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
Casey
My husband and I had the best time with Marta. I am half Polish and other than my paternal Polish Grandfather, nobody in my entire family cooked. Therefore they didn’t do a very good job of passing down recipes and techniques to me who loves cooking. Our class with Marta was like cooking with my sup...
My husband and I had the best time with Marta. I am half Polish and other than my paternal Polish Grandfather, nobody in my entire family cooked. Therefore they didn’t do a very good job of passing down recipes and techniques to me who loves cooking. Our class with Marta was like cooking with my super cool Polish aunt. She filled so many gaps between myself and my heritage that I can now pass down to any kids I have and that is priceless. She is the so kind, her apartment is so welcoming, and learning from her will forever be a highlight of my life. Thank you Marta!
Cathy
Loved this family activity of our group of eight, ages from 19 to 92! Food was fantastic and her vibe is so cool and fun. We finally learned to make our oen pierogies , growing up as a child of a Polish father sadly our Babcia never taught us. Now we can do ourselves- deeply satisfying cultural cul...
Loved this family activity of our group of eight, ages from 19 to 92! Food was fantastic and her vibe is so cool and fun.
We finally learned to make our oen pierogies , growing up as a child of a Polish father sadly our Babcia never taught us. Now we can do ourselves- deeply satisfying cultural culinary skill.
Cathy
Loved this family activity of our group of eight, ages from 19 to 92! Food was fantastic and her vibe is so cool and fun. We finally learned to make our oen pierogies , growing up as a child of a Polish father sadly our Babcia never taught us. Now we can do ourselves- deeply satisfying cultural cul...
Loved this family activity of our group of eight, ages from 19 to 92! Food was fantastic and her vibe is so cool and fun.
We finally learned to make our oen pierogies , growing up as a child of a Polish father sadly our Babcia never taught us. Now we can do ourselves- deeply satisfying cultural culinary skill.
Cathy
Loved this family activity of our group of eight, ages from 19 to 92! Food was fantastic and her vibe is so cool and fun. We finally learned to make our oen pierogies , growing up as a child of a Polish father sadly our Babcia never taught us. Now we can do ourselves- deeply satisfying cultural cul...
Loved this family activity of our group of eight, ages from 19 to 92! Food was fantastic and her vibe is so cool and fun.
We finally learned to make our oen pierogies , growing up as a child of a Polish father sadly our Babcia never taught us. Now we can do ourselves- deeply satisfying cultural culinary skill.
Cathy
Loved this family activity of our group of eight, ages from 19 to 92! Food was fantastic and her vibe is so cool and fun. We finally learned to make our oen pierogies , growing up as a child of a Polish father sadly our Babcia never taught us. Now we can do ourselves- deeply satisfying cultural cul...
Loved this family activity of our group of eight, ages from 19 to 92! Food was fantastic and her vibe is so cool and fun.
We finally learned to make our oen pierogies , growing up as a child of a Polish father sadly our Babcia never taught us. Now we can do ourselves- deeply satisfying cultural culinary skill.
Kamila
The classes were excellent, the knowledge and ability to convey information were at the highest level. We had a great time and we ate delicious food! 😊
Samantha
Very enjoyable morning learning how to make pierogi with a skilled tutor. I would highly recommend.
Samantha
Very enjoyable morning learning how to make pierogi with a skilled tutor. I would highly recommend.
Katie
Marta was an incredible host & cook to our group. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in the art of pierogi making!
Danielle
Marta was absolutely amazing! Had a great time and learnt something new!