Sister Rose Bartnicki, an 87-year-old member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, recently shared her expertise in making traditional Polish cookies, specifically kolaczki, during a series of workshops at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Spring Township. Known for their delicate, flaky texture and rich fillings, these pastries have become a beloved part of Polish-American holiday traditions.
During the sessions, which were attended by several women from the parish who share her Polish heritage, Sister Bartnicki demonstrated her time-tested techniques for crafting these festive treats. She recalled how kolaczki were an integral part of her family’s celebrations from Thanksgiving through Easter while growing up in Shenandoah, located in Schuylkill County.
Hands-On Learning Experience
The workshops took place in the convent kitchen, where Sister Bartnicki enjoyed passing down her knowledge. Many of her students had previously attempted to make kolaczki using various recipes with mixed results. “Both groups really enjoyed it,” she remarked, noting the camaraderie that developed as participants rolled and cut the dough together.
Sister Bartnicki emphasized that making kolaczki involves careful preparation and patience. Her recipe avoids leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, which distinguishes her approach. Instead, she focuses on the dough’s size and texture, which should be rolled to less than one-quarter inch, ideally closer to one-eighth inch thick.
“Rolling the dough takes time and patience,” she explained. “You can’t rush it. It all depends on how you roll the dough.”
Participants learned the importance of using the right tools, including a cookie cutter designed specifically for cutting strips of well-rolled-out dough. Sister Bartnicki advised against using a pizza cutter, which she found ineffective for this task.
The Art of Assembly
Once the dough is rolled out, a dab of cream cheese or another filling is placed in the center of each strip. Participants were instructed to wet a finger and pinch the dough strips together to ensure they stay sealed while baking. A common pitfall for novice bakers is not allowing sufficient time to roll out the dough before assembling the delicate pastries.
Sister Bartnicki’s approach to teaching not only highlights her culinary skills but also fosters community spirit among the women at the parish. The sessions were not just about baking but also about sharing recipes and stories, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Reflecting on the experience, Sister Bartnicki expressed her joy in seeing the participants enjoy themselves while learning a cherished family tradition. The workshops provided both a culinary education and a chance to connect with others through the shared experience of making kolaczki, a treat that holds special significance during holiday celebrations.
