Poppy seed cake

Poppy seed and raisin sweet bread - a traditional dessert that brings the aroma of holidays into every corner of your home. This sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a family story, a tradition passed down from generation to generation, enriched with love and time spent in the kitchen. With every bite, you will feel the warmth and joy of these special moments.

Preparation: 40 minutes
Baking: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Servings: 2 large sweet breads

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 2 cubes of fresh yeast (approximately 50 g)
- 500 ml of whole milk
- 200 g of butter
- 250 g of granulated sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
- Rum essence (to taste)
- Grated zest of lemon and orange (from one lemon and one orange)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- Colorful Turkish delight (for an attractive look)
- Raisins soaked in cognac (approximately 150 g)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 600 g of poppy seeds
- 500 ml of milk
- 6-8 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 vanilla essences

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by preparing all the ingredients so that you have everything at hand. Sift the flour three times to make it fluffy and airy. This step is essential for obtaining a light and well-structured dough.

2. Activating the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the fresh yeast with a teaspoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 2-3 tablespoons of warm milk. Mix well, cover, and let it rise in a warm place, preferably near a heat source, until it doubles in volume (about 15-20 minutes).

3. Preparing the milk:
In a saucepan, mix the milk with the sugar, essences, and vanilla sugar. Place over low heat and warm until the sugar completely dissolves. Make sure the milk does not reach boiling point.

4. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, make a well in the center of the sifted flour mixed with salt. Add the activated yeast, the egg yolks mixed with citrus zest, and the melted butter (not hot, but warm). Gradually pour in the warm milk and knead the dough for about 40 minutes. During this time, moisten your hands in the melted butter to prevent the dough from sticking.

5. Adding the filling:
When the dough becomes elastic and smooth, add the cubes of Turkish delight and the drained raisins from the cognac, kneading gently to incorporate them evenly. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the filling:
In a saucepan, boil the poppy seeds with the milk and sugar, stirring constantly. When the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, add the vanilla essences and let it cool.

7. Shaping the sweet breads:
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each piece of dough on the work surface, add the poppy seed filling in the middle, and roll the dough up. Braid the two rolls for a rustic and charming look.

8. Placing in molds:
Place the sweet breads in the prepared molds (preferably round for a nice appearance) and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

9. Baking:
Brush the sweet breads with a beaten egg yolk for a golden and shiny crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and pass the toothpick test. If the toothpick comes out clean, the sweet breads are ready.

10. Cooling:
After baking, let the sweet breads cool in the oven with the door ajar for about 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the molds and let them cool completely on a rack.

Serving suggestions:
The poppy seed and raisin sweet bread is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a cup of warm milk or a fragrant tea. Additionally, a spoonful of fruit jam or a fine powdered sugar glaze can transform the dessert into a true delicacy.

Tips and variations:
- Instead of raisins, you can use candied cherries or ground nuts to give a personal touch to the sweet bread.
- For an even more aromatic sweet bread, add spices like cinnamon or cloves to the filling.
- If you want to keep it fresh for a longer time, wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
The poppy seed sweet bread is a source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats due to the ingredients used. On average, a 100 g serving of sweet bread contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and fats used. It is important to mention that poppy seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, and essential fatty acids.

In conclusion, the poppy seed and raisin sweet bread is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will bring joy and warmth to your soul. Spend time with your loved ones and enjoy every step of the preparation process. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough ingredients: 1 kg flour, 2 cubes of fresh yeast, 500 ml full-fat milk, 200 g butter, 250 g granulated sugar, 6 egg yolks, 1 pinch of salt, rum essence, lemon and orange zest, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, Turkish delight, raisins soaked in cognac. Filling: 600 g poppy seeds, 500 ml milk, 6-8 tablespoons sugar, 2 vanilla essences.

 Tags:  poppy seed cake sweet bread