Seven Layer Schalet Recipe

Seven layer schalet is a delicious and indulgent dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This rich and flavorful dish has its roots in Jewish cuisine and is often served during holidays and special occasions. With its layers of dough, sweet fillings, and aromatic spices, it is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of creating this delightful dessert step by step.

To begin, gather the following ingredients:

- 2 cups of flour
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of fat (such as butter or margarine)
- 1 cup of water
- A little sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup of sugar (for filling)
- 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon (for filling)
- 3 tablespoons of bread crumbs (for filling)
- 2 ounces of sweet and bitter almonds, grated and mixed with sugar (for filling)
- Oil (for filling)
- ½ pound of cleaned, seedless raisins (for filling)
- Jelly (any flavor of your choice) (for filling)
- ½ pound of citron, cut up very small (for filling)
- Grated lemon peel (for filling)
- Juice of a lemon (for filling)

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's start preparing the seven layer schalet.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, egg, fat, water, a little sugar, and a pinch of salt. Knead lightly until the dough comes together. Set the dough aside in a cold place while you prepare the filling.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of bread crumbs. This will be the filling mixture for the layers.

3. Divide the dough into seven equal pieces. Take one piece and roll it out into a thin layer. Place it on a greased baking tin.

4. Spread a layer of melted fat on top of the dough and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon from the filling mixture.

5. Place the second layer of dough on top and sprinkle it with the grated sweet and bitter almonds mixed with sugar.

6. Add the third layer of dough and spread it with oil. Sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar and then add the cleaned and seedless raisins.

7. Place the fourth layer on top and spread it with a generous amount of jelly. Add the cut-up citron on top of the jelly.

8. Cover with another layer of dough and spread it with fat. Sprinkle it with cinnamon, sugar, grated lemon peel, and drizzle with the juice of a lemon.

9. Add the sixth layer of dough and sprinkle it with sugar and cinnamon.

10. Finally, place the last layer of dough on top and spread it with fat. Sprinkle it with sugar and cinnamon.

11. Cut the prepared schalet into four-cornered pieces and bake it in the oven until it is thoroughly cooked and turns a nice golden brown color.

12. You can serve the seven layer schalet as is or bake a frosting on top for added sweetness. This delightful dessert can be enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored for a month or more if properly wrapped and kept in a cool place.

Fun Fact: The word "schalet" is derived from the Yiddish word "shatn" meaning "layers." It refers to the distinct layers that make up this traditional Jewish dessert.

Schalet is similar to several other dishes from different culinary traditions around the world. For example, the Italian dessert tiramisu is also a layered dessert made with sponge cake or ladyfingers, soaking syrup, coffee, and mascarpone cream. Another similar dish is the Hungarian Dobos Torte, which consists of several thin layers of sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and caramel on top.

In conclusion, seven layer schalet is a wonderful dessert with a rich history and a complex flavor profile. Its unique combination of dough, sweet fillings, and aromatic spices make it a true indulgence for any occasion. Whether you make it for a holiday celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, this traditional Jewish dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!