Sweet bread
The night before we start working, it is essential to sift the flour, a step that helps aerate it and gives it a fluffy texture. Ideally, we should sift the flour about three times, but if you lack patience, a single sifting may be sufficient. Once we have completed this step, we turn our attention to the milk. We heat it in a pot, adding all the sugar and preferred essences, whether vanilla or lemon zest. It is important to let the mixture cool, so it does not affect the yeast, which will be activated next.
Now it is time to turn on the oven and ensure that the kitchen is warm and welcoming, an ideal environment for the dough to rise. We prepare the starter, an essential step for achieving fluffy dough. In a small bowl, we dissolve the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar, two tablespoons of flour, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk. We mix well and let the starter rise in the middle of the flour, covering the bowl with a towel. When the starter doubles in volume, it is time to add the remaining milk and the five beaten egg yolks.
Now begins the most interesting part: kneading. It is a process that requires patience and energy. Several times, we will dip our hands in the melted butter (which has been allowed to cool) and gradually incorporate it into the dough, without pouring it directly. We knead with our fists and palms, tossing the dough back and forth for about 30 minutes. This is an activity that will fill us with energy and provide a sense of well-being. Once the dough becomes elastic and smooth, we let it rise in a warm place in the kitchen, covered, for 40 minutes.
After the dough has risen beautifully, we divide it into four equal portions. On an oiled surface, we stretch them with our hands, appreciating its wonderful texture. The filling can be chosen according to everyone's preferences; I opted for a delicious combination of poppy seeds, walnuts, Turkish delight, chocolate flakes, and raisins. We form four rolls and braid them two by two, creating a beauty of sweet bread. We place the rolls in a baking tray lined with parchment paper and greased with oil. We brush the surface with a mixture of egg yolk and a tablespoon of milk, then sprinkle with sugar to achieve a golden and crispy crust.
We let the sweet breads rise until they double in volume, then we place them in the preheated oven. The baking time is about 50 minutes, but this can vary depending on the oven. It is important to be patient and enjoy the aroma that will fill the entire kitchen. The sweet breads will be ready to delight our taste buds, and each slice will be a true treat.
Ingredients: Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 2 cubes of fresh yeast, 500 ml full-fat milk, 200 grams of butter, 250 grams of granulated sugar, 5 + 1 egg yolks (the egg whites can be frozen and used for other pastries), 1 teaspoon of salt, essence, lemon zest, 3 packets of vanilla sugar.
