Czech Kolache

Ingredients:

1/2 cup lukewarm water

2 (1/4 ounce each) packages of dry yeast

1 cup milk (lukewarm)

1/2 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shortening, melted

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

2 eggs

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 egg yolks

3 tablespoons white sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup raisins

2 cups cottage cheese

Cooking Instructions:

Pour yeast into 1/2 cup of lukewarm water. Set aside to soak. In a separate bowl mix together 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup melted shortening and 2 cups sifted flour. Beat well. Add in 2 beaten eggs and yeast mixture and mix well. Set aside to rest until bubbly and spongy. Add 3 1/2 cups of flour and blend well. Set aside to rise for 1 hour. Punch down and let rise again for 1 hour. To Make Filling: Beat together 2 egg yolks, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons flour and 1 cup of raisins. Add cottage cheese and mix well. Pinch off 1 inch balls from dough and press an indentation in the center of each. Put filling in. Let rise 15 minutes, then bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) until golden - 12-18 minutes. Makes 4 dozen.

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