Fragrant elderflowers are one of the most beloved flavors of early summer in Croatia. When gently soaked in water, they release their delicate aroma and natural properties, creating a refreshing cordial that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Simply dilute with water and serve with fresh lemon and ice for a wonderfully cooling drink on warm summer days.
What are makači? In simpler terms, poppy seed strudel which is traditionally prepared in Trnovec Bartolovečki, in the vicinity of Varaždin. Fine, thin layers of poppy filling and filo pastry provide a rich and juicy dessert.
“Budel, budla, nadlavanje, nadelo and želudac” are some of the names of this renowned stuffing, an Easter specialty from Gorski kotar. In most of the places in Gorski kotar it is prepared by cooking, but Mema who was happy to share her family recipe, cherishes the tradition of her mother Katica and grandmother Agneza, and prepares it baked. It was prepared this way in the village where she grew up, called Goršeta on the bank of the river Kupa, and we were happy to try it.
Pancake is a thin batter cooked in a frying pan and is typical for the countries of Central and SouthEast Europe. It can be prepared thin or thicker, with various kinds of flour, with added grated potato or carrots and the stuffing can be sweet or salty. Pancakes can be prepared au gratin, fried in breadcrumbs or flambéed, and for those reasons they can be a simple meal or a supreme dessert.
These biscuits used to be prepared only for celebrations and holidays. Today they can be consumed more often and they are unique by their half moon shape, fine almond filling and aromatized with a coating of brandy (rakija) and granulated sugar.
You can prepare the “Germtajg” or yeast dough with various kinds of stuffing. Jam, apples, cracklings, cheese, carobs are only some of the options. Traditional, classic filling are walnut and poppy seeds, joined in this recipe by hazelnuts. One filling better than the other and they will make you want to try them all.
The name of these shortcrust cookies is determined by the paw shaped mould. They are often prepared in Christmas time, and this method has in a traditional sense substituted butter with lard.
Bischofsbrot or Bishop’s bread is a category of fine bagels, with walnuts, raisins and chocolate. Ideal treat along the afternoon coffee or tea.
Rafioli the fried shortcrust pastry with almond filling origins from the peninsula Pelješac. The rich almond filling aromatized with Maraschino and orange coated in pastry shall fill the kitchen with its fragrance. And the taste .. mmmmm, you must try it.
Turkey with mlinci is a classic dish of the continental Croatian cuisine. In this recipe we added it with a bit of autumn twist. Chestnut in classic potato croquettes with added braised apples and pears. A phantasy of flavours. 🙂