Have you ever heard of muzika? Although it means “music” in Czech, this time we’re not referring to actual music but to a traditional Czech Christmas dessert – a compote that has been half forgotten and is prepared only in some regions. Which is a pity because it’s delicious and really easy to make. So let’s keep the tradition alive and prepare the Czech Christmas muzika with the recipe from the Creative Mom!
Muzika is also called St. Thomas’ compote because it’s traditionally prepared on St. Thomas’ Day so it has time to “mature” until December 24, the most important day of Czech Christmas, the so called Štědrý den or Generous Day.
Other names are also břečka, lízačka, vocet or odvárka. It a great dessert also for children because it’s sweetened just with a little honey and a little gingerbread.
Ingredients
- a handful of dried apple pieces
- a handful of dried pear pieces
- a handful of dried plums
- some raisins
- 3 cloves
- 1 roll of cinnamon
- 1 star anise
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice
- gingerbread for grating (gingerbread cookies are also ok)
- water
Modern recipes include also rum, however, if we want to stay true to the tradition we don’t use it.
How to make Muzika
Place the dried fruits in a bowl or any other recipient, add water and let everything soak overnight.
Pour everything into a pot, add the spices and simmer for half an hour. The water will become dark from the fruit and the fruits will become soft and create a kind of a sauce.
Take out the spices, add honey and lemon juice and grate gingerbread to taste – it will thicken the sauce. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Czech Christmas muzika is done! Serve in a bowl and accompany with Vánočka.
Enjoy and don’t forget to check out my other recipes, you’ll find there also some Czech Christmas cookies.
