Czech Kolaches

• 3 package dry yeast
• 1 Tbsp. plus 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 1/2 cup shortening, margarine or butter, melted
• 3 egg yolks, beaten
• 1 whole egg, beaten
• 5 to 6 cups flour, divided
• fruit filling of your choice
• melted butter for tops

Directions

Dissolve yeast and 1 Tbsp. sugar in lukewarm water and set aside to work. Scald milk and let cool to lukewarm, then add 1/2 cup sugar, salt, melted shortening, beaten egg yolks, and egg. Mix well, then beat in 3 cup of flour. Add yeast mixture and mix well. Then add enough flour to make a soft dough.

After dough is mixed well, place in greased bowl and let rise until double in bulk. Make 1 inch balls of dough and put on greased cookie sheet. Let rise. Make a depression in centers of balls several times while rising. this keeps the filling from popping out as the dough rises and bakes. Fill with filling of your choice. Let rise again and bake at 400 degrees F until brown, about 7 minutes. Brush tops with melted butter when taken from oven and place on rack to cool. Makes 5 dozen.

Note: Cherry, pineapple, apricot, prune and poppy seed are favorite fillings. A little applesauce mixed with the prune not only helps stretch it but also tends to mellow the flavor.

By Robin from Washington, IA