Sister Rose Bartnicki, an 87-year-old member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, recently shared her expertise in creating traditional Polish cookies known as kolaczki with fellow parishioners at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Spring Township. This initiative was prompted by requests from several women in the parish who wished to learn the delicate art of making these flaky pastries, especially popular during the holiday season.
Growing up in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Sister Bartnicki recalls that kolaczki were a staple at festive gatherings from Thanksgiving through Easter. The cookies, often filled with cream cheese or fruit preserves, have become a cherished tradition among Polish-American families. Recognizing the significance these pastries hold, Bartnicki decided to host two small baking sessions in the convent kitchen to pass on her time-tested techniques.
During the sessions, Bartnicki emphasized the importance of using a simple recipe that avoids leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. She firmly believes that the size and texture of the pastry play a crucial role in achieving the perfect kolaczki. “When you use a pizza cutter, that doesn’t work out,” she explained, referring to the specialized cookie cutter she employs for cutting strips of rolled-out dough.
Participants learned that patience is key when preparing kolaczki. The dough, which can be made in advance and frozen, needs to be rolled out to a thickness of less than one-quarter inch, ideally closer to one-eighth inch. “It takes time and patience,” Bartnicki advised. “You can’t rush it. It all depends on how you roll the dough.”
A critical step in the process is the assembly of the cookies. After placing a dab of filling in the center of the dough strips, participants were taught to wet their fingers and pinch the edges together to prevent them from opening during baking. Bartnicki emphasized that taking the time to properly roll and assemble the cookies is essential for a successful outcome.
The joy of sharing her culinary skills was evident as Bartnicki observed the participants engaging in the process. “Both groups really enjoyed it,” she said. “They had a marvelous time.” The sessions not only provided a practical lesson in baking but also fostered a sense of community among the women as they laughed and shared stories while rolling and cutting the dough.
With the holiday season approaching, the skills learned from Sister Bartnicki may inspire many to create their own kolaczki, carrying on a beloved tradition that holds a special place in the hearts of those with Polish heritage. Through her teachings, Sister Bartnicki not only preserves a cherished recipe but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and community within her parish.
