Aunt Hatties Polish Raised Pineapple Squares Mazurek Recipes

AUNT HATTIE'S POLISH RAISED PINEAPPLE SQUARES, MAZUREK

Steps:

• To start, make a pineapple filling by mixing a large can of crushed pineapple with cornstarch and simmering until thick. Might need a little fresh lemon juice to make tastier. Cool.
• Mix together and set aside yeast, milk, egg yolks; this is the sponge. If using dry yeast, dissolve it in a little water first.
• Mix as for pie crust: butter, flour, sugar, salt
• Mix with the sponge.
• Divide dough in half. Roll out half of the dough and line a 15 x 11 jellyroll pan.
• Cover with the pineapple filling. Yes, it's a pretty thin layer. Supposed to be!
• Roll second half, cut in strips and lattice over top
• Let raise 1 hour. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.
• Drizzle with following frosting and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
• Frosting: 1 T butter, /2 t vanilla, powdered sugar.

MAZUREK MIGDALOWY OR ORZECHOWY (ALMOND OR WALNUT MAZURKA)

Steps:

• Sift 2 cups flour and sugar together into a deep mixing bowl.
• Use a spoon to push the egg yolks through a fine sieve into the flour mixture; mix well.
• Add the almonds, vanilla, and cream to flour mixture; and beat in 1/2 lb of butter, a few tablespoons at a time.
• Knead with your hands until dough is smooth and can be formed into a compact ball.
• Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Grease a large cookie sheet with the remaining tablespoon of butter; sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of flour, tipping from side to side to cover completely and evenly.
• Turn the sheet upside down and tap on the bottom to shake off any excess flour.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to 1/4" thin and place on buttered cookie sheet, using fingers to spread dough so it completely covers the bottom of the pan.
• Brush entire surface with egg, then sprinkle evenly with sliced almonds, gently pressing them into the dough (or if you used walnuts in the dough, you may prefer to use the meringue topping: if you do, beat the egg whites until stiff, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating continuously; spread over the dough instead of the egg and nuts).
• Bake until pastry is golden brown (20-25 minutes).
• Remove from oven, and with a lightly buttered knife, cut into 2"x1" bars.
• Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.