Sister Rose Bartnicki, an 87-year-old member of the School Sisters of St. Francis community, recently shared her expertise in making traditional Polish cookies with parishioners at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Spring Township. Known for her delightful kolaczki, a flaky pastry filled with cream cheese and other fillings, Bartnicki hosted two small groups in the convent kitchen, sharing her time-honored methods for crafting these beloved treats.
Kolaczki have been a staple in Bartnicki’s life since her childhood in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County. They were an essential part of holiday celebrations from Thanksgiving through Easter, and she has developed a simple recipe that avoids leavening agents such as baking powder or baking soda. This attention to detail is critical in achieving the delicate texture that makes these pastries so popular, especially during festive seasons.
During the sessions, participants learned the importance of using the right tools, including a specific cookie cutter designed for cutting strips of dough. Bartnicki emphasized that common mistakes, such as rushing the dough preparation, can lead to less satisfying results. “You can’t rush it. It all depends on how you roll the dough,” she explained, underscoring the need for patience and practice.
The process involves rolling the dough to a thickness of about one-eighth inch, which is crucial for creating the perfect kolaczki. After placing a dollop of filling in the center of each strip, participants learned to fold the dough inward and pinch the edges securely to prevent the pastries from opening during baking.
Bartnicki found joy in the camaraderie that developed during the baking sessions. “Both groups really enjoyed it,” she remarked. “They had a marvelous time.” The success of the gatherings highlights not only the appeal of traditional cooking but also the community spirit that thrives within the parish.
As the participants left with their freshly baked kolaczki, they carried not only a delicious treat but also a deeper connection to their Polish heritage, thanks to Sister Bartnicki’s warm and engaging teaching style. The experience served as a reminder of the joy that can be found in sharing culinary traditions, especially during the holiday season.
