Fan-shaped sweet bread

Delicious fan-shaped sweet bread: a symbol of tradition and joy

The fan-shaped sweet bread is a recipe that brings warm and nostalgic memories, evoking holidays and moments spent with family. This fluffy cake, with a rich and aromatic filling, is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. With each slice, you will discover a delicate texture and an explosion of flavors, turning any meal into a celebration. So, let's get to work and bring this wonderful delight to life!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 600 g of flour
- 5 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 40 ml of oil
- 15 g of fresh yeast
- 300 ml of warm milk
- 250 g of butter (for greasing the dough)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 250 g of ground walnuts
- 100 g of sugar
- 3 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- rum essence (to taste)

Preparing the dough:

1. Start by dissolving the fresh yeast in a little warm milk (about 100 ml from the total of 300 ml) and add 2 tablespoons of sugar. This process helps activate the yeast, which is essential for obtaining a fluffy dough. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt and the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.

3. Transfer the egg yolk mixture to the bowl of a food processor (or a bowl if kneading by hand). Add the activated yeast, the remaining warm milk, and mix for 1-2 minutes until the ingredients are well combined.

4. Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously, then pour in the oil and continue kneading. The dough should become elastic and non-sticky. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.

5. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm, draft-free place for about 30 minutes, until the dough doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling:

1. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using a mixer until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until a glossy meringue forms.

2. Incorporate the ground walnuts, cocoa, and rum essence. Gently fold in using a spatula to retain the air in the meringue.

Assembling the fan-shaped sweet bread:

1. Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Roll it out into a rectangular sheet, about 1 cm thick.

2. Cut the dough into equal squares (approximately 10x10 cm) and place a spoonful of walnut filling on each square.

3. Fold each square to form a small package, then place them in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.

4. In a small bowl, beat an egg yolk with a little milk and brush each sweet bread with this mixture to achieve a shiny, golden crust.

5. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the sweet bread for 30-35 minutes, until golden and evenly baked.

6. Allow the sweet bread to cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut it only after it has cooled completely for perfect slices.

Practical tips:

- It is important that all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, for better incorporation into the dough.
- You can replace the walnuts with other seeds or dried fruits, such as almonds, pistachios, or raisins, to create a personalized version of the fan-shaped sweet bread.
- The fan-shaped sweet bread keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for several days. It can also be frozen, and if you want to consume it later, let it thaw at room temperature.

Nutritional benefits:

The fan-shaped sweet bread contains nutrient-rich ingredients, such as walnuts, which are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. This dessert also provides carbohydrates from flour and sugar, which supply quick energy. However, it is important to consume the sweet bread in moderation, given its high calorie content.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, but make sure to follow the proportion instructions (1 g of dry yeast is equivalent to about 3 g of fresh yeast).
- How can I tell if the sweet bread is baked? A simple method is to gently tap the bottom of the sweet bread; if it sounds hollow, it is ready. The crust should also be golden and firm to the touch.
- Can I make it less sweet? Sure! You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and the dough according to your preferences.

Serving:

The fan-shaped sweet bread is delicious both plain and sprinkled with a little powdered sugar or served with warm chocolate sauce. It is perfect for brunch, a family gathering, or simply at a get-together with friends. Make sure to serve it alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee to complement its flavor.

Now that you have learned how to prepare this delicious fan-shaped sweet bread, feel free to experiment with different fillings and flavors. Each attempt will bring a personal touch and a new reason to enjoy cooking!

 Ingredients: For the dough:* 600 grams of flour* 5 egg yolks* 4 tablespoons of sugar* a pinch of salt* 40 ml of oil* 15 grams of fresh yeast* 300 ml of warm milk* 250 grams of butterFor the filling:* 250 g of ground walnuts* 100 g of sugar* 3 egg whites* 1 tablespoon of cocoa* rum essence