Welcome to our new series “From Baka’s Kitchen”, a loving tribute to the heart and soul of Croatian cooking! Here at the Australian Croatian Club, we’re excited to launch this collection of cherished recipes that have journeyed from the old country to our Australian homes, and passed down through generations of Croatian families.
Every Croatian family knows that some of life’s most precious moments happen in the kitchen. Whether it’s watching your Baka expertly stretch strudel dough so thin you can read a newspaper through it, or learning the secret to perfect sarma while listening to stories of the old country, our cultural heritage lives on through these culinary traditions.
In Croatian homes, you’ll often hear this beloved pastry called ‘Štrudla’ or ‘Štrukle’ (pronounced ‘Shtroo-kle’), a name that brings instant smiles to faces as it usually means something delicious is about to come out of Baka’s oven!
Today, we’re starting with a very special recipe that showcases the pride and precision of Croatian baking: the famous Baron Jaškovo Strudel. This isn’t just any strudel; it comes from the region that broke the Guinness World Record with a strudel measuring an incredible 1,479.38 metres! While our recipe makes a more modest (but equally delicious) version perfect for family gatherings, it carries the same time-honoured techniques that make Croatian Strudels (Štrukle) so special.
In Croatian households, making strudel is often a family affair. Many of us remember our baka rolling up her sleeves, clearing the kitchen table, sprinkling flour and carefully stretching the dough while sharing stories of her own childhood in Croatia. It’s these moments that keep our culture alive across generations and continents.
Did you know? The Štrudlafest in Jaškovo near Ozalj celebrates this beloved dessert every year at the end of summer. The festival’s record-breaking strudel used over 850 kg of flour and 10 kg of cinnamon; enough to feed an entire village!
Baka’s Tips:
We hope this recipe brings back warm memories of your own baka’s kitchen, or inspires you to create new traditions with your family. The art of making strudel has always been a source of pride in Croatian households; from the careful stretching of the dough to the precise layering of filling, each step is a testament to our rich baking heritage. Here’s how to create this beloved dessert in your own kitchen:
“While strudel (or ‘štrudla’ in Croatian) is beloved throughout Croatia, its origins trace back to the Habsburg Empire’s influence in the region. Croatian bakers added their own special touch, particularly in the Zagorje region where it became a staple of special occasions and family gatherings. In many coastal areas of Dalmatia, you might find variations using figs and local fruits, while inland regions like Slavonia traditionally favour apple and sweet cheese fillings. This diversity in strudel-making reflects Croatia’s rich cultural heritage and the way each region has adapted the recipe to showcase local ingredients!”
This delicious recipe was adapted from our friends at Croatia Week, your source for Croatian news, recipes, and culture.
Stay tuned for more Croatian recipes From Baka’s Kitchen! Follow us on social media or visit the Australian Croatian Club website to make sure you don’t miss our next culinary adventure.
Love this recipe? Save it for your next family gathering and share it with friends who appreciate traditional Croatian baking! Don’t forget to tag us in your strudel-making adventures, we’d love to see your creations!
Dobar tek! (Bon appétit!)
