BREAKING: Sister Rose Bartnicki, 87, of the School Sisters of St. Francis community, is revealing her coveted recipe for traditional Polish kolaczki cookies in a series of intimate baking sessions at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Spring Township. This exciting event is drawing attention from parishioners eager to learn the art of making these flaky pastries, especially as the holiday season approaches.
New reports confirm that Sister Rose has hosted two small groups in the convent kitchen, where she passionately shared her time-tested techniques for creating these delicious treats. The kolaczki, a staple in Polish-American households, are particularly popular from Thanksgiving through Easter.
Participants, many of whom share Sister Rose’s Polish heritage, flocked to the sessions, hoping to master the craft of rolling and filling these delicate cookies. Sister Rose’s approach is refreshingly simple, avoiding leavening agents like baking powder, which sets her kolaczki apart from others.
“It takes time and patience,” Sister Rose emphasized. “You can’t rush it. It all depends on how you roll the dough.” The key to success lies in rolling the dough to just under one-quarter inch, ideally closer to one-eighth inch, and pinching the strips together to ensure they don’t open while baking.
The kitchen buzzed with laughter and camaraderie as attendees, including Carol Jablonski, experienced the joy of creating these beloved cookies. Sister Rose noted,
“Both groups really enjoyed it. They had a marvelous time.”
The emotional connection to these cookies resonates deeply with participants, as many have tried and failed with different recipes in the past.
Sister Rose’s unique cookie cutter is essential for achieving the perfect shape, and she warns against using a pizza cutter, which can lead to less-than-ideal results. The sessions are not just about baking; they are about sharing a cherished tradition and fostering community ties among those present.
As the holiday season approaches, the demand for these kolaczki cookies is expected to surge, making Sister Rose’s teachings invaluable. With many participants planning to recreate the cookies at home, the impact of her sessions will ripple through families and gatherings this festive season.
Stay tuned for more updates on this heartwarming story as Sister Rose continues to inspire others with her culinary skills and shared heritage.
