Holiday Sweet Bread
Holiday Sweet Bread: An Unforgettable Delicacy
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 10-12
The holiday sweet bread is one of those desserts that brings warmth and joy to family moments. It's a fluffy bread filled with nuts and dried fruits, perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of hot tea. Let's see how we can prepare this delicacy step by step.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 kg of good quality flour
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 egg white
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g butter (melted and warm)
- 100 ml sour cream
- 600 ml warm milk
- 60 g fresh yeast
- 3 tablespoons oil
- Grated zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- Vanilla and rum essence (to taste)
- 2 handfuls of dried fruits (cranberries, candied orange peel, raisins, dates, prunes, papaya)
For the filling:
- 500 g ground walnuts
- Sugar to taste
- 1-1/2 cups of boiling milk
Preparation:
1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, combine 100 ml of warm milk with a little sugar and the crumbled yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms. This is a crucial step for achieving a fluffy bread.
2. Sifting the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the prepared starter. This is when the aroma of yeast will begin to fill the kitchen.
3. Adding the ingredients: Once the starter has risen, add the remaining warm milk, sugar, melted butter, sour cream, and egg yolks. Mix with a spatula or by hand until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. It is essential to use warm milk, as this will help the dough rise better.
4. Incorporating the oil and egg white: Alternately incorporate the beaten egg white and warm oil. These ingredients will add an airy texture to the dough. Finally, add the dried fruits, which will bring a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavors.
5. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic. Make sure the dough is well homogenized. Let it rise in a warm place, covered with a damp towel, until it doubles in volume (about 1-1.5 hours).
6. Preparing the filling: Grind the walnuts, but not too finely. Mix them with sugar to taste and add boiling milk, stirring well until you obtain a thick mixture. This will be the delicious filling for your sweet bread.
7. Shaping the sweet bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into two or more parts, depending on how large you want the sweet breads to be. Roll out each piece by hand or with a rolling pin, adding the walnut filling over the entire surface. Carefully roll the dough, sealing the edges to prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
8. Baking: Place the sweet breads in baking pans lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for 30 minutes, then brush with a beaten egg for a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 45-50 minutes, until golden and passing the toothpick test.
9. Serving: The sweet bread is served warm or at room temperature, alongside a warm drink, such as tea or warm milk. A wonderful idea is to sprinkle it with powdered sugar before serving for a festive look!
Possible variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate, poppy seeds, or plum jam. Additionally, adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg will give the sweet bread an even more complex flavor.
With this holiday sweet bread recipe, you will bring joy and tradition to your table. Don't forget to share it with loved ones and savor every bite!
Ingredients: Dough: 1 kg flour, 4 egg yolks, 1 egg white, salt, 200 g sugar, 200 g butter, 100 ml sour cream, 1 cup milk, 60 g yeast, 3 tablespoons oil, lemon and orange zest, essences, 2 handfuls of dried fruits (cranberries, candied orange peel, raisins, dates, dried plums, papaya). Filling: kg ground walnuts, sugar to taste, 1-1/2 cups boiling milk.
