Countess's Slices: The Magic of Home Baking with Nobility
The Story of a Recipe That Survived Generations: Countess Squares as a Symbol of Honest Baking
In Czech kitchens, every family recipe has its story. Some originated from modesty, others from joy. And then there are those whose history reaches back to aristocratic tables. Countess Squares are precisely the type of dessert that exudes an air of nobility, yet it's a simple, homemade pastry that has won the hearts of generations. Few cakes manage to blend the delicacy of Linzer dough, the softness of apples, and meringue with such elegance.
The name itself sounds almost mysterious. Who was the countess? And why "squares"? One thing is certain – excellent Countess Squares hold a firm place in Czech culinary tradition. Although their exact origin is unknown, the recipe has become a staple in the notebooks of our grandmothers and modern food bloggers. While some swear by the version from a grandmother in the Vysočina region, others know the Countess Squares according to Maršálek, a renowned pastry chef who presents modern variations of traditional recipes.
What is certain is that a quality recipe for Countess Squares on a large baking sheet is a small treasure today – ideal for celebrations, family gatherings, and Sunday afternoons when a large company gathers.
What Makes Countess Squares Special?
At first glance, they resemble an apple Linzer cake, but in reality, they have many more layers – both literally and figuratively. The base is made of a delicate buttery dough, usually with three basic ingredients: plain flour, sugar, and butter. The dough often includes egg yolk or sour cream for better structure. Half of the dough is spread on a baking sheet, topped with a layer of grated apples, lightly flavored with cinnamon and sugar. Then follows gently whipped egg whites, which add lightness to the dessert. Finally, the remaining dough is grated on top, giving the cake a crunchy texture and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The contrast between the soft apple filling, airy meringue, and delicate surface makes Countess Squares such a beloved treat. It's not just about the taste – it's also a memory of childhood, of baking with mom or grandma, who pulled a fragrant tray full of homely comfort out of the oven.
Countess Squares According to Maršálek – A Modern Twist on a Classic
Josef Maršálek, a well-known Czech pastry chef, has managed to breathe new life into many traditional recipes. It was no different with Countess Squares. His version relies on a higher proportion of almonds and a finer dough structure. Sometimes he adds a touch of vanilla or lemon zest, giving the dessert a fresh note. He also emphasizes the quality of ingredients – like organic butter, free-range eggs, and apples from local orchards.
Maršálek's version is not complicated, just more meticulous. It emphasizes working with textures and balancing flavors. For those who are not afraid to experiment, he recommends adding a bit of rum or raisins to the apples. And if you plan to bake Countess Squares on a large baking sheet, his recipe is ideal – it is designed so that the dessert holds its shape well and doesn't become soggy.
How to Prepare Countess Squares on a Large Baking Sheet?
There are many recipes, but if you're looking for a proven one, betting on the classic never fails. Here's one of the most popular:
Ingredients:
- 400 g plain flour
- 250 g butter or quality vegetable fat
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 4 eggs (yolks for the dough, whites for the meringue)
- 1 baking powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 800–1000 g grated apples
- ground cinnamon, lemon juice, sugar for flavoring
- a pinch of salt
Instructions:
- From the flour, butter, sugar, egg yolks, baking powder, and lemon zest, work into a smooth dough. Divide it into two parts – one larger (for the base) and one smaller (for grating).
- Evenly spread the larger part of the dough onto a greased and floured large baking sheet.
- Place the grated apples on the dough (you can lightly stew them beforehand), season with cinnamon and possibly sugar – depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
- Whip the egg whites and a pinch of salt into stiff peaks, slowly stir in a bit of sugar to thicken the foam. Spread it over the apples.
- Grate the smaller part of the dough on a coarse grater and evenly sprinkle it over the top of the cake.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 35–40 minutes until golden.
How do you know they're done? The squares will turn golden, the meringue on top will form a delicate crust, and the whole house will fill with a fragrance that invites you to tea and a quiet conversation at the table.
When to Serve Countess Squares?
Not only are they excellent fresh, but they also taste great the next day when the flavors meld better. Therefore, they are also suitable as a dessert for celebrations, picnics, or in a lunchbox for work. Because they are baked on a large baking sheet, there is enough for a larger crowd.
Interestingly, Countess Squares are among the few sweets that people associate with seasonal changes. In summer, they include greengages, plums, or pears. In autumn, fragrant apples from the harvest are perfect, and in winter, we bake them because they simply create a homely atmosphere.
A lady from Haná once said: "When I don't know what to serve with coffee and don't have time, I make Countess Squares. Everyone knows them, everyone loves them." And perhaps that is their strength – unassuming yet heartfelt.
Moreover, they are a great choice for those looking for baking with less sugar. Thanks to the natural sweetness of apples and light meringue, sugar can be easily adjusted to taste.
Can Tradition Be Sustainable?
From a sustainability perspective, Countess Squares are surprisingly friendly. They don't require exotic ingredients; everything can be sourced locally – apples from the orchard, eggs from a neighbor, butter from a farm. And if you decide to bake with organic ingredients, not only will you support a healthy lifestyle, but you'll also notice the difference in taste. A sustainable household doesn't just start with recycling waste, but also with considering what and how we cook.
In today's times, when so many recipes are lost in a flood of short-term trends, it's nice to return to something that stands the test of time. Countess Squares are more than just a cake – they are a tradition passed down from generation to generation. Whether you bake them according to your grandmother's recipe, Maršálek's, or create your own version, there will always be a piece of home in them – and that is more than enough in today's world.
