UPDATE: Sister Rose Bartnicki, an 87-year-old nun from the School Sisters of St. Francis, is sharing her cherished secrets to making traditional Polish kolaczki cookies. The beloved pastries, known for their flaky texture and festive filling, have captivated the community at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Spring Township.
Just recently, Bartnicki hosted two intimate baking sessions in the convent kitchen, responding to requests from fellow parishioners eager to learn her time-honored techniques. These sessions not only revived memories of her childhood in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie among the participants, many of whom had struggled with other recipes in the past.
Kolaczki have been a staple in Bartnicki’s holiday celebrations from Thanksgiving through Easter. She emphasizes the importance of using a precise method, avoiding leavening agents like baking powder, and prioritizing time and patience in the baking process.
“It takes time and patience,” Bartnicki stated. “You can’t rush it. It all depends on how you roll the dough.” Participants learned that rolling the dough to less than one-quarter inch, ideally closer to one-eighth inch, is crucial for achieving the perfect pastry.
During the sessions, Bartnicki guided attendees through the process of cutting dough into strips, filling them with cream cheese or other fillings, and expertly pinching the edges to seal. Each participant expressed joy as they rolled and shaped their dough, creating a festive atmosphere filled with laughter and shared stories.
Bartnicki’s approach shuns shortcuts, emphasizing that the right tools, including a specialized cookie cutter, are essential for success. “When you use a pizza cutter, that doesn’t work out,” she advised, highlighting her commitment to authenticity.
The excitement in the convent kitchen was palpable, as participants enjoyed their time together, learning not just a recipe, but a tradition that has been passed down for generations. “Both groups really enjoyed it,” Bartnicki noted, reflecting on the positive energy of her classes.
As the holiday season approaches, these kolaczki sessions remind the community of the importance of preserving cultural traditions and sharing them with others. Sister Rose Bartnicki’s passion for baking and her dedication to teaching are sparking a renewed interest in Polish culinary heritage, making this not just a baking class, but a heartfelt celebration of community and tradition.
For anyone looking to master the art of kolaczki, the lessons from Sister Bartnicki are invaluable. The joy of sharing these cookies extends beyond the kitchen, fostering connections and memories that will last a lifetime. Stay tuned for more culinary traditions being shared in your community as the holiday season unfolds.
