Polish Desserts

Every country, state and nationality has their own special dessert. This article introduces Polish desserts that are popular both in the country as well as here in the states due to the descendants of the original immigrants. Polish desserts are rich in pastries and cakes as well as doughs made of yeast. But Swiss rolls, gingerbreads, doughnuts and cookies are also popular. The following article gives a brief overview of the top five desserts enjoyed by those of Polish descent or anyone who enjoys desserts. The recipes can be found at www.poland.gov; www.joyofbaking.com or www.foodtv.com.

1. Kompot z Suszonych Owocow (Dried Fruit Compote). Made with dried fruit such as pears, figs, apricots and peaches. The fruit is simmered low and slow with cinnamon and cloves. Great for cold days to help warm the body up. Can also be served during the summer over ice cream.

2. Babka Wielkanocha (Baba Cake). The word Baba means "old woman" or "grandmother" as the dessert resembles the full pleated skirt that grandmother's original wore. This dessert is half cake and half bread as it is a yeast confection. It includes fifteen eggs and is most often served after Lent. It can also include raisins, citron and almonds, which are all traditional but can be left out.

3. Kruche Ciasto Polskie (Butter Pretzel Cookie) it also translates to Polish crumbly dough. This cookie is unique as it uses hard cooked eggs and only four ingredients. Akin to shortbread in that it is chilled and shaped as well as in texture. It is shaped into a pretzel, baked and heavily coated with powdered sugar.

4. Chleb Wigiljny ( Fruitcake). This is not the typical fruitcake that is passed from generation to generation. It is more of a cake and does not contain the brightly colored fruit that is so prominent in the modern heavy fruitcake, instead it uses dried fruit from raisins to figs. Another difference is that vodka is used in the cake batter (but orange juice can be substituted). Most often made during the holidays.

5. Brzoskwinie Zaprawiane Gorzalka (Brandied Peaches). Celebrates fresh peaches and simply uses peach preserves (or jam) and brandy. Baked until the peaches are just tender and served with ice cream or whipped cream. Elegant but easy and although the alcohol bakes out, it is considered an adult dessert.

Five desserts that may be hard to pronounce, but tasty and a great change to the everyday dessert menu for any dinner or party.