Czech Squares Recipes

CZECH SQUARES

Steps:

• Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Spread the nuts out on a baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted, about 8 minutes. Cool completely.
• Butter a 9 by 12 1/2-inch baking sheet pan, then cover bottom with parchment paper.
• Pulse the walnuts with the sugar, in a food processor until fine and powdery, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, spices, and salt, pulsing until evenly combined. Add the butter, yolks, and brandy and pulse until the mixture starts to come together. Stop mixing and pull the dough together by hand, press and roll into a thick log about 8 inches long.
• Cut the log crosswise into 12 equal pieces. (If the dough is very sticky, refrigerate it until easier to work with, about 30 minutes.) Lay 8 pieces of the dough on the bottom of the pan. Press and spread the pieces together with your fingertips to cover the pan evenly.
• Stir the cherry jam, lemon zest and juice together in a bowl. Spread the mixture evenly over the surface of the dough with the back of a spoon.
• Roll the remaining dough out on a well-floured surface about 1/8-inch thick. Use a small decorative cutter, such as a leaf, tree, or star, to cut the dough into 24 pieces. Evenly place the pieces on top of the filling in 6 rows of 4. Alternatively cut the dough into long strips with a pizza wheel or knife, and place them on the filling in a lattice pattern; or cut the dough into ovals and lay them on the filling in a decorative pattern. Brush decorative layer of dough with egg white.
• Bake the squares until golden brown, about 40 to 45 minutes.
• Cool completely in the pan on a rack. Cut with a serrated knife into 2-inch squares.
• Copyright (c) 2004 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved.

CZECHOSLOVAKIAN COOKIES

Steps:

• Set oven at 325 degrees (mod. slow).
• Grease an 8-inch square cake pan.
• In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until soft.
• Gradually add the sugar, creaming until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg yolks and blend well.
• Gradually add the flour and mix thoroughly.
• Then fold in chopped nuts.
• Spoon half the batter into the cake pan, spreading evenly.
• Top with strawberry jam and cover with the remaining cookie dough.
• Bake one hour or until lightly browned.
• Remove from oven, cool and cut into 1 x 2-inch bars.
• While warm, sprinkle lightly with sifted powdered sugar.
• Double the recipe for a large pan.

CZECHOSLOVAKIAN PASTRY BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• In a large bowl cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.
• In a medium bowl mix salt with 3 1/2 cups flour.
• Gradually add to butter mixture to form thick batter.
• Spread 3/4 of the batter evenly over surface of an 11x17 inch jellyroll pan or rimmed cookie sheet.
• Top with an even layer of jam.
• Sprinkle with nuts (if desired).
• Blend remaining flour with the rest of the dough. Crumble on top.
• Bake 35 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
• Cool completely and cut into bars.

CZECHOSLOVAKIAN COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease one 8 inch square baking dish.
• Cream the butter until soft and fluffy. Add the white sugar gradually, until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks.
• Sift the cardamom, allspice and flour together. Gradually add it to the butter mixture and stir to combine well. Stir in the chopped pecans.
• Spoon 1/2 of the dough into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Top with strawberry jam and cover with the remaining dough.
• Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 1 hour or until lightly browned. Cool then cut into 1 1/2 inch sized squares.

CZECH WALNUT PASTRIES RECIPE - (3.9/5)

Steps:

• Dough: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Mix until combined. Using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in flour 1 cup at a time. I used my mixer. When thoroughly mixed, form into a ball and refrigerate covered for several hours or overnight. Filling: Stir all filling ingredients together. Set aside. Divide dough into thirds. Sprinkle flat surface with confectioners sugar. Roll out 1/3 of dough. Keep remaining refrigerated. Don't be afraid to use lots of confectioners sugar, this keeps it from sticking. Roll into a 12 inch square. Work fast as it softens quickly. Spread 1 1/2 cups filling evenly over dough all the way to the outside edges. Cut in 2 inch squares. Roll up. Place seam side down on parchment covered cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 25-30 minutes. Somewhat browned on the bottom, but not on top. Repeat with remaining dough. When done, move to wire racks over sheets of waxed paper. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. **Keeps for 2 weeks in airtight container. **Can be frozen for 2 months