BABKA FRON LUKASZ AND MONIKA

We recently visited a wonderful hotel, the Amanfayun in Hangzhou, China. The hotel manager, Lukasz, comes from Poland (my father’s birthplace). He told me that Monika, his wife, makes outstanding babka. It’s untraditional (i.e. no yeast) but it is delicious. And, best of all, it’s a one-bowl cake.

- 2 cups flour

- 1 cup milk

- 1 stick butter

- 1 egg

- 1 ¼ cup sugar

- 2 tsp. seedless strawberry or raspberry jam (optional)

- 2 tsp. baking powder

- 1 tsp. cinnamon

- 1 tbsp. cocoa powder

Mix all ingredients and bake around 45 min in 350F until a toothpick comes out dry.