Discover the magic of grandma's pastries, which smell like home

Vdolky - The Fluffy Treasure of Czech Cuisine That Smells Like Home

In many Czech households, vdolky are among those recipes that are passed down from generation to generation. When "grandma's vdolky" are mentioned, most people remember loving moments spent in the kitchen, the sweet smell of leavened dough, and the hot oil sizzling on the stove. This traditional pastry holds a special place not only on the plate but also in the heart of anyone who grew up in the Czech environment. Although many variations have emerged over time, the basic magic remains – fluffy dough, delicious plum jam, curd, and sugar.

Old Czech Vdolky and Their Place in History

Vdolky are not a modern invention. Their history dates back several centuries. Our great-grandmothers baked them during holidays, fairs, or as a treat for guests. Recipes varied by region and family tradition, but one thing remained the same – vdolky were a symbol of hospitality and abundance. In old Czech cuisine, they had an honorable place and were often prepared in large quantities – not only because they were tasty but also because people could easily reheat them the next day.

When we look at an old Czech recipe for vdolky, we find milk, yeast, eggs, butter, sugar, and plain flour. No exotic ingredients, just what was commonly available. And it is precisely in this simplicity that the magic lies. Today, the recipe might seem challenging to prepare, especially due to the leavening and frying, but the result is worth it. When you bite into a freshly fried vdolek with plum jam and sour cream, you travel back in time.

Grandma's Vdolky - A Recipe That Smells Like Home

Anyone who had the fortune to taste vdolky from their grandma knows that they tasted different. It wasn't just about the ingredients, but the love with which they were prepared. Grandma's vdolky were soft, tender, and always richly decorated, whether with curd, plum jam, or raisins. Often, a pinch of rum or lemon zest was added for a gentle aroma, evoking distant childhood memories.

Interestingly, every grandma had her own "secret" method. One let the dough rise under a blanket, another mixed it exclusively with a wooden spoon clockwise. Whatever the method, the result was always genuine and homemade. Today, when we're accustomed to quick and easy recipes, the preparation of grandma's vdolky might seem complicated. But precisely because of their complexity, these vdolky are so special.

A lady from southern Bohemia recalls: "My grandma always made vdolky on Sunday afternoons. We all sat at the table, waiting for her to take them out of the oil, and argued about who would get the one with the most curd. And when there was one left, she always said it was for good luck."

Bavarian Vdolky - Relatives from Across the Border

Although it may seem that vdolky are exclusively a Czech affair, similar pastries can be found among our neighbors. Bavarian vdolky, also known as "Auszogne" or "Kiachl," are traditional pastries in southern Germany, especially in Bavaria and Tyrol. They are made from leavened dough, rolled into a thin disk shape with a higher edge, and fried in hot fat. The result is a crispy edge and a soft center, often filled with jam or sprinkled with sugar.

The difference between Czech and Bavarian vdolky lies mainly in texture and preparation. While Czech vdolky are more like a reminder of a pie fried in oil, Bavarian ones are finer, with a more delicate dough. Additionally, they are often served both sweet and savory – for example, with sauerkraut, a combination that may surprise but certainly won't offend.

Their popularity in Germany is comparable to ours – they are part of markets, festivals, and folk celebrations. These cultural overlaps show how similar our tastes are across Europe.

Vdolky Today - Traditional Flavor in Modern Style

Although it may seem that vdolky belong more to the past, they have been experiencing a renaissance in recent years. Many cafes and patisseries are returning to traditional pastries and offering their own variations – often with a modern twist. On plates, we can find vdolky with mascarpone, raspberry mousse, or even a savory version with goat cheese and arugula.

The growing popularity of home baking during the pandemic has helped people return to tried-and-true recipes, among which vdolky undoubtedly belong. And precisely due to this return to traditions, there is a growing interest in the old Czech recipe for vdolky, like those our grandmothers made.

And why not? In today's fast-paced world, preparing homemade vdolky is not only a way to enjoy but also a way to slow down, disconnect, and be present in the moment. Mixing dough, waiting for it to rise, carefully placing it into oil – all teach us patience and joy in creation.

Recipe for Traditional Czech Vdolky

For those who would like to try preparing homemade vdolky according to grandma's recipe, we offer a simple guide. Don't expect miracles in five minutes. But that is the beauty – honest work brings sweet fruit.

Ingredients:

• 500 g plain flour
• 250 ml lukewarm milk
• 40 g fresh yeast
• 2 egg yolks
• 50 g sugar
• 60 g butter
• a pinch of salt
• grated lemon zest (optional)
• plum jam, curd, sour cream, powdered sugar for garnish
• vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Crumble the yeast into lukewarm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and let the leavening agent rise.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the dough: sift the flour into a bowl, add the yolks, sugar, melted butter, salt, and lemon zest.
3. Add the risen yeast and knead into a smooth dough, letting it rise for about an hour in a warm place.
4. Roll out the risen dough to a thickness of about 1.5 cm and cut out circles.
5. Let them rise briefly and fry on both sides until golden brown in hot oil.
6. After frying, drain on a napkin, spread with plum jam, sprinkle with sugar, or add cream or curd.

The result? Golden, soft, and fragrant vdolky that will please everyone. Whether you have them with Sunday coffee, as a dessert for guests, or just for taste, they will bring you peace and a zest for life.

The memory of grandma's vdolky may evoke an image of a kitchen full of laughter and aroma. But there's no reason to stick to just memories. All it takes is a few ingredients, a bit of patience, and the scent of home returns.