on. There is nothing that can beat a freshly baked, deliciously smelling cake with hot, still bubbling fruits on top. The characteristic of the fermented dough is a very flavorful crumb and fluffy texture, that you can enhance even more if…

Swedish Cinnamon & Cardamom Kanelbullar

Traditional Swedish buttery pastry filled with Cinnamon & Cardamom filling. Anytime I am in Sweden, Kanelbullar is a must. These delicious pastries baked on every corner and smelling streets away and are a Swedish staple eaten for breakfast and as a part of a daily Fika. Fika in Sweden is a kind of ritual, enjoyed…

Cocoa Wreath from Leavened Dough

My biggest struggle in writing this recipe was how to name it properly. Cocoa Wreath or perhaps Bundt Babka, or maybe a Kaisergugelhupf? Well, the truth is that my wreath is a bit of everything. This dough is very similar to one I make for Babka but shaped into a Wreath and baked in a…