Kolach (cake) facts for kids
A larger koláč, called "frgál", from the Moravian Wallachia area
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| Type | Sweet bread |
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| Place of origin | Czech lands and Slovakia |
| Region or state | Central Europe |
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A kolach (pronounced "koh-lahch") is a sweet pastry that comes from Central Europe. It's made from a soft, puffy yeast dough. In the middle, it holds a tasty filling, often fruit or a creamy dairy product.
Common fillings include a dairy spread called Quark or tvaroh, fruit jams, and poppy seeds mixed with plum butter (called povidla). Kolaches are very popular in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The word "kolach" comes from the Czech and Slovak languages. It means "cake" or "pie". The original word kolo means "circle" or "wheel", which describes the pastry's round shape.
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Kolaches in the United States
Kolaches became popular in parts of the United States, especially in Texas. Czech immigrants brought their recipes and traditions with them when they moved there.
In some parts of the US, you might find a pastry called a klobásník (pronounced "kloh-bahs-neek"). This pastry uses the same sweet dough as a kolach, but it's filled with sausage or other meats. Unlike the sweet kolach, klobásníky were first made by Czechs who settled in Texas. A traditional Czech kolach is always sweet.
Kolaches are often linked to cities like Cedar Rapids and Pocahontas in Iowa. Czech immigrants introduced them there in the 1870s. People enjoy them at church events, on holidays, and as a comforting everyday treat. Recipes are often passed down through families. Fillings can include prune, apricot, cream cheese, or poppy seed.
Kolache Celebrations and Festivals
Many towns, especially those with Czech heritage, celebrate kolaches!
In the Czech Republic, the town of Bujanov holds yearly kolache celebrations called Koláčové slavnosti. They even have kolache marathons!
Several cities in the United States also have annual Kolache Festivals. These include:
- Tabor, South Dakota
- Verdigre, Nebraska
- Wilber, Nebraska
- Prague, Nebraska
- Caldwell, Texas
- New Prague, Minnesota
- East Bernard, Texas
- Crosby, Texas
- Hallettsville, Texas
- Prague, Oklahoma
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa (at St. Ludmila's Catholic Church)
- Kewaunee, Wisconsin
Both Verdigre, Nebraska, and Montgomery, Minnesota, proudly call themselves the "Kolacky capital of the world". Prague, Nebraska, claims to be home to the world's largest kolach. In Texas, both Caldwell and West, Texas, claim the title of "Kolache Capital" of the state. Kolaches are super popular in Central and Eastern Texas. There's even a "Texas Czech Belt" where many kolache bakeries can be found.
Haugen, Wisconsin, is known as the Kolache Capital of Wisconsin. This village celebrates its Czech heritage during an annual festival called Haugen Fun Days. Kolaches are a big part of the festival, with sales, bake-offs, and tastings. You can also find kolaches at other Czech-American festivals across the United States.
In 2007, the kolach was chosen to represent the Czech Republic for Europe Day. This was part of a special event called Café Europe.
What About Klobásníky?
A related pastry is the klobasnek. These are very popular in central and southeast Texas, especially in Houston. A klobasnek often uses a similar sweet bread dough, but it's filled with a sausage link or ground sausage.
Some people might call these "kolaches," but they are actually more like a "pig in a blanket". They can also be filled with ham, cheese, jalapeño peppers, eggs, bacon, or potato. Czech settlers created klobasniky after they moved to Texas.
mk:Колач
See also
In Spanish: Kolache para niños
