Maria Kerestres with her grandchildren, Mia and Patrick
Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Václav Pavlas
Ask a Czech for the best thing about the Christmas season, and plenty won’t hesitate to reply with “cukroví”. The tradition of Czech Christmas cookies began in the 19th century, evolving from earlier Christmas fruit figurines. This practice has grown in popularity, with many families now making many different types throughout December to serve during the Christmas season. It is a living tradition, proudly passed down from generation to generation.
Today, baking a large variety of Christmas cookies is a popular and deeply rooted Czech tradition, often taking place over several weekends in December. Families sometimes compete to make the most varieties, with some creating over twenty different kinds.
Our old babička, grandma, would make the best cukroví ever. Now, her daughter Maria Kerestres is following in her footsteps, and with great success. It’s not an easy job; however, she agreed to bake three kinds of Christmas cookies for you and share her secret, time-proven recipes.
Dobrou chuť a veselé Vánoce!
Enjoy your cookies and Merry Christmas!
