Ilátku

Ilátku is a term that refers to a type of traditional Czech or Slovak sweet pastry. It is typically made from a yeasted dough, often enriched with eggs, butter, and sugar. The dough is then shaped, usually into a braid or a ring, and can be filled with various sweet ingredients such as poppy seeds, sweetened cheese, or fruit preserves. After baking, ilátku is often glazed or dusted with powdered sugar. It is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast item or a dessert, and its preparation is often associated with festive occasions, particularly around Easter. Recipes and specific ingredients can vary regionally and from family to family, leading to diverse interpretations of this popular pastry. The name itself is a diminutive form of "ilak," which can refer to a type of cake or sweet bread.