THE HOUSE BECOMES A CZECH BAKERY

By SR. MARIE ALICE OSTRY, ND

Mom would begin Christmas baking two months in advance. Partially because some “treats” required “ageing”. There was the fruitcake made with many dried fruits and nuts, yet “laced” with whiskey every couple of days!

There were also many cookies – some special for Christmas – almond crescents, cathedral windows, peanut butter kisses, to name a few. Homemade candies were special also. There was fudge, peanut clusters, peanut butter balls, coconut balls, chocolate covered cherries, and peanut butter. Dad ad I would make the peanut butter as it does take two people to make it.

Christmas Eve day was reserved for baking. Mom would make houcke rolls, kolaches, apple strudel, and rosette (a Czech cookie). Our Christmas Eve noon meal was soup with freshly baked rolls as the feast was the evening meal.