EUROPEAN CUISINE CZECH PLEASE

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about

CZECH CUISINE

Czech cuisine (Czech: česká kuchyně) has both influenced and been influenced by the cuisines of surrounding countries and nations. Many of the cakes and pastries that are popular in Central Europe originated within the Czech lands. Contemporary Czech cuisine is more meat-based than in previous periods; the current abundance of farmable meat has enriched its presence in regional cuisine.

Traditionally, meat has been reserved for once-weekly consumption, typically on weekends. The body of Czech meals typically consists of two or more courses; the first course is traditionally soup, the second course is the main dish, and the third course can include supplementary courses, such as dessert or compote (kompot). 

In the Czech cuisine, thick soups and many kinds of sauces, both based on stewed or cooked vegetables and meats, often with cream, as well as baked meats with natural sauces (gravies), are popular dishes usually accompanied with beer, especially Pilsner, that Czechs consume the most in the world. Czech cuisine is also very strong in sweet main courses and desserts, a unique feature in European cuisines.

A 1696 recipe found in a Viennese library already calls the dish Strudel, and the filling is apple based. Strudel’s popularity spread through the entire Habsburg Empire and it became a traditional sweet (and also savory) dish in the whole region, including northern Italy, Bavaria and the Czech lands. The name Strudel comes from the German word for “whirlpool” – because the rolled version of the pastry looks like the inside of a whirlpool. Nowadays, it is a favorite dessert in Prague cafés and restaurants, and is probably one of the most frequently served, too.

Traditional Prague Štrůdl Recipe

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

• 1/2 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (125 grams) semolina (or coarse flour if you can get it)
• Pinch of salt
• 3.4 oz (100 ml) lukewarm water
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon vinegar

For the filling:

• 3-4 apples, thinly sliced 
• Raisins and walnuts to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Icing sugar for decorating before serving

Procedure:

1. Mix both types of flour (or just use two cups of all-purpose flour) and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the water, egg, vinegar and most of the oil while kneading the dough on a flour-covered table.
2. When you get a very elastic dough with a silky shine, form a ball, oil the surface, wrap the dough in foil and, let it rest for at least half an hour in the fridge.
3. When rested, start stretching the dough with your hands until it is very thin. One of the Habsburg’s chefs noted that the perfect thickness is achieved when you can read a love letter through the dough.
4. You know it’s the right thickness when you can read your own palm through the dough…
5. I consider the pastry thin enough when I can read my palm lines. The dimensions should be around 20 x 30 inches (50 x 75 cm). 
6. Spread the pastry on a kitchen towel and spread out the thinly cut apples, raisins and walnuts into a consistent layer on top; keep about an inch free on 3 sides for easy wrapping. Spice with cinnamon, and start wrapping using the cloth as support on both sides.
7. Wrapping the strudel using a cloth makes that delicate process a little easier!
8. Create a spiral and tightly form a roll; wet your fingers in water and moisten the edges to make them stick better. Gently press and wrap both sides. Wrap the strudel in the cloth and transfer to a baking tray. 
9. Place in the oven pre-heated to 350 F (175 C) and bake for 50-55 minutes until lightly golden. Sprinkle with icing sugar before serving.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking