Czech Republic Desserts for School

My older daughter's school always does an end of the year celebration.  One of the parts of the celebration is that the children learn about different countries and cultures together.  There is singing and dancing in front of the rest of the school, a potluck dessert and lunch together with parents and grandparents.

I made some Czech desserts, which I found fitting since I just discovered that my mother's father's family is originally Czech. 

I made a Bublanina (a coffee cake) with blackberries and strawberries for the fruit topping.  The recipe was very easy and came out absolutely delicious.  I was surprised that the cake was moist and not dense, as I thought it would be since it was quite short.  I plan on making Bublanina again this weekend to share with my father and my family.

I also made Almond Crescents, which I and a Polish American teacher remember from our childhoods.  A few Mexican women were also eating it, and one lady explained to me that they make the same cookie but just round.  It's amazing how small a world this can truly be and how food can really cross so many lines and bring us closer.  The conversation went on to other discussions about regional music in Mexico and Poland and how similar Poland and the Czech Republic can be.  It was a very pleasant day.

Ingredients:

1 stick of butter, softened

4 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 tablespoon water

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups finely chopped almonds (I just put them in a blender until fine)

Powdered or Vanilla sugar

Cream butter and sugar.  Add vanilla and water.

In a separate large bowl, mix together flour and salt.

Mix with butter, combining thoroughly.

Add almonds and mix completely.

Form tablespoon size balls of dough into crescent shapes and place on cookie sheets (I recommend using parchment paper). Bake 15-20 minutes in 325 degree oven (preheated) or until golden brown on the bottom.  I baked mine for about 18 minutes.

While still warm, roll in confectioners' sugar or vanilla sugar.

I also made Palačinky, which were essentially Nalesniki with jam inside and covered in powdered sugar.  I used Polish Raspberry jam and Polish Black Currant jam.

As I said, it's a small world and I am looking forward to this summer with both daughters all day long. 

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day and remember we are celebrating the sacrifice made by others before us so that we can live free.  And pray for those who are not so fortunate.  Because freedom comes at a price.