Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance

FAMILY HEIRLOOM RECIPES

Illinois State Fair

August 13, 2021

 

 

Third Prize:

Polish/Bohemian Kolacky
Kim Lyon

 

 

My family history is rather limited since my family is quite small. I was an only child, as was my father. My mother had only step sisters and a step brother as she was the only child born of the second marriage of her father. In addition, all of my grandparents were gone before my first birthday. So as you can tell, I do not have many sources from which to have recipes handed down to me.

 

So why would I enter this contest? The simple answer is…memories. My heritage is Polish on my father’s side. We lived in a far north suburb of Chicago and the rest of the family lived on the south side, near the Indiana border, hours from Mom, Dad, and I. The only time I ever saw my small extended family was for special occasions like weddings and funerals. When we did have that precious opportunity of time together, we always went to Polish restaurants. Two things that have had a special place in my heart from those cherished family gatherings were pierogis and kolackies. My mother began to make these at home. Although she claimed to be full Irish, she made many Polish dishes, which I believe were my paternal grandmother’s recipes.

 

Many years ago, I began making these dishes as a way for me to remember those special times with my extended family, which were so few and far between. I have really enjoyed sharing these Polish and Bohemian foods with my husband, children, and friends as part of my story…the history and culture of my small, but beloved family.

 

Today I present to you one of these dishes as a way of providing a glimpse into my Polish heritage and telling you a little about who I am. By sharing a piece of my small family with you, I feel that my family has grown. Please enjoy!

 

 

Third Prize:

Polish/Bohemian Kolacky
Kim Lyon

 

COOKIE BASE INGREDIENTS:

 

1 ½ TO 2 C. UNBLEACHED FLOUR
1 STICK OF UNSALTED BUTTER
1 – 8 OUNCE PKG CREAM CHEESE
1/2 TSP. BAKING POWDER
1 EGG YOLK

 

• Mix all cookie base ingredients together.
• Put dough on well-floured board & roll out to 1/4* inch thick
• Cut into rounds and put on cookie sheets
• Put a dab of filling in middle of circles
• Bake in pre-heated 375 degree oven for 18-20 minutes
• Remove from oven and cool before placing on wire racks
• Just before serving – sprinkle with powdered sugar
• Enjoy

 

FILLING:

 

1/2 C. JAM

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS

3/4 C. MARGARINE

1 TBSP. MILK

 

For filling – place all ingredients in saucepan & cook over low heat until all ingredients are mixed. Cool. Then put a dab of filling in middle of circles. Bake.