Best Family Favorite Czech Recipes

Cooler weather ushers in more czech cooking. Well, the weather has finally cooled down here in Chicago which means I can immerse myself into cooking more Bohemian food. Today, I made Svickova which is marinated beef. This recipe much resembles the Chateau recipe with a few alerations here and there. I usually enjoy this dish served over dumplings with green beans on the side. I try to slice the roast as thin as possible so I can place the meat directly on top the dumplings when serving. A cold pilsner to accompany the meal is always good. Here is the recipe. Marinated Beef (Svickova) 3 lbs Sirloin Roast 2 Cups Water 1 Cup Vinegar 2 Carrots, Chopped 2 Ribs of Celery, Chopped 2 Parsnips, Chopped 1 onion, Chopped 5 pieces of Allspice 6 Peppercorns 2 Bay Leaves 4 Tbls All Purpose Flour 1 16oz container Sour Cream 1 Cup Beef Broth 1/2 Tsp Thyme Directions: 1. Combine water, vinegar, vegetables, all spice, peppercorns, and bay leaves into a saucepan and bring to a boil

Dessert Anyone?? A good follow up to a hearty meal involves a little pastry with a hot cup of coffee. One of my family favorite czech desserts starts with Kolacky. Kolacky is a small pastry/cookie that can be prepared using a variety of fillings such as raspbery, apricot, poppy seed, or almond flavors. I have included a fast and easy raspberry kolacky recipes that has been passed down from my great aunt (Teta). Here is how it is prepared. Fruit Filled Kolacky 1 Cup All Purpose Flour 1 Stick Butter 3/8 Cup Cream Cheese Fruit Filling (Jam or Canned Pastry Filling) 1. Cream softened butter and cream cheese 2. Slowly add Flour 3. Thoroughly mix dough until well blended/moist. 4. Refrigerate dough for a few hours. 5. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch. 6. Cut Dough into Squares. 7. Place squares on greased cookie sheet. 8. Spoon fruit mixture onto center of pastry square. 9. Fold opposite corners into center forming a square. 10 Bake for 12-15 minutes in 375 degree oven. 11.