Hello...or...Ahoj (hello in Czech),
I am so excited to start this cooking adventure.  When I was a child my mother, Jana, cooked the most incredible meals.  They weren't always popular with my friends because they weren't familiar American meals.  However, they were delicious and comforting to me.  Now that I am a mother and have found the joy in cooking, please join me in this special adventure.  My children also love my cooking.  If I make grilled cheese or chili, they find the same comfort as I did as a child.  I will share with you my favorite foods from my childhood, with the help of my mother (babi to my kids).  I will also share my children's favorite foods, American,Czech, Italian, Mexican and any other favorite foods that we can think of.

The recipe I would like to start with is my very favorite:  Fruit Filled Dumplings (Ovocne Knedliky)


Before I start.... this recipe comes from my grandmother, Anna (my babi) and was passed on to my mother.

In small bowl mix 1 pkg dry yeast, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons sugar and dash of salt. Wait until moist. 

In separate bowl beat one whole egg  and add one cup of warm milk.

Mix all ingredients with 2 cups all purpose flour until you have smooth dough. Cover with cloth or plastic wrap.

Let dough rise approx. 45 min. or until dough doubles in size.
Cut dough in 8 pieces.  Flatten  them and fill with  fresh fruit ( strawberries, cherries, blueberries, plums, apricots or peaches)  cut fruit to size and make sure to remove pits.  Sprinkle with sugar.

Fold dough around fruit in shape of dumplings.

Place in pot of boiling water.  Cook 5 minutes covered and then turn over and cook 5 minutes uncovered.

Remove from pot and place on platter.  Fork open top of dumplings to release steam (or dough will be tough).

Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with granulated sugar and top with hoop cheese (can be purchased at Gelsons market).

Enjoy!!!   Soooo Delicious:)

Very truly,
Eliska & Babi