"From Czechoslovakia to Texas to Beaver to You!"

In the mid 1800's Czechoslovakian ("Czech") immigrants began a 17 week journey from their European homeland to Galveston, Texas.  They, as many peoples did, came to America for the opportunity to work toward a better life.  They also worked hard to retain their heritage in this new land; and food, including the Kolache, was an important part of this preservation.  (See "The Czechs of Texas"- Texas Almanac 2000-01).

The Kolache, a slightly sweetened yeast dough, was a delightful dessert that complemented Czech meals.  The traditional Kolache was filled with apricot, cottage cheese, poppy seed and/or lekvar (prune butter).  However, this beautiful bread-dough is also scrumptious when filled with a variety of fruits, meats, cheeses and/or vegetables as well.

Kristi DeMaiolo, owner of Cafe' Kolache, spent 11 years in Houston, Texas and it was there that she, like many others, came to appreciate this "fun-food" of the Czech people.  The Texas cities of Austin, Dallas and Houston have numerous Kolache shops; and Kolache Festivals are annual events in towns like Caldwell and West, Texas.  However, while the Czech culture is a notable one in the Pittsburgh, PA area, until now the Kolache is most often enjoyed by families in their own homes using great-grandma's recipe.

To our knowledge the town of Beaver is the first in the greater Pittsburgh area to introduce this enjoyable "breakfast, lunch or anytime snack".