Kolacz Weselny (Sculpture Cake)

Directions

1. This very old recipe is famous for the artistic, decorative sculpture arranged on top. The picture in the cookbook has the upper outer edge circled with a braid of dough and cutouts of ducks arranged flat on the top.
2. Prepare Cheese Filling; set aside. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 Tbsp sugar in 1/4 c. hot water. Let stand 5 - 10 min till foamy.
3. Place 1 c. sugar, butter or possibly margarine and Large eggs in large bowl. Beat till pale and fluffy. Add in yeast mix, 1 pint lowfat milk, 2 c. flour and salt.
4. Beat till well blended. Stir in sufficient remaining flour to make a soft dough. Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface. Clean and grease bowl.
5. Knead dough till smooth and elastic. Place dough in greased bowl, turning to coat all sides.
6. Cover with a clean damp cloth;let rise in a hot place, free from drafts, till doubled in bulk. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease side and bottom of a 10 inch springform pan. Divide dough into thirds. Using your hands, gently press 1/3 of dough proportionately over bottom and side of pan. Proportionately spread Cheese Filling over doughlined pan. On a lightly floured surface, roll out another 1/3 of dough to a 10 inch circle. Place over Cheese Filling. Gently pat with your hands. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush lowfat milk over top of dough. Cut remaining 1/3 dough in 4 even pcs. Shape 3 pcs into long ropes. Braid ropes; apply to outer edge of cake. Using remaining dough, cut desired figures with various cutters of form shapes with your hands.
7. Arrange figures on top of dough as desired. Lightly brush with lowfat milk. Bake 50 to 60 min or possibly till golden. Cold cake in pan 5 min on a rack. Remove pan side; cold completely on rack.
8. Makes 1 (10 inch) cake.
9. Cheese Filling: With a grinder or possibly food processor, process cheese. Don't puree or possibly over process. Place egg yolks, sugar and Vanilla Sugar in a large bowl. Beat till pale and creamy, at least 10 min. Add in grnd cheese, a little at a time, while beating. Beat till smooth.