Walnut Cake

Nut Roll - A Traditional Delicacy

The nut roll is a recipe that combines tradition with flavor, being a dessert loved by generations. It is not just a simple nut roll; it is an emblem of the holidays, a symbol of hospitality and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. Whether served alongside a cup of warm milk or a fragrant tea, the nut roll always manages to bring a smile to the faces of those who savor it.

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

Ingredients:
- 550 g high-quality flour
- 4 eggs
- 250 ml milk
- 150 g sugar + about 100 g for the nut filling (to taste)
- 50 ml oil
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 40 g fresh yeast
- 200 g ground walnuts
- Essences: rum, vanilla, lemon (to taste)

Step by Step for a Perfect Nut Roll

1. Preparing the Dough Starter
Start by gently warming the milk. Add 75 g of sugar and mix well. When the milk becomes warm, not hot, add 3 tablespoons of flour and the yeast. Mix well and let it ferment for 10-15 minutes in a warm place until a nice foam forms.

2. Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until you obtain a fluffy foam. While mixing, gradually add the oil and softened butter (lightly warmed in the microwave for easy incorporation). Add the essences of vanilla, lemon, and rum to bring a subtle and pleasant aroma to the dough.

3. Incorporating the Dough Starter
Once the dough starter is ready, incorporate it into the egg and sugar mixture. Mix gently, then gradually add the remaining flour. Knead the dough for about 20 minutes until it becomes elastic and pulls away from your hands and the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft and elastic, with a consistency that springs back easily when pressed.

4. Rising the Dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is the perfect time to enjoy a cup of tea and relax!

5. Preparing the Nut Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Beat the 4 egg whites until frothy. Gently fold in the ground walnuts, sugar, and rum essence. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences - this can add sweetness to the filling.

6. Shaping the Rolls
After the dough has risen, gently knead it to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each part with a rolling pin until you obtain a rectangle about 0.5 cm thick. Spread half of the nut filling over the dough, leaving 2 cm at the edges.

7. Packing
Carefully roll the dough and place it in a buttered and floured loaf pan. Make sure that each roll does not exceed half the pan to allow for rising during baking.

8. Second Rising
Let the rolls rise again for 20-30 minutes. At this stage, you can preheat the oven to 180°C.

9. Glazing and Baking
When the rolls have risen, brush them with a mixture of beaten egg or milk for a beautiful crust. Sprinkle a little sugar and ground walnuts on top for added texture and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the rolls are nicely browned and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cooling and Serving
After the rolls are done, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain the delicate texture of the roll.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Rising is an essential step; do not rush the process, as the dough needs time to rise.
- You can experiment with alternative fillings, such as cocoa, raisins, or chocolate, to diversify the flavor of the roll.

Nutritional Information:
Each serving of nut roll contains approximately 350 calories, providing not only a delicious taste but also a good source of energy due to the nuts, which are rich in healthy fats and protein. This dessert is a wonderful choice to add a touch of nostalgia and joy to festive meals.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to adjust the amount (about 14 g) and follow the activation instructions.

- How can I keep the roll fresh longer?
Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place, or you can freeze it to enjoy later.

- What drinks can be paired with the rolls?
Nut rolls are delicious alongside a glass of milk, a fruit tea, or even a strong espresso, which balances the sweetness.

Memories and Variations:
The nut roll is where childhood memories meet culinary tradition. Each bite transports you back in time to holiday meals surrounded by family and dear friends. Try adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the filling for an exotic touch or use whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

So, I invite you to try this nut roll recipe, enjoy every step of the preparation, and share the delight with your loved ones! Buon Appetito!

 Ingredients: 550 g flour, 4 eggs, 250 ml milk, 150 g sugar + about 100 g for the nuts (depends on personal taste), 50 ml oil, 100 g butter, 40 g yeast, 200 g ground walnuts, essences (rum, vanilla, lemon)