Nut and cocoa sweet bread

Goodies for Carolers: Walnut and Cocoa Sweet Bread

When it comes to winter holidays, there is nothing more comforting than the smell of a freshly baked sweet bread that reminds you of childhood. Carolers always hold a special place in our hearts, and what could be more delightful than offering them a slice of this traditional delicacy? This walnut and cocoa sweet bread recipe is not only delicious but also full of memories and warmth, perfect for enjoying with loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 slices

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g type 000 flour for sweet bread
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- Zest of one orange
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 ml oil
- 250 ml milk
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- Lemon essence
- Orange essence

Filling:
- 2 egg whites
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 40 g cocoa
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Rum essence

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons of milk

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This is an essential step for the dough to rise evenly and to achieve a fluffy sweet bread.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small saucepan, heat the milk to a slightly warm temperature (not hot!). Add the 3 tablespoons of sugar and then the crumbled yeast. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix the dry ingredients well. In another bowl, combine the egg yolks with the oil, mixing them as for mayonnaise to achieve a fine emulsion. Add the milk and yeast mixture to the flour bowl, along with the yolk cream. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and homogeneous.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue. Gently fold in the ground walnuts, cocoa, and rum essence, being careful not to lose air.

6. Forming the sweet bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece out on a floured surface into a rectangular sheet. Spread each sheet with the walnut and cocoa filling, then carefully roll them up to form logs.

7. Braiding the logs: Take the two logs and twist them together to form a sweet bread. Place it in a greased baking dish lined with parchment paper. Let it rise for another 20 minutes.

8. Brushing and baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix the egg yolk with the 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the sweet bread with this mixture for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the sweet bread for 45-50 minutes until golden and passes the toothpick test.

9. Cooling and serving: Once the sweet bread is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions: You can serve the sweet bread with a warm tea or spiced mulled wine. It is delicious and simple, offering a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Practical tips:
- Use fresh, finely ground walnuts to achieve a rich and flavorful filling.
- If you like chocolate, you can add dark chocolate chips to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
- The sweet bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. If there are leftovers, you can freeze it without problems.

Nutritional information: Each serving of sweet bread contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the size of the slices. This sweet bread provides complex carbohydrates, protein from the nuts, and a moderate amount of sugar, making it a healthier choice than many other desserts.

The walnut and cocoa sweet bread is not just a dessert, but a tradition that brings people together. Whether you enjoy it with family or give it as a gift to carolers, each slice is a piece of the warmth of the holidays. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 500 g flour type 000 for sweet bread, a pinch of salt, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, the zest of one lemon, the zest of one orange, 3 egg yolks, 100 ml oil, 250 ml milk, 30 g yeast, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 baking powder, lemon essence, orange essence. Filling: 2 egg whites, 100 g ground walnuts, 40 g cocoa, a pinch of salt, 100 g sugar, one vanilla sugar, rum essence. To brush: 1 egg yolk, 2 tablespoons of milk.

 Tags:  nut and cocoa cake goodies for carolers christmas christmas recipes recipe for sweet bread