Kolache - Poppy Seed

Kolache are a Czechoslovakian baked good that resemble a dinner-roll but are filled with a sweet fruit filling.  My mother-in-law makes Kolache for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Julia makes hers with a poppyseed filling but I believe that cherry, prune, apricot, or just about any kind of fruit will work.  Seeing how Kathy and I both claim to have a Czech background, I figure this family cookbook should contain the recipe for this little portion of our heritage.

According to a Wikipedia entry, the word "kolache" is from either the Czech word, "koláček" which means cookie or koláče which means cake. My dad pronounces them "KO-la-cha" and I believe my mother-in-law uses a slightly different pronunciation, "KO-LA-chee".  To-MAY-to, to-MA-to... What all Czechs seem to agree on is their appreciation for these baked goodies.

Ingredients:

• 1 Box "Hot Roll Mix"
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1 can Poppy seed filling
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 Tbsp half-&-half

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Make dough following the recipe on the box adding the one tablespoon of sugar to the mix.
• While the dough rests for 10 minutes, heat the remaining ingredients in a saucepan on low.
• Roll out dough and cut into 12 3-inch squares.
• Place a dollop of the filling in the center of each square.
• Fold the corners of the squares up and over the filling and pinch together.
• Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 × 13 cake pan.
• Cover the pan and let the rolls rise 1/2 hour.
• Brush with butter.
• Put on a cooling rack.
• Bake 15 minutes