Makowiec (a.k.a. Poppyseed Cake)

Mmmmmmmakowiec!

When I asked my 'Chefski what Polish delight I should learn to make after I mastered pierogi, he sweetly suggested I consider the traditional pastry his mama makes just for him whenever he's home for the holidays: Makowiec.

More like a cinnamon roll in form than a "cake," makowiec (mah-KO-vietz) almost seems like the Polish equivalent to flan in its ability to garner the "hellz yeah!" reaction from the natives. When I told my dear friend 'Chiñski (can you tell he's Polish, too?) I was going to make it he immediately gave me his seal of approval (as did Papa 'Chefski after tasting a piece!) This is definitely one of those things you've gotta know how to make if you want to make a Pole happy :)

A quick note(-to-self): this is a time-consuming recipe involving three dough risings. Well worth it, but you gotta have a whole day to make it.

Thanks again to Ania and her mum for the recipe and the priceless woman-power (pictured below).

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon dry active yeast

1 tablespoon warm water

1/2 cup of warm milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 egg yolks, beaten

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamon

1 can of poppy seed paste

optional: raisons, almonds, nuts, cinnamon, vanilla etc add to poppy seed paste (you can even add brandy or rum)

Find these cans of heaven at your local Polish deli. 
I got these in Greenpoint, a.k.a. Poland-in-BK.

Directions

1. Dissolve yeast in 1 Tb warm water in a small bowl. Set aside while the yeast is activated 2. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer (or your preferred method) cream butter and sugar. 3. Add beaten egg yolks to the creamed butter n sugar mix and mix with a wooden spoon. 4. In a medium bowl, mix flour, cardamom, and any other spices you are using.

5. Add the flour and milk, alternately, to the creamed butter-sugar-egg mix until well incorporated and dough is no longer sticky.

6. Cover bowl and let dough rise for about 2 hours or has doubled in size.

7. Punch down the dough and let rise again for 1 hour.
8. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangular shape with a rolling pin to 1/2-inch thickness.

9. Spread poppy seed pasta (masa makova) onto the dough. Then, starting at a short end, roll the dough length-wise to form a log.

                                                     Ania's rollin' the log.

10. Place on a baking pan/ cookie sheet, cover, and let rise for about an hour.

11. Brush the top with an egg wash (for a glossy finish post-bake), and bake for 45 minutes in 350 degree F oven.

12. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!