Krowki

Krowki, which actually means ‘little cow’ in Polish, is the name used to describe a Polish Cream Fudge. Typically it is known as "dulce de Leche candy". These are essentially soft-centred milk toffee candies similar to a soft praline and available as different variants. Sugar, butter, milk, glucose syrup, vanilla extract and cream are the chief ingredients that go into making this melt-in the mouth confection originally from Poland.

 

History

 

The first krówki is recorded to have been produced in Poznań. Krowki is believed to have been invented during the first part of the 20th century, by renowned Polish confectioner Feliks Pomorski. These candies were originally wrapped up in pieces of paper with the picture of a cow, which is how the name 'little cows' was popularized. This tradition has been in practice to this day. The Pomorski family who made it was later expelled by the German Nazis to a place called Milanówek near Warsaw during the World War II.

 

Ingredients and Preparation

 

The original recipe uses milk, sugar, sometimes butter, cream and vanilla extract for flavour. At times condensed milk and powdered milk may be used. There are other variants also available – the more popular ones being chocolate and coffee flavoured krówki. Special versions are made using soy milk for consumers with lactose intolerance.

 

Krówki can be prepared at home, using the aforesaid ingredients.

 

The procedure consists of cooking the milk, sugar as well as condensed milk over extremely low heat for at least an hour. After removing from heat source, the butter and milk powder are added and mixed well. This is then laid out on a greased cooking sheet maintaining a thickness of 1/2 inch. It is then cut into squares before cooling. After sufficient cooling and hardening it may be wrapped in candy papers.

 

Tip: Being quite similar to a soft praline, the same method may be followed in order to get to the correct cooking stage in making the Krowki.

 

Nutrition Information

 

A serving size of 1.75 ounces ~ 50 g provides-

• A total of 192 calories, with 32 calories coming from fat.

• Total fat content of 3.5 g, saturated fat 1 g.

• Cholesterol content is 5 mg.

• Sodium content is 34 mg.

• Total carbohydrate content of 31.2 g with 24.0 g sugars.

• Protein content is 2.0 g.

• Based on daily values, calcium content is 48 % and Vitamin A content is 3 %.

• Estimated percentage of calories from fat is 19.3 %, from carbohydrates is 75.8 % and from protein is 4.9 %.

 

Nutritional Enhancement

 

To enhance the nutritive value of the krowki, addition of toasted sesame seeds adds a chewy crunchy, nutty flavour to it while supplying some healthy unsaturated omega 6 fats, B-vitamins, Vitamin E and fibre. Apart from supplying energy the sesame seeds offer sesamol and sesaminol –phenolic anti-oxidants that protect from free-radical damage. High quality essential amino acids, folic acid and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc and copper are found in sesame seeds. These are vital in the manufacture of red blood cells, bone mineralization, production of enzymes and hormones, and regulation of cardiac as well as skeletal muscle functions.