Food Features: Kremna Rezina
- Daniele Iannarone
- Sep 24, 2017
- 2 min read
Slovenia, as we all know, is a relatively small country located in the centre of the European continent, particularly famous for its diverse landscapes. The country's northern border with Austria straddles the Alps and is rather mountainous, whereas if you travel south you'll find yourself on its stunning coast on the Mediterranean Sea, right between Trieste and northern Croatia. Near to Slovenia's tripoint border with Italy and Austria you'll find the city of Bled, famous for its picturesque lake, being home to the lone island in the entire country; and Kremna Rezina.
As with many dishes from Central and Eastern Europe, there is much controversy surrounding the Kremna Rezina's origins and which country can claim it as its own authentic production. When I was in Slovenia, the many Slovenes that I met all insisted the Kremna Rezina was authentically Slovenian, and that it did indeed originate in the small town of Bled. According to some of my research, it is said that a pastry chef from Serbia moved to Bled in 1953 and adapted a similar cake recipe into what the dessert is today.
Kremna Rezina roughly translates to "cream slice" in English, a quite befitting name. The dessert is described as a custard and cream-filled dessert, as the bottom is filled with puff pastry and the centre is filled with custard cream. The puff pastry and the custard cream are sandwiched by a soft, thin crust, and topped off with some icing sugar. It is usually accompanied by a coffee or a cappuccino, although this is not necessary.
When I visited Slovenia, my friend Samo and some of his friends took me throughout the northwest of the country and insisted we have a slice of the Kremna Rezina while in Bled. They told me that it was essential that I taste their most popular dessert while in Slovenia, and I understand why. The cake was soft, creamy and melted in your mouth. The cream was not too sweet nor too thick, but light and airy, and the soft, thin crusts along with the icing sugar provided a perfect balance. Delicious!
Slovenia is, in a sense, an off-the-beaten-path destination for most travellers in Europe, but I would definitely recommend a few days in this incredibly diverse and stunning country. Don't hesitate to sample the local cuisine, you won't be disappointed! And if ever you're in Bled, you know what to eat.
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