Kurtos kolacs - chimney cakes

Kurtos Kolacs - Chimney Cakes

If you are looking for a dessert recipe that combines tradition with an unmistakable taste, then Kurtos Kolacs, also known as chimney cakes, are the perfect choice. This delicious dessert has a rich history, with deep roots in culinary culture. It is a dish that has often been associated with celebrations and festivals, especially due to its unique preparation method and enticing aroma. Every bite will transport you to a world of flavors, and its attractive appearance will surely impress at any table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 12-15 chimney cakes

Ingredients:
- 1 kg flour
- 500 ml lukewarm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 7 tablespoons powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 150 g melted butter (or margarine)
- 1 whole egg
- 2 egg yolks
- Zest of one lemon
- 100 g shredded coconut
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by crumbling the yeast into a small bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar from the 7 tablespoons and 80 ml of lukewarm milk. Mix gently and let the mixture rise for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This is the crucial step to ensure that the dough will rise beautifully and evenly.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, whole egg, egg yolks, powdered sugar, salt, and lemon zest. After the yeast has risen, add it to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix all the ingredients and slowly start adding the remaining lukewarm milk, kneading the dough. If necessary, you can add a little more milk until the dough becomes elastic and homogeneous.

3. Rising the dough: After kneading the dough well, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour. The dough should double in volume.

4. Preparing the filling: In a plate, mix the ground walnuts with the shredded coconut and granulated sugar. This combination will add a rich flavor and a crunchy texture to your chimney cakes.

5. Forming the chimney cakes: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a work surface with flour and turn out the dough. Divide it into smaller pieces (pups) and roll each piece with a rolling pin until you achieve a thickness of about 5 mm. Cut strips with a pastry cutter and roll each strip onto buttered cylinders, making sure they overlap slightly.

6. Greasing and coating: After forming all the chimney cakes, brush them with melted margarine and then dip them into the walnut and coconut mixture. Place them in the prepared tray, standing upright.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the tray on the bottom rack of the oven and reduce the temperature to a minimum. Bake the chimney cakes for 30-40 minutes, until they acquire a beautiful golden color.

8. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cakes cool on the forms, then carefully remove them. They are best served warm, but can also be stored to be enjoyed later. Served with a cup of tea or coffee, these chimney cakes become an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Practical tips:
- Use high-quality flour for the best results. Type 550 flour is ideal for baking.
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as cinnamon or chocolate, to add a personal touch to your recipe.
- Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- If you don’t have special cylinders, you can use glass bottles or other cylindrical shapes.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 200
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount (about 8 g of dry yeast would be sufficient).

2. How can I keep the chimney cakes fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispy texture.

3. Can I make the dough a day in advance?
Yes, you can knead and let the dough rise, then store it in the fridge and use it the next day.

Kurtos Kolacs are more than just a dessert; they are a culinary experience that brings joy and flavor. So, get ready to delight your family and friends with these crispy, flavorful treats! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 500 ml milk, 25 g yeast, 7 tablespoons powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, 150 g melted butter (or margarine), 1 egg, 2 egg yolks, grated lemon peel, 100 g coconut, 100 g ground walnuts, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar.