Skip to main content
Michelle Polzine head shot - Epicurious

Michelle Polzine

Pastry chef and author

Michelle Polzine is the owner and chef of20th Century Café. She was nominated for the James Beard 2019 Outstanding Pastry Chef and is the author ofBaking at the 20th Century Cafe.

Esterházy Schnitten (Hazelnut-Vanilla Layer Cake)

The variations of this Hungarian cake are endless, but this one is made with ground hazelnuts lightened with meringue.

Dobos Torta

This impressive pastry, sometimes spelled Dobos torte, is among the most famous cakes from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Hot Butterscotch

This luscious drink gives hot chocolate a run for its money. Really caramelizing the sugar keeps the drink from tasting cloyingly sweet. Add a glug of good rum or skip it as desired.

Grated Shortbread Bars With Rose Jam

These delicate jam-filled bar cookies are made with dough that you freeze and then grate into the pan. They have a delightful light and crumbly texture.