Trdelník facts for kids
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| Type | Pastry |
|---|---|
| Region or state | Hungary, Székely Land (Romania), Skalica (Slovakia), Czech Republic |
| Main ingredients | Dough, sugar, walnuts |
Trdelník is a super tasty sweet treat. It's a kind of spit cake. Imagine rolled dough wrapped around a special stick. This dough is then grilled over heat. After cooking, it's topped with a mix of sugar and walnuts. It's a popular snack, especially in Central Europe.
Contents
Where Did Trdelník Come From?
Trdelník has a long and interesting history. People have enjoyed similar pastries for a long time. In the mid-1800s, it was known as a Slovak dish. Later, in the 1900s, it became known in Moravia. A similar sweet bread, called kürtőskalács, was also popular in parts of Romania.
The name trdelník comes from Czech and Slovak words. The word trdlo is the name of the wooden tool. This tool is what the dough wraps around while it cooks. It helps give the pastry its hollow shape.
In recent years, trdelník has become very popular. Tourists love to try it in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. You can often find it sold as a sweet snack. Some cafes in Prague even fill trdelník with ice cream!
The version from the Slovak town of Skalica is very special. It's called Skalický trdelník. In 2007, it got a special EU protection. This means it's a "protected geographical indication" (PGI). It's like saying only champagne from the Champagne region can be called Champagne. This PGI makes sure that Skalický trdelník is made in a specific way in Skalica. By 2015, it was also recognized as a traditional Hungarian dish.
Trdelník in Prague: A Tourist Favorite
You might hear trdelník called a "traditional Czech cake." Or maybe an "old Bohemian pastry." But some people say it's not as old in Prague as you might think. While it was mentioned in some old books, it was mostly known in Slovakia or Moravia.
Many people believe trdelník became super popular in Prague more recently. It's mostly because tourists love it so much. A Czech reporter named Janek Rubeš even joked about it. He said that a hamburger might be more traditional in the Czech Republic than trdelník! But no matter its history, it's definitely a delicious treat for visitors.
The Special Skalický Trdelník
Making trdelník has a long history in the Slovak town of Skalica. This town is close to the Moravian town of Hodonín. The very first recipe was owned by a cook in the late 1700s. This cook worked for József Gvadányi, a retired Hungarian general living in Skalica.
Over time, the people of Skalica made the recipe even better. They perfected it into what we now know as Skalický trdelník. This special version is often cooked over an open fire.
In 2004, a group called Skalický trdelník was created. Their main goal is to keep the tradition alive. They want to make sure the original way of making trdelník over an open fire continues for many years.
See also
In Spanish: Trdelník para niños
