Kolaches are traditional Czech desserts. The name originated from the Czech word “kolo,” which means “circle.” Kolaches can be filled with apricots, curd, poppy seeds, or plums. Plums can also be used in many different recipes and for other purposes. They can be used raw, frozen, canned, or dried. People use them for jams, filled dumplings, or for cooking savory dishes. In the Czech Republic, plum trees are very popular as they are simple to plant and take care of. Plums contain vitamins B and K, dietary minerals, and several health benefits, including better resistance against stress and strengthening the immune system and heart.

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Ingredients

Pastry
2 lbs plums
1 lb all-purpose flour
4 1/2 Tbs granulated sugar
1 Tbs granulated sugar
1 Tbs active dry yeast
1 cup milk
4 1/2 Tbs unsalted butter
a pinch of salt

Crumble
4 Tbs unsalted butter
4 Tbs sugar
4 Tbs Wondra instant flour

Instructions

First, prepare the pastry as it needs to rise for 1 hour. Warm the milk up a bit and add to it one tablespoon of granulated sugar and active dry yeast.

Then, remove the unsalted butter and let it sit. Next, measure the all-purpose flour and sugar, add one egg with a pinch of salt, and mix everything together. Add the thawed butter and the mixture with the active dry yeast. Stir everything in one bowl until the mixture is smooth, shiny, and such that it will not stick to the bowl. Cover the whole bowl with a clean dish towel and leave it to rise for one hour.

Meanwhile, prepare the plums by cutting them in half and taking out the pits. To make the crumble, mix sugar, Wondra instant flour, and unsalted butter, stirring well. Then prepare the baking tray by cutting wax paper and putting it on the baking tray. That way the kolaches will not stick to the surface of the baking tray.

After the hour has passed, divide the pastry by cutting it into approximately 12 pieces —smooth round balls— and let sit for a while. Make small impressions in the middle of each ball, and then put the balls on the baking tray. Then try to flatten each ball — create circles with the edges higher and about 3/4 inch thick so the filling will not spill.

Whisk one egg in a cup and smear it on the edges of the kolaches. Place the plums evenly on the kolaches and coat with the crumble. Then put the kolaches in the oven and bake at  390F until the edges have a nice golden color.