Kalaches (filled)

3 pkgs. dry yeast
1-1/2 cup lukewarm milk
6 cups flour
6 egg yolks , beaten (save the white of egg)
6 Tablespoons white sugar
3 sticks of butter
1-1/2 teaspoon salt

Dissolve yeast in half of the milk. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix by hand; flour, sugar, butter and salt.
Mix remaining milk with the beaten egg yolk and yeast mixture.
Add this to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
Divide dough into 3 parts and and shape into balls.
Cover and let set for about 10-15 minutes (room temperature)
Bring out one ball at a time and roll out to about 1/2 thick rectangle.
It should be rolled out approx. size of about 10"x 10"
Cut circles with large plastic glass(approx. 3-1/2"-4" opening)
Place filling (recipe below) on one side of circle (leaving edges clean)
Fold over the other side of circle to form a small pocket.(looks like a half moon)
Pinch the edges together to seal. If needed use a little egg-white as glue.
Let rise 2-3 hours.
Brush tops with beaten egg whites before baking.
Bake 350 degrees for about 40-45 minutes.

Filling:
Any canned, thickened fruit filling can be used such as apple, prune, poppy seed, apricot or peaches...etc.

Filling from scratch:
Poppy Seeds approx. 2 cups, crushed
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
1/2 cup milk
2 Tablespoons melted butter
Mix together and use as filling



Spiced Apple
2 cups chopped apples
2 Tablespoons cinnamon
1-1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
1/2 cup milk
2 Tablespoons melted butter
Mix together and use as filling

Be creative... add nuts, raisins, cranberries...etc.