If you have never taken a European river cruise. Put it on your bucket list now. If you have never heard of Cesky Krumlov, add it to your future itinerary. If you have never tasted Trdelnik, you are in for a treat. Below is a recipe for Trdelnik Bites and Scenes from Czesky Krumlov
My visit to Cesky Krumlov happened on the Ama Viola on a River cruise on the Danube River. This Ama Waterways cruise was fantastic featuring stops throughout Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Not to sound spoiled, but I lived in Germany for 10 years so most of these places I had been before. However, it was wonderful to rediscover old destinations and delightful to encounter a few new ones.
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Cesky Krumlov is exceptional. Always excited to visit a new European city, this lovely gem did not disappoint.
First, let me state I had an exceptional time on this cruise. AND I say that from the perspective of someone who is not a cruiser. Regardless, the ship and staff were top notch. Everything from the food, to the daily itineraries to the lovely and accommodating staff made the trip a dream vacation.
Situated in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on both sides of the Vltava River.
Undoubtedly, Cesky Krumlov’s main attraction is the stunning 13th-century castle dominating the city’s landscape.
The Palace
Unfortunately, we arrived to tour the city the day before the castle officially opened for the season. However, we were able to explore the exterior and extensive rococo gardens.
The Synagogue
After walking the castle, I headed over to see the town’s Nouveau Romanesque synagogue.
Cesky Krumlov’s Jewish roots are traced back to the 14th century. Built in 1909, the synagogue intentionally faces the direction of Jerusalem.
War, prejudice and politics have played a large part in the synagogue’s history. As a result, the building has housed a Hitler’s Youth Group, an interdenominational church for US soldiers and a place of worship for Czech Order of Hussites. At one point, it was also used as a storage facility.
The synagogue was returned to the Jewish community of Prague in 1997 who, since then, has been in charge of its renovation. Presently, there is a lovely cafe attached to the rear of the building.
Old Town
A stroll through the town reveals beautifully painted buildings and charming specialty shops.
Of course, the city has its share of tourist targeted wares.
There are plenty of lovely restaurants to tuck into local fare.
How cute is this ice cream place?
Trdelnik?
Speaking of dessert. This trip starts in Prague, another place I’ve visited before. Consequently, after my arrival I was eager to find Trdelnik, a delicious rolled cinnamon sugar pastry indigenous to this part of Europe. It was a short search. Steps outside our hotel, I found this place.
The mouth watering aroma hit my nose before my eyes spotted the booth.
I bit into this heavenly treat. As
I made these smaller ones I’ll call Trdelnik Bites. After a few attempts at the full-sized version, I found these easier to create.
The Trdlenick recipe itself is easy and contains few ingredients. However, the tricky part is rolling the strips to create the shape. Additionally, you need metal or ovenproof cylinders.
After a few practice runs the rolling part becomes much easier.
Please be aware, these pastries taste best eaten fresh. Alternately, put them on a parchment lined baking sheet to gently reheat them in the oven. However, I doubt they will be as tasty.
Mini Trdelnik Street Pastry
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup lukewarm milk
- 1/2 package active dry yeast
- 1 egg separated
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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In a separate small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons sugar, milk, and yeast.
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Cover the bowl with a dishcloth and leave in a warm place for 10 minutes.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip together the egg yolk and the melted butter.
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Switch to the dough hook attachment.
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Add the yeast mixture, the flour, and the salt.
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knead for 3 minutes.
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Pat the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, re-cover with the dish towel, stow in a warm place, and let rise for 1 hour. The dough should double in size.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease the cylinder molds with shortening.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the cinnamon and sugar. Spread the mixture out on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to approximately 1⁄8 inch thickness.
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Using a small sharp knife, cut 1⁄4 inch thick long strips long or enough to wrap around the cylinder 3 times.
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Beat the egg white then brush the strips on both sides with egg white.
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Tightly wrap each strip of dough around the molds. Each strip should slightly overlap each other. If you are wrapping more than one dough strip around the mold, leave 1 inch between the pastries.
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Brush the wrapped pastries again with egg white. Gently and generously roll them in the cinnamon sugar.
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Place the dough wrapped molds on top of a small oven-proof casserole dish or pan. The ends should rest on the edges. The pastry doesn’t touch the bottom or the sides of the dish. I put a baking sheet underneath the casserole dish to make it easier to get it in and out of the oven.
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Bake for 18 minutes until they are golden all around.
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Remove from oven. Let cool and gently slide the Trdelnik from the molds onto a plate and serve.
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1 comment
Can’t wait to try your recipe! I love your pictures of Cesky Krumlov! We lived in the Ceske Budejovice area for 7 years, and have enjoyed countless trips to Cesky Krumlov. It really is a jewel. Thanks for your explanation about the Synagogue. That was new information for us. 😊