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{{Short description|Polish Easter cake}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox prepared food
{{Infobox food
| name = Mazurek
| name = Mazurek
| image = [[File:91365 Mazurek.jpg|260px]]
| image = 91365 Mazurek.jpg
| caption = Traditional home-made Mazurek
| image_size = 260px
| caption = Traditional home-made mazurek
| alternate_name = '''Easter shortcake'''<ref name="PFSpring2014">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.minrol.gov.pl/content/download/47427/261009/version/2/file/PF_spring_2014.pdf |title= ''Mazurek orzechowy – palce lizać / Nutty Easter shortcake-yummy!'' |magazine=Polish Food | issn = 1232-9541 |publisher = Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR), with the help of [[Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Poland)|Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development]] | volume=Spring 2014 / no. 1-2014 (68) |author = Magdalena Głodek / [[Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Poland)|Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MRIRW)]] |pages=10–11 |language=English, Polish}}</ref>
| alternate_name = '''Easter shortcake'''<ref name="PFSpring2014">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.minrol.gov.pl/content/download/47427/261009/version/2/file/PF_spring_2014.pdf |title= ''Mazurek orzechowy – palce lizać / Nutty Easter shortcake-yummy!'' |magazine=Polish Food | issn = 1232-9541 |publisher = Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR), with the help of [[Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Poland)|Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development]] | volume=Spring 2014 / no. 1-2014 (68) |author = Magdalena Głodek / [[Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Poland)|Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MRIRW)]] |pages=10–11 |language=English, Polish}}</ref>
| country = [[Poland]]
| country = [[Poland]]
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| course =
| course =
| type = Pastry
| type = Pastry
| served =
| served = Room
| main_ingredient = flour, sugar, butter or [[margarine]], [[Egg (food)|eggs]], salt, [[Icing (food)|icing]], fruit, [[nut (fruit)|nuts]]
| main_ingredient = flour, sugar, butter or [[margarine]], [[Egg (food)|eggs]], [[Icing (food)|icing]], candied or dried fruits, [[nut (fruit)|nuts]]
| variations =
| variations =
| calories =
| calories =
Line 17: Line 19:
}}
}}


'''Mazurek''' is a variety of cake baked in [[Poland]] for [[Easter]]. It has a flat shape and is very sweet.<ref name="kobieta.wp"/>
'''Mazurek''' is a variety of very<ref name="kobieta.wp"/> sweet, flat<ref name="kobieta.wp"/> cake baked in [[Poland]] for [[Easter]]{{r|PFSpring2014|Konarzewska}}. In some regions it is also prepared at [[Christmas and holiday season]].<ref name="catholicculture">{{cite web |url=http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/recipes/view.cfm?id=148 |title=Liturgical Year Recipes: Mazurek |publisher=Catholic Culture |work=Source: ''Feast Day Cookbook'' by Katherine Burton & Helmut Ripperger, David McKay publishing, New York |year=2013 |accessdate=24 December 2013}}</ref>


According to Polish gastronomy [[coursebook]]s, typical ''mazurek'' is a cake that can be made of one or two sheets of [[short pastry|short]] (or "half-short") pastry or one sheet of short (or "half-short") pastry covered with a sheet of butter sponge cake{{r|Konarzewska}}. The two sheets are "glued" together with a help of a [[Layer cake|layer]] of [[marmalade]].<ref name="Konarzewska">{{Cite book | first = Małgorzata | last = Konarzewska | title = Technologia gastronomiczna z towaroznawstwem: podręcznik do nauki zawodu kucharz w technikum i szkole policealnej. Tom 2 | publisher = Wydawnictwa Szkolne i Pedagogiczne | place = [[Warszawa]] | year = 2011| pages = 144–146 | chapter = 3.14. Mazurki | language=pl}}</ref> In case of one-sheet version, marmalade is skipped or goes on top, under the layer of [[Icing (food)|icing]]. The top of ''mazurek'' is covered with a layer of icing (i.e. sugar icing or fudge caramel cream{{efn|name=kaj}}) or [[Fruit preserves#Jelly|jelly]].{{r|Konarzewska}} It is also decorated with nut-based icing or almond-based icing and [[candied fruit]]s{{r|Konarzewska}}. Traditionally, home-baked ''mazurek'' cakes are often decorated with [[dried fruit]]s and nuts <!--see below "nutty mazurek" -->.
According to Polish gastronomy [[coursebook]]s, typical ''mazurek'' is a cake that can be made of one or two sheets of [[short pastry|short]] (or half-short) pastry or one sheet of short (or half-short) pastry covered with a sheet of butter sponge cake. The two sheets are fixed together with a help of a [[Layer cake|layer]] of [[marmalade]]. In case of one-sheet version, marmalade is skipped or goes on top, under the layer of [[Icing (food)|icing]]. The top of ''mazurek'' is covered with a layer of icing (i.e. sugar icing or [[Dulce de leche|kajmak]]) or [[Fruit preserves#Jelly|jelly]]. It is also decorated with nut-based icing or almond-based icing and [[candied fruit]]s.<ref name="Konarzewska">{{Cite book | first = Małgorzata | last = Konarzewska | title = Technologia gastronomiczna z towaroznawstwem: podręcznik do nauki zawodu kucharz w technikum i szkole policealnej. Tom 2 | publisher = Wydawnictwa Szkolne i Pedagogiczne | place = [[Warsaw]]| year = 2011| pages = 144–146 | chapter = 3.14. Mazurki | language=pl}}</ref> Traditionally, home-baked ''mazurek'' cakes are often decorated with [[dried fruit]]s and nuts


In case of one-sheet version the cake includes the borders made of rolled "half-short" pastry{{r|Konarzewska|Nachaczewski}}. Sometimes the shortcrust base is crowned with a [[lattice (pastry)|lattice]] made of half-short or [[macaroon]] pastry.
In the one-sheet version, the cake includes the borders made of rolled half-short pastry{{r|Konarzewska|Nachaczewski}}. Sometimes the shortcrust base is crowned with a [[lattice (pastry)|lattice]] made of half-short or [[macaroon]] pastry.


Among other versions, often to be found in popular [[cook book]]s and gastronomy coursebooks is "Gypsy mazurek" (''mazurek cygański''). A sheet of "half-short" pastry is "half-baked", covered with a layer made of dried fruit, almonds, egg yolks creamed with sugar and [[whipped egg white]] and baked again.{{r|Konarzewska}}
Among other versions, often to be found in popular [[cook book]]s and gastronomy coursebooks is "Gypsy mazurek" (''mazurek cygański''). A sheet of half-short pastry is half-baked, covered with a layer made of dried fruit, almonds, egg yolks creamed with sugar and [[whipped egg white]] and baked again.{{r|Konarzewska}}


==Mazurek tradition==
==Mazurek tradition==

=== Name and origin ===
=== Name and origin ===
[[File:Mazurek bunny 2.JPG|thumb|Mazurek Bunny cake]]
The cake's name may have its origins in the [[Masurians|Mazur]] (or Masurian) tribe inhabiting the [[Mazovia]] region of central Poland.<ref name="podrozdział">{{cite web |url=http://www.podroze.pl/dzial/aktualnosci/swieta-wielkanocne-2013-mazurek-skad-t/2273/ |title=Święta Wielkanocne: Mazurek – skąd taka tradycja i nazwa mazurek? |publisher=Miesięcznik Podróże.pl |year=2013 |accessdate=11 December 2013 |author=K.T.}}</ref> Another theory says it might originate from the word [[:dict:mazurek|mazurek]] (Polish for [[mazurka]]), traditional [[folk dance]] in [[triple metre]] from Poland. A [[shortcrust pastry]], Mazurek is considered one of the primary desserts of Easter across Poland. What distinguishes it from other festive dessert cakes is the abundance of decoration with [[dried fruit]] and nuts,<ref name="podrozdział" /> its overall sweetness, and chocolate icing, contributing to its prolonged freshness.
The cake's name may have its origins in the [[Masovians]] (old ''Mazurzy'') tribe inhabiting the [[Mazovia]] region of central Poland.<ref name="podrozdział">{{cite web |url=http://www.podroze.pl/dzial/aktualnosci/swieta-wielkanocne-2013-mazurek-skad-t/2273/ |title=Święta Wielkanocne: Mazurek – skąd taka tradycja i nazwa mazurek? |publisher=Miesięcznik Podróże.pl |year=2013 |accessdate=11 December 2013 |author=K.T.}}</ref> Another theory says it might originate from the word [[:wikt:mazurek|mazurek]] (Polish for [[mazurka]]), traditional [[folk dance]] in [[triple metre]] from Poland. A [[shortcrust pastry]], Mazurek is considered one of the primary desserts of Easter across Poland. What distinguishes it from other festive dessert cakes is the abundance of decoration with [[dried fruit]] and nuts,<ref name="podrozdział" /> its overall sweetness, and chocolate icing, contributing to its prolonged freshness.


Although considered uniquely Polish, almost a seasonal national dessert,<ref name="Jak.pl"/> the recipe for Mazurek came to Poland most likely from the East,<ref name="podrozdział" /> via the spice trade-route from [[Turkey]]<ref name="podrozdział" /> in the early 17th century.
Although considered uniquely Polish, almost a seasonal national dessert,<ref name="Jak.pl"/> the recipe for Mazurek came to Poland most likely from the East, via the spice trade-route from [[Turkey]]<ref name="podrozdział" /> in the early 17th century.


=== Appearance and symbolism ===
=== Appearance and symbolism ===
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[[File:100365 Ready for Easter.jpg|thumb|A selection of Mazurek cakes ready for Easter in Poland]]
[[File:100365 Ready for Easter.jpg|thumb|A selection of Mazurek cakes ready for Easter in Poland]]


Its symbolism is closely associated with the period of ''[[:dict:Wielki Post|Wielki Post]]'' (Polish for [[Lent]]) thus marking its successful completion. In fact, after a 40-day fast (not a total abstinence from food by any means), which is celebrated in Christian liturgy in memory of the [[Temptation of Christ]], mazurek was supposed to be the rich reward for adherence to faith and tradition. Although today, the religious meaning of mazurek is virtually lost in Poland, the cake is closely associated with the seasonal celebrations nevertheless.<ref name="Jak.pl">{{cite web|url=http://kuchnia-polska.wieszjak.polki.pl/wielkanoc/276421,Co-wiesz-o-wielkanocnym-mazurku.html |title=Co wiesz o wielkanocnym mazurku? |publisher=Wiesz Jak.pl Zdrowie |work=Serwisy zdrowotne Edipresse Polska S.A. |date=3 April 2011 |accessdate=11 December 2013 |author=Contributing writer |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20131211213909/http://kuchnia-polska.wieszjak.polki.pl/wielkanoc/276421,Co-wiesz-o-wielkanocnym-mazurku.html |archivedate=11 December 2013 |df= }}</ref>
Its symbolism is closely associated with the period of ''Wielki Post'' (Polish for [[Lent]]) thus marking its successful completion. In fact, after a 40-day fast (not a total abstinence from food by any means), which is celebrated in Christian liturgy in memory of the [[Temptation of Christ]], mazurek was supposed to be the rich reward for adherence to faith and tradition. Although today, the religious meaning of mazurek is virtually lost in Poland, the cake is closely associated with the seasonal celebrations nevertheless.<ref name="Jak.pl">{{cite web|url=http://kuchnia-polska.wieszjak.polki.pl/wielkanoc/276421,Co-wiesz-o-wielkanocnym-mazurku.html |title=Co wiesz o wielkanocnym mazurku? |publisher=Wiesz Jak.pl Zdrowie |work=Serwisy zdrowotne Edipresse Polska S.A. |date=3 April 2011 |accessdate=11 December 2013 |author=Contributing writer |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20131211213909/http://kuchnia-polska.wieszjak.polki.pl/wielkanoc/276421,Co-wiesz-o-wielkanocnym-mazurku.html |archivedate=11 December 2013 }}</ref>


Usually, the decorative patterns includes Easter symbols like [[Easter bunny|hares]], [[pussy willow]]s and Easter greetings.<ref name="Nachaczewski">{{cite web|url=http://www.przewodnik-katolicki.pl/?page=nr&nr=386&cat=85&art=20126 |title=Babki i mazurki |publisher=Przewodnik Katolicki |work=Interview with Maciej Gadziński |date=2007 |accessdate=11 December 2013 |author=Patryk A. Nachaczewski |via=Internet Archive |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215061709/http://www.przewodnik-katolicki.pl/?page=nr&nr=386&cat=85&art=20126 |archivedate=15 December 2013 }}</ref>
Usually, the decorative patterns includes Easter symbols like [[Easter bunny|hares]], [[pussy willow]]s and Easter greetings.<ref name="Nachaczewski">{{cite web|url=http://www.przewodnik-katolicki.pl/?page=nr&nr=386&cat=85&art=20126 |title=Babki i mazurki |publisher=Przewodnik Katolicki |work=Interview with Maciej Gadziński |date=2007 |accessdate=11 December 2013 |author=Patryk A. Nachaczewski |via=Internet Archive |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215061709/http://www.przewodnik-katolicki.pl/?page=nr&nr=386&cat=85&art=20126 |archivedate=15 December 2013 }}</ref>


News portal [[Wirtualna Polska]] insisted that mazurek cannot resemble any other regular cake. It is supposed to be flat in multitude of varieties, each with different flavour and lavishly decorated.<ref name="kobieta.wp"/> Twelve of them (served side by side, as claimed by the magazine), would not be entirely out of line traditionally.<ref name="kobieta.wp">{{cite web|url=http://kobieta.wp.pl/kat,26297,title,Mazurki-wielkanocne,wid,8254083,wiadomosc.html?ticaid=111d35 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20131213153950/http://kobieta.wp.pl/kat,26297,title,Mazurki-wielkanocne,wid,8254083,wiadomosc.html?ticaid=111d59 |archivedate=13 December 2013 |title=Mazurki wielkanocne |publisher=[[Wirtualna Polska]] |work=Kobieta.wp.pl, kulinaria |date=3 April 2006 |accessdate=13 December 2013 |author=Staff writer |language=Polish |quote=(Translation: If the tradition is to be followed, there should be 12 mazurek cakes at Easter, each with different flavour.) Aby tradycji stało się zadość, na wielkanocnym stole powinno być ich 12, a każdy o innym smaku. |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>
News portal [[Wirtualna Polska]] insisted that mazurek cannot resemble any other regular cake. It is supposed to be flat in multitude of varieties, each with different flavour and lavishly decorated. Twelve of them (served side by side, as claimed by the magazine), would not be entirely out of line traditionally.<ref name="kobieta.wp">{{cite web|url=http://kobieta.wp.pl/kat,26297,title,Mazurki-wielkanocne,wid,8254083,wiadomosc.html?ticaid=111d35 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20131213153950/http://kobieta.wp.pl/kat,26297,title,Mazurki-wielkanocne,wid,8254083,wiadomosc.html?ticaid=111d59 |archivedate=13 December 2013 |title=Mazurki wielkanocne |publisher=[[Wirtualna Polska]] |work=Kobieta.wp.pl, kulinaria |date=3 April 2006 |accessdate=13 December 2013 |author=Staff writer |language=Polish |quote=(Translation: If the tradition is to be followed, there should be 12 mazurek cakes at Easter, each with different flavour.) Aby tradycji stało się zadość, na wielkanocnym stole powinno być ich 12, a każdy o innym smaku. |url-status=dead}}</ref>


At Christmas, the emphasis on a symbolic number twelve is closely related to the [[Apostle (Christian)#The Twelve Apostles|Twelve Apostles]] at the [[Last Supper]],<ref name="hetzelgunkel">{{cite web |url=http://annhetzelgunkel.com/polxmas/polxmasf3.htm |title=Mazurka at Polish Christmas ''Wigilia'' Meal & Foods |publisher=Polish Christmas |work=Courses of the Meal / Menu |year=2013 |accessdate=24 December 2013 |author=Ann Hetzelgunkel}}</ref> celebrated by Catholics by twelve different food offerings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pomorskie.eu/pl/pomorze_znane_i_nieznane/tradycje_i_zwyczaje/symbole_bozego_narodzenia |title=Symbolika świąt Bożego Narodzenia (The Symbolism of Christmas) |publisher=Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Pomorskiego |year=2007 |accessdate=24 December 2013 |author=Ludmiła Jezierska |language=Polish |via=Internet Archive |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225173111/http://www.pomorskie.eu/pl/pomorze_znane_i_nieznane/tradycje_i_zwyczaje/symbole_bozego_narodzenia |archivedate=25 December 2013 }}</ref>
At Christmas, the emphasis on a symbolic number twelve is closely related to the [[Apostles in the New Testament|Twelve Apostles]] at the [[Last Supper]],<ref name="hetzelgunkel">{{cite web |url=http://annhetzelgunkel.com/polxmas/polxmasf3.htm |title=Mazurka at Polish Christmas ''Wigilia'' Meal & Foods |publisher=Polish Christmas |work=Courses of the Meal / Menu |year=2013 |accessdate=24 December 2013 |author=Ann Hetzelgunkel}}</ref> celebrated by Catholics by twelve different food offerings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pomorskie.eu/pl/pomorze_znane_i_nieznane/tradycje_i_zwyczaje/symbole_bozego_narodzenia |title=Symbolika świąt Bożego Narodzenia (The Symbolism of Christmas) |publisher=Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Pomorskiego |year=2007 |accessdate=24 December 2013 |author=Ludmiła Jezierska |language=Polish |via=Internet Archive |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225173111/http://www.pomorskie.eu/pl/pomorze_znane_i_nieznane/tradycje_i_zwyczaje/symbole_bozego_narodzenia |archivedate=25 December 2013 }}</ref>


=== Mazurek on the List of (Polish) traditional products ===
=== Mazurek on the List of (Polish) traditional products ===
The '''nutty mazurek''' ("nutty Easter shortcake"{{r|PFSpring2014}}, pol. ''mazurek orzechowy'') was entered onto the list of Polish traditional bakery and confectionery products for the [[Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship]] by the [[Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Poland)|Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development]] (MRiRW) on 3 November 2011, described in a particular way.<ref name="minrol-nutty">{{cite web |url=http://www.minrol.gov.pl/pol/Jakosc-zywnosci/Produkty-regionalne-i-tradycyjne/Lista-produktow-tradycyjnych/woj.-kujawsko-pomorskie/Mazurek-orzechowy |title=Mazurek orzechowy |publisher=[[Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Poland)|Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development]], Warsaw |work=Lista produktów tradycyjnych (woj. kujawsko-pomorskie) |year=2013 |accessdate=15 March 2016 | author=staff writer}}</ref> The [[shortcrust]] (half-short) base is prepared from ground [[walnuts]], [[flour]], [[sugar]], [[margarine]], small number of [[egg (food)|eggs]] and a little bit of [[sour cream]].{{r|PFSpring2014}} The frosting is a walnut cream{{r|minrol-nutty}} or – according to ''Polish Food'' magazine published by MRiRW – [[icing (food)|icing]] made of sugar, water and [[milk powder]] melted together{{r|PFSpring2014}}. The thick layer of icing is spread over baked cake and finally decorated with dried fruit (raisins), almonds and walnuts into a pattern{{r|minrol-nutty|PFSpring2014}}. "Nutty mazurek" is supposed to be considerably flat, rectangular, {{convert|20|cm}} by {{convert|40|cm}} in size, very sweet with distinct aroma of walnuts, golden or golden-brown in color{{r|minrol-nutty}}.
The '''nutty mazurek''' ("nutty Easter shortcake"{{r|PFSpring2014}}, pol. ''mazurek orzechowy'') was entered onto the list of Polish traditional bakery and confectionery products for the [[Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship]] by the [[Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Poland)|Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development]] (MRiRW) on 3 November 2011, described in a particular way.<ref name="minrol-nutty">{{cite web |url=http://www.minrol.gov.pl/pol/Jakosc-zywnosci/Produkty-regionalne-i-tradycyjne/Lista-produktow-tradycyjnych/woj.-kujawsko-pomorskie/Mazurek-orzechowy |title=Mazurek orzechowy |publisher=[[Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Poland)|Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development]], Warsaw |work=Lista produktów tradycyjnych (woj. kujawsko-pomorskie) |year=2013 |accessdate=15 March 2016 |author=staff writer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216110309/http://www.minrol.gov.pl/pol/Jakosc-zywnosci/Produkty-regionalne-i-tradycyjne/Lista-produktow-tradycyjnych/woj.-kujawsko-pomorskie/Mazurek-orzechowy |archive-date=16 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[shortcrust]] (half-short) base is prepared from ground [[walnuts]], [[flour]], [[sugar]], [[margarine]], small number of [[egg (food)|eggs]] and a little bit of [[sour cream]].{{r|PFSpring2014}} The frosting is a walnut cream{{r|minrol-nutty}} or, according to ''Polish Food'' magazine published by MRiRW, [[icing (food)|icing]] made of sugar, water and [[milk powder]] melted together{{r|PFSpring2014}}. The thick layer of icing is spread over baked cake and finally decorated with dried fruit (raisins), almonds and walnuts into a pattern{{r|minrol-nutty|PFSpring2014}}. "Nutty mazurek" is supposed to be considerably flat, rectangular, {{convert|20|cm}} by {{convert|40|cm}} in size, very sweet with distinct aroma of walnuts, golden or golden-brown in colour{{r|minrol-nutty}}.


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 52: Line 54:
* [[List of desserts]]
* [[List of desserts]]
* [[List of Polish desserts]]
* [[List of Polish desserts]]
* [[List of cakes]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist|refs=
{{efn|name=kaj|Fudge caramel cream (Polish ''kajmak'') – a variety of ''[[dulce de leche]]''.}}
}}


==References==
==References==
Line 63: Line 61:
==External links==
==External links==
* [https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Mazurek Cookbook: Mazurek Cake] recipe at [[Wikibooks]]
* [https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Mazurek Cookbook: Mazurek Cake] recipe at [[Wikibooks]]
* The Polish edition of ''[[Newsweek]] magazine'' offered a gallery of ideas about how to decorate mazurek with slivered almonds and sliced dates including chocolate-written greetings. {{cite web |url=http://galerie.newsweek.pl/ciasto-mazurek-na-wielkanocnym-stole,75545,1,1.html |title=Mazurek na wielkanocnym stole |publisher=Newsweek.pl |work=Galerie |date=19 April 2011}}
* The Polish edition of ''[[Newsweek]] magazine'' offered a gallery of ideas about how to decorate mazurek with slivered almonds and sliced dates including chocolate-written greetings. {{cite web |url=http://galerie.newsweek.pl/ciasto-mazurek-na-wielkanocnym-stole,75545,1,1.html |title=Mazurek na wielkanocnym stole |publisher=Newsweek.pl |work=Galerie |date=19 April 2011 |access-date=12 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214230154/http://galerie.newsweek.pl/ciasto-mazurek-na-wielkanocnym-stole,75545,1,1.html |archive-date=14 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}

{{Cakes}}


[[Category:Polish desserts]]
[[Category:Polish desserts]]
[[Category:Cakes]]
[[Category:Easter cakes]]
⚫
[[Category:Easter food]]
[[Category:Christmas food]]
[[Category:Christmas food]]
⚫
[[Category:Marmalade]]
[[Category:Walnut desserts]]
[[Category:Polish pastries]]
[[Category:Easter traditions in Poland]]

Latest revision as of 13:10, 4 October 2024

Mazurek
Traditional home-made mazurek
Alternative namesEaster shortcake[1]
TypePastry
Place of originPoland
Serving temperatureRoom
Main ingredientsflour, sugar, butter or margarine, eggs, icing, candied or dried fruits, nuts

Mazurek is a variety of cake baked in Poland for Easter. It has a flat shape and is very sweet.[2]

According to Polish gastronomy coursebooks, typical mazurek is a cake that can be made of one or two sheets of short (or half-short) pastry or one sheet of short (or half-short) pastry covered with a sheet of butter sponge cake. The two sheets are fixed together with a help of a layer of marmalade. In case of one-sheet version, marmalade is skipped or goes on top, under the layer of icing. The top of mazurek is covered with a layer of icing (i.e. sugar icing or kajmak) or jelly. It is also decorated with nut-based icing or almond-based icing and candied fruits.[3] Traditionally, home-baked mazurek cakes are often decorated with dried fruits and nuts

In the one-sheet version, the cake includes the borders made of rolled half-short pastry[3][4]. Sometimes the shortcrust base is crowned with a lattice made of half-short or macaroon pastry.

Among other versions, often to be found in popular cook books and gastronomy coursebooks is "Gypsy mazurek" (mazurek cygański). A sheet of half-short pastry is half-baked, covered with a layer made of dried fruit, almonds, egg yolks creamed with sugar and whipped egg white and baked again.[3]

Mazurek tradition

[edit]

Name and origin

[edit]
Mazurek Bunny cake

The cake's name may have its origins in the Masovians (old Mazurzy) tribe inhabiting the Mazovia region of central Poland.[5] Another theory says it might originate from the word mazurek (Polish for mazurka), traditional folk dance in triple metre from Poland. A shortcrust pastry, Mazurek is considered one of the primary desserts of Easter across Poland. What distinguishes it from other festive dessert cakes is the abundance of decoration with dried fruit and nuts,[5] its overall sweetness, and chocolate icing, contributing to its prolonged freshness.

Although considered uniquely Polish, almost a seasonal national dessert,[6] the recipe for Mazurek came to Poland most likely from the East, via the spice trade-route from Turkey[5] in the early 17th century.

Appearance and symbolism

[edit]
Mazurek decorated for Easter
A selection of Mazurek cakes ready for Easter in Poland

Its symbolism is closely associated with the period of Wielki Post (Polish for Lent) thus marking its successful completion. In fact, after a 40-day fast (not a total abstinence from food by any means), which is celebrated in Christian liturgy in memory of the Temptation of Christ, mazurek was supposed to be the rich reward for adherence to faith and tradition. Although today, the religious meaning of mazurek is virtually lost in Poland, the cake is closely associated with the seasonal celebrations nevertheless.[6]

Usually, the decorative patterns includes Easter symbols like hares, pussy willows and Easter greetings.[4]

News portal Wirtualna Polska insisted that mazurek cannot resemble any other regular cake. It is supposed to be flat in multitude of varieties, each with different flavour and lavishly decorated. Twelve of them (served side by side, as claimed by the magazine), would not be entirely out of line traditionally.[2]

At Christmas, the emphasis on a symbolic number twelve is closely related to the Twelve Apostles at the Last Supper,[7] celebrated by Catholics by twelve different food offerings.[8]

Mazurek on the List of (Polish) traditional products

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The nutty mazurek ("nutty Easter shortcake"[1], pol. mazurek orzechowy) was entered onto the list of Polish traditional bakery and confectionery products for the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MRiRW) on 3 November 2011, described in a particular way.[9] The shortcrust (half-short) base is prepared from ground walnuts, flour, sugar, margarine, small number of eggs and a little bit of sour cream.[1] The frosting is a walnut cream[9] or, according to Polish Food magazine published by MRiRW, icing made of sugar, water and milk powder melted together[1]. The thick layer of icing is spread over baked cake and finally decorated with dried fruit (raisins), almonds and walnuts into a pattern[9][1]. "Nutty mazurek" is supposed to be considerably flat, rectangular, 20 centimetres (7.9 in) by 40 centimetres (16 in) in size, very sweet with distinct aroma of walnuts, golden or golden-brown in colour[9].

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Magdalena Głodek / Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MRIRW). "Mazurek orzechowy – palce lizać / Nutty Easter shortcake-yummy!" (PDF). Polish Food (in English and Polish). Vol. Spring 2014 / no. 1-2014 (68). Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR), with the help of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. pp. 10–11. ISSN 1232-9541.
  2. ^ a b Staff writer (3 April 2006). "Mazurki wielkanocne". Kobieta.wp.pl, kulinaria (in Polish). Wirtualna Polska. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2013. (Translation: If the tradition is to be followed, there should be 12 mazurek cakes at Easter, each with different flavour.) Aby tradycji stało się zadość, na wielkanocnym stole powinno być ich 12, a każdy o innym smaku.
  3. ^ a b c Konarzewska, Małgorzata (2011). "3.14. Mazurki". Technologia gastronomiczna z towaroznawstwem: podręcznik do nauki zawodu kucharz w technikum i szkole policealnej. Tom 2 (in Polish). Warsaw: Wydawnictwa Szkolne i Pedagogiczne. pp. 144–146.
  4. ^ a b Patryk A. Nachaczewski (2007). "Babki i mazurki". Interview with Maciej Gadziński. Przewodnik Katolicki. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013 – via Internet Archive.
  5. ^ a b c K.T. (2013). "Święta Wielkanocne: Mazurek – skąd taka tradycja i nazwa mazurek?". Miesięcznik Podróże.pl. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  6. ^ a b Contributing writer (3 April 2011). "Co wiesz o wielkanocnym mazurku?". Serwisy zdrowotne Edipresse Polska S.A. Wiesz Jak.pl Zdrowie. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  7. ^ Ann Hetzelgunkel (2013). "Mazurka at Polish Christmas Wigilia Meal & Foods". Courses of the Meal / Menu. Polish Christmas. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  8. ^ Ludmiła Jezierska (2007). "Symbolika świąt Bożego Narodzenia (The Symbolism of Christmas)" (in Polish). Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Pomorskiego. Archived from the original on 25 December 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2013 – via Internet Archive.
  9. ^ a b c d staff writer (2013). "Mazurek orzechowy". Lista produktów tradycyjnych (woj. kujawsko-pomorskie). Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Warsaw. Archived from the original on 16 December 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
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