Appetizer Cake

Braided Sweet Bread with Savory Fillings

Welcome to a new culinary adventure! Today we will prepare filled sweet bread, a delicacy that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of magic to any festive table. Sweet breads are often associated with celebrations but can be enjoyed anytime, whether it's a gathering with friends or a family meal. Let's begin this journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 2 eggs
- 50 g melted margarine
- 1 cube fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- about 50 ml oil
- 250 ml warm milk
- 250 ml warm water

For the filling:
- Braided sweet bread:
- 100 g ground walnuts mixed with 80 g sour cream (+ salt and pepper to taste)
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste + strips of red bell pepper + dried basil + fresh dill
- Cream cheese with celery (recipe below)

- Simple sweet bread:
- 5 slices of salami
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste + strips of red bell pepper + dried basil
- Cream cheese with celery

For brushing the sweet breads:
- 2 egg yolks
- Flax seeds
- Coarse salt

Cream cheese with celery

- 200 g creamy cheese
- 1 small celery (or part of a large celery)
- Salt and pepper to taste

1. Grate the celery and mix it with the cheese, adding salt and pepper to taste.
2. Refrigerate the mixture until use.

Step by Step: Preparing the Sweet Breads

1. Preparing the Dough

- In a large bowl, mix the yeast with salt and sugar. This step will activate the yeast, helping to create a fluffy dough.
- Add the eggs, melted margarine, warm milk, and warm water. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Start gradually adding the flour, mixing constantly. Use a spatula or your hands to incorporate the flour.
- When the dough becomes homogeneous, add the oil to bind it. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a draft-free place for 20-30 minutes, until it doubles in size.

2. Filling the Sweet Breads

- After the dough has risen, divide it into two. Cover one half and divide the other half into three equal parts.
- On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into thin sheets.

For the braided sweet bread:
- Spread the first sheet with the walnut and sour cream mixture, then roll it tightly. Set it aside.
- Repeat the process with the second sheet, using the cream cheese with celery.
- For the third sheet, spread with tomato paste, add strips of red bell pepper, and sprinkle dried basil and fresh dill. Roll this one too.
- Braid the three rolls and carefully place them in a greased baking pan.

For the simple sweet bread:
- Spread one sheet with cream cheese with celery, and the other with tomato paste, then place the slices of salami. Roll and place in the greased baking pan.

3. Rising and Baking

- Brush the sweet breads with egg yolk and sprinkle with flax seeds and coarse salt.
- Cover the pans with a towel and let the sweet breads rise for another 50 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius.
- Bake the sweet breads for 1 hour, until golden and browned.

4. Cooling and Serving

- Once the sweet breads are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans.
- After they have completely cooled, carefully remove them from the pans, slice, and serve.

Tips and Tricks

- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better integration. This helps activate the yeast and create a fluffy dough.
- Rising: If you want a fluffier sweet bread, let it rise longer, especially on cooler days.
- Fillings: Experiment with various fillings! You can add chocolate, dried fruits, or other types of cheese to vary the recipe.
- Serving: These sweet breads pair perfectly with a glass of fresh juice or a fragrant tea. They can also be served as an appetizer or main dish at festive meals.

Nutritional Benefits

This sweet bread is not only delicious but also a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, and cheese provides calcium and protein. Of course, like any traditional dish, moderation is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but be sure to follow the proportions indicated on the package.

- How long can I keep the sweet breads?
The sweet breads can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to store them in sealed bags to prevent drying out.

- What other recipes can I try?
If you enjoy experimenting with dough, try making stuffed rolls or pies with various fillings, such as vegetables or meat.

So, dear friends, happy cooking and don’t forget to enjoy every bite! Braided sweet breads with savory fillings are more than just a dish; they are a culinary experience that brings happiness and joy to our tables. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 1 kg flour 2 eggs 50 g melted margarine 1 cube fresh yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt approx. 50 ml oil 250 ml warm milk 250 ml warm water For the filling: -for the braided cake: cream cheese with green celery 100 g ground walnuts mixed with 80 g sour cream (+ salt and pepper to taste) 4 tablespoons tomato paste + strips of red pepper + dried basil + fresh dill -for the simple cake: cheese paste with green celery 5 slices of salami 3 tablespoons tomato paste + strips of red pepper + dried basil For brushing the cakes: 2 egg yolks flax seeds coarse salt

 Tags:  appetizer cake christmas recipes christmas appetizers easter recipes