Yes, even popes have a sweet tooth – and St. John Paul was no exception. According to Lois Britton’s Polish Housewife website, Kremówka Papieska, or Papal Cream Cake, is an ideal tribute to former Pope John Paul II as we celebrate his Feast Day on Oct. 22. She notes that kremówka – pastry cream sandwiched between two layers of puff pastry that is similar to a French Napoleon – became famous when the then-pope reminisced about enjoying the pastry from a bakery in his hometown of Wadowice, Poland.
Get the recipe on Britton’s website at www.polishhousewife.com.
The Catholic Church is blessed with a wide variety of saints – all those who have died and attained heaven – whom we collectively celebrate on All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1. Pan co’ Santi is seasonal sweet bread baked in Siena, Italy, and traditionally served on that day. This bread features walnuts and raisins – the “saints” that create its unique taste. Each family has their own recipe perfected over the years. The recipe found on Juls Kitchen is a modified family treasure that features red wine, extra virgin olive oil and sugar.
Read about the family history behind this version and make it at en.julskitchen.com/bread/pan-co-santi.