Mazurek - Traditional Polish Easter Pastry

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (150g) fruit preserves (such as raspberry or apricot) 1/2 cup (150g) fruit preserves (such as raspberry or apricot)
• 1/2 cup (60g) toasted almonds, chopped 1/2 cup (60g) toasted almonds, chopped
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Optional decorations: dried fruits, nuts, or icing Optional decorations: dried fruits, nuts, or icing

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 16g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 31g (Sugar: 12g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold butter, and granulated sugar. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to fit the size of your baking sheet. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking sheet.
5. 5.
   Spread the fruit preserves evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the chopped toasted almonds over the fruit preserves.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, dust the Mazurek with powdered sugar and decorate with dried fruits, nuts, or icing as desired.
10. 10.
    Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden and release a nutty aroma. Let them cool before chopping and using as a topping for the Mazurek.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more festive touch, use a variety of fruit preserves to create different flavors and colors on the Mazurek.
• Experiment with different toppings such as dried cranberries, pistachios, or chocolate shavings to add your own twist to the recipe.
• Make sure the butter is cold when incorporating it into the dough to achieve a flaky and tender crust.
• Allow the Mazurek to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean and neat slices.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Mazurek as a delightful dessert during Easter celebrations or any special occasion. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

When presenting Mazurek, showcase its beautiful decorations by placing it on a decorative platter or cake stand. Dust it with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.