Lázovou

Lázovou refers to a specific type of pastry or dessert, often found in Central European cuisine, particularly in regions influenced by Czech or Slovak traditions. It is characterized by its rich, often creamy or fruit-filled interior, encased in a delicate dough. The preparation of lázovou can vary significantly by region and by individual baker. Some versions might feature a yeasted dough, while others employ a shortcrust or puff pastry.

The filling is typically the star of a lázovou. Common ingredients include sweet cheese (similar to quark or tvaroh), fruit preserves such as apricot or plum, poppy seeds, or even nuts. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg are often added to enhance the flavor profile. The finished pastries can be baked until golden brown and sometimes dusted with powdered sugar or glazed. They are frequently enjoyed as a sweet treat with coffee or tea, or as a dessert after a meal. The term itself may derive from words related to "bath" or "pool," possibly alluding to the way the filling seems to immerse the dough, or perhaps to the moist texture of some versions.