UPDATE: Sister Rose Bartnicki, an 87-year-old nun from the School Sisters of St. Francis community, has brought festive joy to St. Ignatius Loyola Parish with her renowned traditional Polish cookies, kolaczki. Just this week, she hosted eager parishioners in her convent kitchen in Spring Township to share her time-tested recipe for these beloved holiday treats.
The demand for Sister Rose’s expertise surged after several women from the parish, who share her Polish heritage, sought her guidance on making the flaky, filled pastries that are a staple in Polish-American households during the festive season. Kolaczki, often enjoyed from Thanksgiving through Easter, reflect Sister Rose’s deep-rooted traditions from her childhood in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County.
During the two intimate sessions, Sister Rose guided participants on mastering the delicate art of making kolaczki, emphasizing the importance of patience and precision. “You can’t rush it. It all depends on how you roll the dough,” she explained, highlighting that the dough must be rolled to less than one-quarter inch — ideally closer to one-eighth inch.
The hands-on classes featured women rolling, cutting, and filling the dough under Sister Rose’s watchful eye. She noted, “Both groups really enjoyed it. They had a marvelous time,” as laughter filled the kitchen. Many attendees had previously attempted to make kolaczki with varying degrees of success, but Sister Rose’s expert tips and techniques brought new hope.
Sister Rose’s straightforward recipe avoids leavening agents, making the cookies uniquely petite. Key to their success is using a specially designed cookie cutter instead of a pizza cutter, as “that doesn’t work out,” according to Sister Rose. After adding a dollop of cream cheese or another filling, each kolaczki must be carefully pinched to ensure they stay closed during baking.
The sessions not only imparted baking skills but also fostered community spirit among participants, reigniting cherished memories of holiday baking traditions. With Christmas just around the corner, the timing of these workshops couldn’t be better, as families prepare to celebrate with homemade treats.
As Sister Rose continues to share her culinary secrets, the excitement among parish members is palpable. The next baking session is anticipated, with many eager to create their own kolaczki to share with loved ones this holiday season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sister Rose’s baking classes and the heartwarming stories emerging from St. Ignatius Loyola Parish!
