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
Craig
Absolutely amazing. Like hanging out at a friend's house if your friend was a great cook. Instructions were clear, the class was fun, and we will definitely be making pierogi at home.
Henryk
The best day ever. Marta is an amazing chef and her hospitality and passion for Polish cooking is unmatched. We were absolutely blown away with how simple Marta made it look and was able to pass on these delicious recipes for us to master. Since coming home and cooking these pierogi for our kids and...
The best day ever. Marta is an amazing chef and her hospitality and passion for Polish cooking is unmatched. We were absolutely blown away with how simple Marta made it look and was able to pass on these delicious recipes for us to master.
Since coming home and cooking these pierogi for our kids and grandkids, they also think we have made the most delicious pierogi ever.
Thank you Marta
Henryk
The best day ever. Marta is an amazing chef and her hospitality and passion for Polish cooking is unmatched. We were absolutely blown away with how simple Marta made it look and was able to pass on these delicious recipes for us to master. Since coming home and cooking these pierogi for our kids and...
The best day ever. Marta is an amazing chef and her hospitality and passion for Polish cooking is unmatched. We were absolutely blown away with how simple Marta made it look and was able to pass on these delicious recipes for us to master.
Since coming home and cooking these pierogi for our kids and grandkids, they also think we have made the most delicious pierogi ever.
Thank you Marta
Jakub
Fun, helpful and very dynamic; the food tasted amazing and it was a great experience to learn how to cook one of the most important dishes from Poland. Marta is a great teacher and takes care of everybody :)
Hannah
This experience was fantastic. Marta welcomed us into her home, she was an absolute pleasure to talk to and we successfully made/ate delicious pierogi! The challah bread and cheesecake were a lovely bonus. Our group of four strongly recommend this cooking class and cannot rate it highly enough. Than...
This experience was fantastic. Marta welcomed us into her home, she was an absolute pleasure to talk to and we successfully made/ate delicious pierogi! The challah bread and cheesecake were a lovely bonus. Our group of four strongly recommend this cooking class and cannot rate it highly enough. Thank you!
Natasha
We had such a great time! Periogis were delicious and conversation with Marta as well.
John
One of the highlights of our visit to Krackow. Marta was a wonderful host and teacher! I would definitely recommend her class to others.
John Schreiber
Westlake Village, CA
John
One of the highlights of our visit to Krackow. Marta was a wonderful host and teacher! I would definitely recommend her class to others.
John Schreiber
Westlake Village, CA
Sophia
The Pierogi Power Workshop with Marta was one of the best cooking experiences I've ever been to! Marta was extremely welcoming, very friendly and super knowledgeable when it came to the dishes we were making in her class. I'm so glad I was able to take this workshop, and I would recommend...
The Pierogi Power Workshop with Marta was one of the best cooking experiences I've ever been to! Marta was extremely welcoming, very friendly and super knowledgeable when it came to the dishes we were making in her class. I'm so glad I was able to take this workshop, and I would recommend this to anyone who is visiting Krakow!
Taj
Had an excellent time with Marta! Come hungry and reafy for a delicious meal more perogis than you can handle!