Delicious Doughnuts
When I was little I preferred ‘chrust’ (a yummy traditional Polish dessert made from small, twisted pieces of doughnut dough) to doughnuts themselves. Taste-wise, it was more crunchy and practically it was much easier to cut and cook the ‘chrust’ than to roll and fill or ice doughnuts… but in recent years, I have been making doughnuts more regularly and begun to love them. They are a speciality on ‘Fat Thursday’ each year in Poland, when the whole country goes doughnut-crazy.
My Grandmother, an experienced cook, used to fry doughnuts for the whole district. At home, our door never closed as entire families came by all day to pick up baked goods, cheesecakes, poppy seed, chrust and, of course, doughnuts. Of course, I didn't appreciate my grandmother’s skill then. It was just a part of my daily life. My grandmother cooked so well that we ate great food all the time. It felt normal to me and I couldn't understand the delight of the neighbours and kids from the yard when they joined us for meals. Now, years later, I regret that I was not more attentive at the time and absorbed more of my grandma's kitchen skills!. I do remember a few very important things, though, and I look forward to sharing them with you in my online class from my home in Krakow.
Today, I collect family recipes from my aunts and cousins. I also found my mother's notebook with many recipes from that period. For the last few years, I have been frying doughnuts with friends as part of a charity campaign. We meet in the evening before ‘Tłusty Czwartek’ (Fat Thursday - an annual holiday where we eat LOTS of doughnuts) and we fry all through the night. Last year, we made over 2000 doughnuts, sold them to well-wishers, and collected a good amount sum for our local children’s home in Krakow, and this is now an annual tradition we plan to continue….
Ingredients we'll be using
- 250g sugar
- 1.5 kg cake flour
- 120g yeast
- 510ml milk
- 2 eggs and 10 yolks
- 40g melted butter
- 1 tablespoon salt (about 15g)
- 2 tablespoons spirit alcohol
- 7 drops vanilla essence
- 2 litres rapeseed oil (or lard) or mixture of the two
- 100g edible rose petal grated with sugar
- 200g jam or multi-fruit marmalade
- lemon icing (description during the class)
Utensils and equipment we'll be using
- large mixing bowl
- mixing spoon
- bowl scraper
- wooden or plastic pastry board
- long wooden skewer or stick
- large pot for frying
- draining spoon
- kitchen paper or draining rack
Frequently asked questions
About Marta
For the last 5 years, I have been teaching people how to cook delicious food at my home, and I also run food workshops such as the Pierogi Power Workshop, Fermentation Workshop and more. Recently I was the host of a big food event for The Krakow Pierogi Festival and Harvest Festival. (I also appear regularly on TV and radio as a guest, discussing subjects related to home cooking, the sharing economy and food tech.) I’ve always enjoyed sharing my knowledge of my beautiful hometown, and more about the art of Polish cuisine, both through the website and with all the wonderful travellers I meet in person.
My grandmother and my mother were great cooks. That means delicious, home-made food freshly-prepared.
Restaurants are great, but sometimes it seems it would be better to enjoy a home-cooked meal with someone who can also tell me a bit more about their experiences, their lives and their cities. So, I’ve decided to do exactly that. I cook for up to 14 people at my home in Krakow and you’re invited. Please join me!
Reviews
mark
Super!
Will
I did this class with my sister over Zoom. We were in UK with Marta in Krakow. I was amazed at how this turned out, it tasted just like the sernik we had in Krakow! Great thing to do whilst in lockdown!
Joanna
Absolutely brilliant day! Marta went above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel welcome. Lots of extra fun and treats. The experience exceeded our expectations. Thank you!
Tobiasz
Pączki 10/10! Smakują potrójnie dobrze: bo smaczne, bo dochód idzie na szczytny cel, bo sam pomagałem przy ich smażeniu :-)
Sam
We had the most amazing time. Marta was an excellent host, with a lovely home, and our group of 'cooks' was lovely. Lots of good conversation about food & Krakow & much more.
Lovely good & wicked vodka!
Sanna
The workshop was great! I was travelling on my own, but Marta made me feel very welcome and it was so nice and cozy to cook and chat in her kitchen. The pierogi were super delicious - way better than at a restaurant. Thank you!
Marek
Great experience as always :)
Alicja
This cooking class with Marta was the highlight of our time in Krakow. She was the consummate hostess, and we had so much fun making pierogi. She even let us try some of her homemade cherry vodka. I would sign up for anything she leads/organizes in a heartbeat.
Alice
We had a brilliant workshop with Marta. She was incredibly insightful, not just about pierogies but about the sights of Krakow as well as hearing a lot of interesting stories. We got to make 3 different types of pierogy and had some coffee and cake with them too so you definitely get your monies worth. Would recommend to anyone coming to Krakow!
Nancy
A great time if you are looking to learn about the authentic food and preparation. It was a small group which was nice. I would do another class with Marta.