Breads · Breakfast · Czech Heritage and Dishes · Family · Family Favorites · Holidays

Chocolate Kolaches

Christmas morning without Kolaches is like the 4th of July without fireworks. Cherry Kolaches have always been my favorite and, until a few years ago, the only kind I ever made.  What to do when your new son-in-law doesn’t like cooked fruit? You can never go wrong with Chocolate.

Hershey's Chocolate Kisses
Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses

The first year I was a bit doubtful about the results but I was pleasantly surprised. I took a piece of dough, as I would for the cherry kolaches, but flatten in slightly, pressing 1-2 chocolate kisses in the dough, then pinching the dough closed around the chocolate.

Update January 2021:  I have made these every year but have graduated to a higher grade of chocolate, using Ghirardelli chocolate chips or squares.

Allow the dough to rise, per the recipe, and bake.  Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar when removing from the oven (optional).

See the original recipe on my Cherry Kolaches post.

New Traditions

Mother’s Day Coffee…a new tradition

Two years ago I hosted a morning coffee for the wonderful Mothers and friends that shared many of the same life experiences.  Mothers everywhere are hustling and bustling 24×7, seldom taking time for themselves.  This annual coffee is now tradition, honoring these wonderful women, our friendships, and…our love of good food!

The past two years, the coffee has been held on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. Somehow, this year, I ASSUMED that would be the first Saturday in May.  You know what happens when you ASSUME!  This year it’s a week early but what the heck!

My friend, Barbara, is the official photographer for all of my gal pal gatherings, commonly referred to as ‘hot flash___’ (just fill in the blank for the actual event of book club, cards, yoga, etc.).  She did a wonderful collage last year capturing the great food we all shared that wonderful morning.

Mother’s Day Coffee 2011

The past year has brought many joys for myself and friends and many sorrows.  We support each other through thick and thin.  I have a sign in my house that sums it up best:

good friends will laugh with you in the sun
great friends will be with you in the shade