Strucla Makowa Poppy Seed Strudel

Welcome to a delightful journey through the flavors of a traditional Polish Christmas with our recipe for Strucla Makowa, a heavenly Poppy Seed Strudel that is sure to become a holiday favorite. This beloved treat captures the essence of festive celebrations with its tender pastry and indulgent poppy seed filling. Get ready to fill your home with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked goodies as you embark on this culinary adventure.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 egg
– 1 cup ground poppy seeds
– 1/2 cup hot milk
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/3 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt together. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and egg until well combined. Pour the mixture into the flour-butter mixture and knead gently until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, pour the hot milk over the ground poppy seeds and let them soak for 15 minutes.
5. After the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. In a bowl, combine the soaked poppy seeds, honey, raisins, almonds, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
7. Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Carefully roll up the dough lengthwise to form a log.
8. Transfer the strudel to the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Brush the top with a little beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the strudel is golden brown and the filling is set.
10. Remove the strudel from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Indulge in the enchanting aroma and delightful taste of Strucla Makowa Poppy Seed Strudel, the perfect sweet treat for your festive table. Serve it warm with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee, and let the flavors take you on a culinary adventure through Poland’s rich holiday traditions. Treat your loved ones to this homemade delight and create cherished memories together this holiday season. Enjoy the process of baking and savor every bite of this delicious creation!