Cozonac (1kg)

Delicious Filled Sweet Bread

Sweet bread is a traditional delicacy, often associated with holidays and special moments spent with loved ones. Its inviting aromas of vanilla and rum remind us of happy childhood moments when our grandmother spoiled us with this fluffy and tasty dessert. I will present a detailed recipe to achieve a perfect sweet bread that will impress both in appearance and taste.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 90-120 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15

Ingredients:

- 1 kg sifted flour (preferably type 000 for a fine texture)
- 40 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 250 g sugar (you can use vanilla sugar for extra flavor)
- 5 eggs (only yolks, preferably from free-range hens)
- 1 l milk (warm, to activate the yeast)
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- Rum and vanilla essence (to taste)

For the filling (optional):

- Ground walnuts (300 g)
- Cocoa powder (100 g)
- Dark chocolate (100 g, chopped)
- Drops of milk (to improve the filling)

Preparation of the sweet bread:

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar, 100 ml of warm water, and a little flour. The consistency should be soft, not like dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place all the sifted flour and make a well in the middle to add the risen starter. Around the starter, add salt, the remaining sugar, egg yolks, warm milk, and slightly warmed oil.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients, then start kneading the dough with your hands. Continue kneading for about 60 minutes. The dough should become elastic and pull away easily from the sides of the bowl. If it is too soft, you can add a little flour.

4. Adding the filling: If you want a filled sweet bread, separate half of the dough and mix it with 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa. Let both parts of the dough rise for an hour, covered with a towel or plastic wrap.

5. Shaping the sweet bread: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each part into rectangular sheets. On each sheet, sprinkle ground walnuts, cocoa, or chopped chocolate. Roll the sheets up, making sure to roll them as tightly as possible.

6. Placing in the pan: Place the sweet bread in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Let it rise for another 60 minutes, covered, until it reaches the height of the pan.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (about 350°F). Beat an egg and mix it with a teaspoon of vanilla sugar. Brush the sweet bread with the egg and sugar mixture. Bake for 50-60 minutes in the middle of the oven. If you notice it browning too quickly, you can open the oven door for a few seconds.

8. Cooling: Once the sweet bread is golden and baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Helpful tips:

- Yeast is essential for a fluffy sweet bread, so make sure it is fresh. Check the expiration date on the package.
- Sifted flour will help achieve a fine texture, so don't skip this step.
- The temperature of the ingredients is important. Make sure the milk is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- The filling is customizable. You can add raisins, jam, or even candied fruits for a truly special sweet bread.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
- Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 14 g of dry yeast and mix it directly into the flour.

2. How can I tell if the sweet bread is well baked?
- If you tap the bottom of the sweet bread lightly and it sounds hollow, that’s a good sign it’s baked. Also, the sweet bread should be golden on top.

3. How can I keep the sweet bread fresh?
- Store it in a paper bag or an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge, as it can dry out the dough.

Serving:

The sweet bread is delicious both warm and cold. It can be served plain, alongside a cup of warm milk or fragrant tea. It also pairs perfectly with fruit jam or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a contrast of textures and flavors.

Enjoy this fluffy and aromatic sweet bread that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones! Whether it’s a holiday or just an ordinary day, this dessert will turn any meal into a special moment. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 1 kg sifted flour, 40 g yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 250 g sugar, 5 eggs (preferably free-range yolks), 1 liter milk, 100 ml oil, essence of rum, vanilla (to taste)