Lenten Sweet Bread

 Ingredients: 2 cups of still water, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, the zest and juice of one lemon, the zest and juice of 1/2 orange, 25 g of fresh brewer's yeast, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, a pinch of saffron, 50 g of cocoa powder, a vanilla pod, approximately 1 kg of flour. For the filling: dried fruits, Turkish delight, ground nuts (if using nuts, you will also need sugar), zest and juice of orange, cinnamon, vanilla sugar.

To prepare a delicious cozonac, the first step is to take care of the dough. In a large bowl, add warm water, lemon juice, and orange juice, mixing gently to combine the ingredients. Then, add the baking soda, which will help the dough rise. Sifting the dry yeast, crumble it by hand and add it to the mixture, followed by the grated lemon and orange zest, which will provide a delightful aroma. Add saffron for a hint of color and a distinct flavor, then sugar and oil. Don't forget the salt, which will balance the sweetness.

Mix the ingredients with a spoon until well combined. Then, gradually add the flour, initially mixing with the spoon, then with your hands, until an elastic and homogeneous dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, applying light pressure to activate the gluten. Once the dough is ready, take 1/4 of it and incorporate cocoa powder, mixing well.

Cover the two doughs with a cotton towel and let them rise in a warm place until they triple in volume. In the meantime, prepare the filling: grind the nuts and mix them with a little orange juice, cinnamon, vanilla sugar, and sugar to taste, obtaining a fragrant and delicious composition. Cut the candied fruits and Turkish delight into small cubes to add to the filling.

After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts and roll each part into a thin sheet that fits the baking tray. Over the white dough sheet, carefully spread the cocoa sheet over 2/3 of the surface, then evenly distribute the nut and fruit filling. Cut strips from the remaining white dough and place them on top of the filling, carefully rolling the dough to form a log. Twist the strips of dough around the log, adding them to create an attractive pattern.

Once the cozonac is formed, place it in trays lined with parchment paper, cover it again, and let it rise for about 30 minutes. Before baking, brush it with oil to achieve a golden and delicious crust. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cozonac for about 45 minutes, until it turns golden brown and has a tempting aroma.

After the cozonac is baked, remove it from the oven and brush it with honey, sprinkling ground walnuts mixed with sugar or powdered vanilla sugar on top. This detail will add not only a sweet taste but also a pleasant texture. Let it cool slightly before slicing, so you can enjoy each aromatic and fluffy piece. The cozonac is perfect for any occasion, being a true delicacy that will delight all your loved ones.

 Tags:  flour oil sugar lemon cocoa oranges nut christmas and new year's recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes recipes for children sweet bread pasta recipes