Almond-Filled Kolache Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups almond paste
- ¼ cup sliced almonds

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl
- Stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and almond extract.
3. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
7. Cut out circles of dough using a 3-inch cookie cutter.
8. Place the circles of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Place 1 teaspoon of almond paste in the center of each circle of dough.
10. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the almond paste.
11. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Let cool before serving.

Time:
Preparation Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 24 Kolache

Nutritional Information: (per Kolache)
Calories: 140
Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Protein: 3 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the all-purpose flour, you can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- For the almond paste, you can substitute marzipan or nut butter.

Variations:
- For a sweeter kolache, you can add 1 tablespoon of honey to the dough.
- For a savory kolache, you can add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the dough.

Tips and Tricks:
- For a lighter kolache, you can use a light beer instead of the warm milk.
- For a crispier kolache, you can brush the tops with melted butter before baking.

Storage Instructions:
Store the kolache in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the kolache in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the kolache on a platter with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Garnishes:
Garnish the kolache with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.

Pairings:
Serve the kolache with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the kolache with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it is the right consistency.

Food Safety Advice:
Keep the kolache refrigerated if not being served within 2 hours.

Food History:
Kolache is a traditional Czech pastry that has been around for centuries.

Flavor Profiles:
The kolache has a sweet and nutty flavor from the almond paste and sliced almonds.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the kolache as a snack or dessert.

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Region: Czech

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Almondy