Czechoslovakian Christmas Baking Memories

Photos, from top: Czechoslovakian Kolache © Helen Miklas; Palačinky © Noreen Kompanik; My Grandparent's Tinsel Christmas Tree circa 1960 © Noreen Kompanik

By Noreen Kompanik

My grandmother was amazing in the kitchen. Growing up in Ohio, I lived just a few blocks from her. That meant spending lots of time with my grandparents whom I adored, and learning the ethnic traditions passed on from their generation to mine.

One of my favorites? Christmas baking. Two sweets I loved most were Kolache and Palačinky.

Kolache is a yeast-flavored dough rolled and filled with a sweetened nut or poppy seed paste. Christmas smelled like kolache. My grandmother made enough for the family and as tasty gifts for others.

Then there’s Palačinky, crepe-like pancakes made on a stovetop. At breakfast time, I’d beg for these delectable crepes. While often they’re filled with fresh berries and cream, my favorite was a butter, sugar, and cinnamon mixture. And I still have that simple Palačinky recipe in her own precious handwriting.

I do make Palačinky and recently did so for my son and daughter-in-law who couldn’t get enough.

I’ve never made my own kolache hoping my grandma would live forever. But this Christmas, I will honor her memory. I doubt it will ever be as good as hers as she had that secret ingredient–LOVE.