Polevy

Polevy are coatings applied to baked goods and desserts to provide sweetness, flavor, and a smooth, glossy surface. The term is used in Czech and Polish culinary contexts to refer to glazes or icings that can be poured or brushed onto pastries, cakes, donuts, and cookies. In English, glaze or icing is the closest equivalent, with terminology influenced by thickness and application method.

Common types include chocolate glaze (melted chocolate with fat), sugar glaze (powdered sugar and liquid), caramel glaze (caramelized sugar with dairy), and fruit glaze (fruit juice or jelly-based coating).

Preparation and use: glazes are typically heated to a pourable or slightly thickened consistency and applied while warm. They set as they cool, forming a smooth surface that adds sweetness and helps seal in moisture. Some glazes stay soft, while others harden to a glaze-like finish depending on ingredients.

Storage: prepared polevy keep best in a cool, airtight container; chocolate-based glazes refrigerate and reheat gently before use. Regional traditions use polevy to decorate and preserve baked goods; glazes are common on cakes, donuts, and cookies.