Makówki - Polish Poppy Seed Dessert

Ingredients

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) milk 8 cups (1.9 liters) milk
• 2 cups (400g) ground poppy seeds 2 cups (400g) ground poppy seeds
• 1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120g) honey 1/2 cup (120g) honey
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 10 cups (500g) cubed stale bread 10 cups (500g) cubed stale bread
• 1 cup (150g) raisins 1 cup (150g) raisins
• 1 cup (150g) dried apricots, chopped 1 cup (150g) dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried cranberries 1/2 cup (75g) dried cranberries
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 40g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the ground poppy seeds, sugar, honey, butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Slowly pour the poppy seed mixture into the hot milk, stirring constantly until well combined.
4. 4.
   Add the cubed stale bread, raisins, dried apricots, and dried cranberries to the milk mixture. Stir gently to ensure all the bread is soaked.
5. 5.
   Cover the saucepan and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
7. 7.
   Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
8. 8.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
10. 10.
    Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Poppy seeds — To enhance the flavor of the poppy seeds, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before grinding.
• Stale bread — If you don't have stale bread, you can use fresh bread and lightly toast it in the oven before cubing it. This will help the bread absorb the milk mixture better.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can soak the dried fruits in rum or orange juice before adding them to the mixture.
• Serve Makówki warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the poppy seed mixture in a food processor before adding it to the milk.

Serving advice

Serve Makówki as a dessert after a hearty Polish meal. It pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional ground poppy seeds on top of the powdered sugar. You can also garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.