Å akotis

The Sekacz referred to in šakotis Lithuania and Poland cake is a cake that resembles the German Baumkuchen.

The cake came into use during the Polish- Lithuanian Commonwealth ( 1569-1791 ). Its origins are attributed either Italian Queen Bona Sforza of Poland or the Baltic tribe of Yotvingians. The Yotvingians settled in the early and high Middle Ages in Podlasie, while Bona Sforza there agriculture, infrastructure and manufacturing being reformed.

Manufacturing and entertainment

The taste Šakotis is only very slightly sweet; fresh it is quite soft in consistency. The more eggs were used for a Šakotis, the crispier it will be also. Normally one uses about 30-50 eggs per kilo of flour. In addition, there margarine or butter, sugar or honey and sour cream. First, butter or margarine is stirred well with sugar. Then follow eggs, flour and sour cream. The mass is not stirred, but, like eggs whisked. The cake is baked for about 45 minutes, as a rule, then it is cut into the appropriate size.

Šakotis is drier than Baumkuchen. It can be decorated with chocolate or flowers ornaments, but is often served pure. He is one of the most important Lithuanian desserts for celebrations, especially weddings and birthdays. They come in all sizes and weight classes, ranging from small to 600-1000 g to a very large, which can weigh 10 kg. Since the production of Šakotis is complex, the cake costs a corresponding amount. At home, you can not make the cake; unless you get an appropriate furnace building. Polish and Lithuanian tree cake has specific Teigstacheln. On the striking surface refers to the Lithuanian name " šakotis " which can be translated as " branch ". The preparation of the cake is done by layered painting of batter onto a skewer which rotates in a special oven. The spines and branches arise during draining and solidified ( by heat ) of the dough during the slow rotation. The dough is then drained scooped with a trowel from a dustbin and painted again on the cake. At a cross section of the Šakotis can clearly see the various layers.

Without the addition of preservatives to Šakotis holds partly 2-6 months fresh. During storage, one should note that the cake very quickly absorbs odors from the environment, be it cooking smells or even perfume. Therefore, one should store the tree cake dry and well sealed.

Šakotis as a representative

Šakotis was selected candy for representation Lithuania to café -Europe initiative, which took place during the Austrian EU Presidency, on Europe Day 2006.