A gathering of enthusiastic bakers at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Spring Township recently took part in a special baking session led by Sister Rose Bartnicki. The 87-year-old member of the School Sisters of St. Francis community shared her cherished recipe for kolaczki, traditional Polish cookies that have become a beloved treat during the holiday season.
Kolaczki, a flaky pastry often filled with fruit preserves or cream cheese, hold a significant place in Polish-American culture, particularly during festive occasions from Thanksgiving through Easter. Sister Rose, who grew up in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, recalls these cookies being a staple of her family’s celebrations.
Teaching the Art of Kolaczki Making
Responding to requests from parishioners who share her Polish heritage, Sister Rose hosted two small groups in the convent kitchen. Participants, some of whom had previously attempted to make kolaczki with varying success, were eager to learn the nuances of this intricate baking process.
Her approach to making kolaczki is straightforward yet requires a delicate touch. Notably, she avoids using leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, which helps maintain the cookie’s distinctive texture. Instead, the process relies heavily on the right tools and techniques, including a specialized cookie cutter designed for cutting strips of well-rolled dough.
“When you use a pizza cutter that doesn’t work out,” Sister Rose remarked, highlighting the importance of proper equipment.
The method involves rolling the dough to a precise thickness—ideally between one-eighth and one-quarter inch—before adding a dollop of filling and carefully pinching the edges to seal them. Sister Rose emphasized that patience is crucial in this process, as rushing can lead to less-than-ideal results.
“It takes time and patience,” she noted. “You can’t rush it. It all depends on how you roll the dough.”
Building Community Through Baking
The baking sessions not only served as an opportunity for learning but also fostered a sense of community among participants. Sister Rose found joy in observing the women engage with one another, sharing laughter and camaraderie as they rolled and cut the dough.
“Both groups really enjoyed it,” she said. “They had a marvelous time.”
As the aroma of freshly baked kolaczki filled the convent kitchen, it was clear that this experience transcended mere baking. It was a celebration of tradition, heritage, and the joy of coming together to create something meaningful.
Through her efforts, Sister Rose Bartnicki is not only preserving a cherished family recipe but also passing on a piece of her cultural heritage to the next generation, ensuring that the art of kolaczki making continues to thrive in the community.