The earliest Czech cookbooks date back to the 16th century and were published by a printer called Severin. The 17th century created a major class division in the Czech Republic, distinguishing between the rich and the poor.

This in turn influenced the various diets of the less privileged, who would usually eat meals made from vegetables and other foods only on special occasions.

At the other end of the spectrum, the rich ate sumptuous meals of pheasant, venison, turtle, or fish, and the nobility of the time introduced Czech pâtés, ranging from duck and truffles to the delicacies that can be found on most Czech menus today.

Soon afterwards, Czech desserts and sweets were introduced, such as chocolate, sweet bread, and cakes.

The bread dumpling (Houskový knedlík) is one of the typical dishes of traditional Czech cuisine. It can be served with almost anything, especially with sauces.

The dough used for the bread dumplings is similar to bread dough, and when they are cooked and sliced thinly, they go well with a variety of traditional Czech dishes such as sirloin cream sauce, tomato soup, and stews!

Bread dumplings began as a repurposing of stale bread has since become a filling, delicious dish in its own right.

Recipes for bread dumplings vary throughout the region, but in general, they use flour or stale bread, yeast (or another leavening agent), eggs, salt, and then herbs, and other ingredients can be added.

Bread dumplings are the basis of Czech cuisine, and one of the most traditional of its many varieties is Karlovarský knedlík, the Carlsbad dumplings. The name Karlovarský knedlík comes from the town of Karlsbad in the Karlovy Vary region of the Czech Republic.

Here is how you can taste it right at your doorstep, without visiting the Czech Republic.

Whipped egg whites

Step 1: Cut breadsticks into small pieces

Step 2: Mix the egg yolks, milk, salt, nutmeg, parsley, and coarse flour to form a batter.

Step 3: Pour the batter into the cubed bread, stir and leave for a few moments.

Step 4: Whip the egg whites and stir into the batter and bread roll mixture.

Step 5: Wrap all the mixture in cling film to form a cylindrical cone and roll up with the ends attached. Finally, gently pierce the film.

Step 6: Cook the dumplings for about 25 minutes.

Serve with any sauce for a classic and delicious traditional Czech dish.