A kolach (also spelled kolache, kolace or kolacky , from the Czech and Slovak plural koláče, sg. koláč, diminutive koláčky) is a type of sweet pastry that holds a portion of fruit surrounded by puffy dough. It is made from yeast dough and common flavors include quark (tvaroh) spread, fruit jam, and poppy seeds mixed with powidl (povidla).
Originating as a semisweet festive dessert from Central Europe and later a breakfast item in South London, they have also become popular in parts of the United States, particularly in the state of Texas. The name originates from the Czech (Bohemian), and originally Old Slavonic word kolo meaning "circle", "wheel".
In some parts of US, klobásník, which contains sausage or other meat, is also called kolach because the same dough is used. Unlike kolache, which came to the United States with Czech immigrants, klobásníky were first made by Czechs who settled in Texas. In contrast, Czech koláč is always sweet.Kolaches are often associated with Cedar Rapids and Pocahontas in Iowa where they were introduced by Czech immigrants in the 1870s. They are served at church suppers and on holidays but also as an everyday comfort food. Recipes are usually passed down with some including spices like mace or nutmeg. They can be filled with a combination of prune, apricot, cream cheese, poppy seed or assorted other fillings.
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