What is "slatko"

n. In the countries of former Yugoslavia, a ceremonial offering to guests of fruit preserve (usually wild strawberry, blueberry, plum or cherry) or rose petals.

Slatko (, meaning "sweet") is a thin fruit preserve made of fruit or rose petals in Serbian and Bulgarian cuisine. Almost any kind of fruit can be used, like wild strawberry, blueberry, plum and cherry. Traditionally, all guests in a Serbian home are greeted with a spoonful of slatko and a cup of water as soon as seated. Particularly honoured guests are offered twice, although any guest can ask for another taste, to honour the housekeeper. For the second taste another spoon must be used. To ask for the third time, if not offered, is regarded as an improper behaviour, although usually granted. Alternatively, in the same manner, the guests may be offered honey (or asked to choose). The tradition of slatko is common and widespread only in the historical Serbia, south of Sava and Danube and was unknown in Vojvodina.

Slatko is used as a topping for ice cream and waffle shortcakes, and as a filling in pancakes.