Have you ever been to Prague and tasted the delicious pastry called chimney cake? If not, you are missing out on a truly unique and satisfying treat. But what exactly is chimney cake called in Prague?
What is Chimney Cake?
Chimney cake, also known as kürtőskalács in Hungarian, is a sweet pastry that originated in Transylvania, Romania. It is made by wrapping dough around a cylindrical spit and roasting it over an open flame until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a soft and Chewy interior.
What is Chimney Cake Called in Prague?
In Prague, chimney cake is known as trdelník. This name comes from the wooden spit (trdlo) used to make the pastry. The dough is rolled out into thin strips and wrapped around the spit before being coated in sugar and roasted over hot coals.
The History of Trdelník
Trdelník has been a staple of Czech cuisine since the 18th century when it was introduced by Hungarian bakers. Originally, it was only found in small towns and villages but eventually made its way to larger cities like Prague.
How to Make Trdelník
Making trdelník at home may seem daunting but with the right ingredients and tools, it can be done quite easily.
- Ingredients:
- 1 kg all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Instructions:
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon, and remaining sugar.
- Add yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add melted butter and continue mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for at least an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into thin strips.
- Wrap the strips around a wooden spit or metal cylinder, making sure they overlap slightly.
- Place the spit over hot coals or in an oven set to 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from heat and coat with sugar while still warm. Serve immediately.
Where to Find Trdelník in Prague
Trdelník can be found all over Prague, from food stalls in Old Town Square to specialty pastry shops. It is often served plain but can also be filled with ice cream, Nutella, or other sweet fillings.
In conclusion, chimney cake may have originated in Romania but trdelník has become an iconic pastry of Czech cuisine. Its unique name and delicious flavor make it a must-try when visiting Prague. So next time you are in this beautiful city, be sure to grab a freshly roasted trdelník from one of its many vendors.