Plum Jam Roll

Plum Jam Roll - a delicacy that combines the nostalgia of tastes from the past with the sweetness of modernity. This simple and quick plum jam roll recipe will take you on a journey of memories, whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just to indulge yourself on the weekend. With a fluffy texture and an inviting taste, this roll will surely become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 2 teaspoons of sugar (for the starter)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (for the dough)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 cup of milk (approximately 250 ml, warm)
- 1 cup of warm water (approximately 250 ml)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (for a richer taste, you can use sunflower or olive oil)
- Flour as needed (about 500-600 g, but it's good to have a little extra for kneading)
- Plum jam (or any other preferred jam)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Starter
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, add the yeast cube, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 cup of warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the activated starter. Add the warm milk, egg, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and oil. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or by hand until a dough begins to form. It is important to use quality flour, as this will affect the texture of the roll.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add flour, but be careful not to overdo it, so as not to get a tough roll.

Step 4: Letting it Rise
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 30-40 minutes or until it doubles in volume.

Step 5: Shaping the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out one part of the dough into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick. Spread the plum jam evenly, leaving a 1 cm margin on each side. You can use homemade jam for an authentic taste or a quality store-bought jam.

Step 6: Rolling and Placing
Carefully roll the dough from one edge to the other, forming a tight roll. Place the roll in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Repeat the process with the second part of the dough. If using a baking tray from the stove, make sure both rolls have enough space.

Step 7: A Final Rise
Before baking, let the rolls rise covered for about 20-30 minutes, until they become fluffy.

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F). Bake the rolls for 30-40 minutes or until they turn golden and sound hollow when tapped. It is important not to open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking, to allow the rolls to rise properly.

Step 9: Cooling and Serving
After baking, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a more appealing look.

Practical Tips
- Plum Jam: If you don't have plum jam, you can use apricot or raspberry jam for a fresh twist.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the jam to enhance the flavor and add texture. Another interesting option is to use melted chocolate instead of jam for a decadent roll.
- Serving: The rolls pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for brunch or a gathering with friends.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of roll contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of jam used. These rolls are a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy, but should be consumed in moderation, especially due to the sugar content in the jam.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast. In this case, use about 7 g and mix it directly with the flour.
2. How do I keep the roll fresh? The rolls can be kept covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the roll after it has completely cooled.
3. Can I make a gluten-free roll? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid amount to achieve a homogeneous dough.

Personal Note
This plum jam roll recipe is one of my fondest childhood memories. Prepared together with my grandmother, each roll was a symbol of love and tradition. By sharing this recipe, I hope to bring a touch of the sweetness of those moments into your kitchens. Dare to experiment with various jams and flavors, and each roll will become a unique story.

So, don't wait any longer! Get your hands to work, prepare this plum jam roll, and enjoy a delight that will enchant your senses!

 Ingredients: 1 cube of yeast, 2 teaspoons of sugar + 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 egg, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of warm water, 3 tablespoons of oil, flour as needed, jam

 Tags:  jam roll