Slovenian Roots Quest: Holiday Treats from My Slovenian Kitchen

During my first year of Slovenian cooking, I got the chance to perfect the two traditional holiday favorites in my family: potica (of course!) and a Slovenian-inspired twist on Scottish shortbread. I also discovered some new favorites that are perfect for family gatherings and holiday entertaining.

Since then, I have continued to discover new holiday recipes to add to the collection.

Below is a round-up of the desserts, pastries, and sweet breakfast treats that have come out of my Slovenian American kitchen. The first group are traditional favorites. The second group includes Slovenian-inspired originals and close cousins of traditional sweets.

Most of these dishes were made for special occasions. Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hanukkah and Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The Fourth of July. Labor Day. Slovenian Hall events. Family visits and birthdays. Times that are both celebratory and bittersweet.

Happy holidays and dober tek, from my kitchen to yours!

Traditional Slovenian Recipes

Ajdovčki, or Buckwheat Thumbprint Cookies

Apple Cranberry Strudel

Apple Šmoren with Brandied Cranberries
Buckwheat Cake with Syrup
Buckwheat Cheesecake (Ajdova Zlevanka)
Cranberry Walnut Potica
Domači Prijatelj or Domestic Friend (traditional Slovenian biscotti or mandelbrot)
Domači Prijatelj, New and Improved

Flancati, Baked (Angel Wings)
Ice Cream with Pumpkin Seed Oil and Nut Brittle
Medenjaki (Honey Spice Cookies)
Nut Crescents (Rogljički)
Nut Horns

Palačinke (Crepes)
Piškotni Zvitki (Jelly Roll Slices)
Potica: A Step-by-Step Guide to Slovenian Nut Roll
Potica, Gluten-Free, with Almond Filling
Potica Babies (Yeast-Raised Rogljički)
Potica, Vegan (adaptation of family recipe)

Prekmurska Gibanica (Strudel Pie)

Putizza di Noci (Chocolate-Nut Poetica)
Walnut Syrup Cake (Orehove rezine)

Originals, Slovenian-inspired, or Otherwise Related

Buckwheat Breakfast Crumbles (an original twist on šmoren)
Caraway-Buckwheat Shortbread (original, Scottish-Slovenian fusion)

Chocolate-Rosemary Biscotti (original, Slovenian-inspired, cousin to domači prijatelj)

Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Mandelbrot (Jewish, cousin to domači prijatelj)

Potica Pudding-Muffins (original, Slovenian-inspired)

Pumpkin Pie with Pumpkin Seed Oil (original, Slovenian-inspired)
Slovenian Christmas Biscotti (a variation on traditional domači prijatelj)
Trilece, A Balkan-style Three Milks Cake (pan-Balkan, Albania and Kosovo)
Yugoslavian Christmas Cookies (pan-Balkan American)