Sweet bread

Cozonac is a traditional dish that brings back warm memories spent with loved ones, during holidays and family meals. This recipe for cozonac with walnuts, Turkish delight, and raisins will become a specialty in your home, perfect for enjoying on special occasions or simply to bring a touch of joy to ordinary days. Let's get to work!

Preparation time:
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours (including rising)
- Number of servings: 2 large cozonaci

Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 3 kg flour
- 1 liter milk
- 900 g sugar
- 2 packs of butter (250 g each)
- 250 g fresh yeast (3 cubes of 50 g each)
- 15 eggs (5 egg whites for the cream, 10 yolks)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Vanilla essence
- 3 teaspoons salt
- Oil for kneading

For the cream:
- 10 egg whites
- 2-3 tablespoons cocoa or instant coffee (to taste)
- Crushed walnuts (about 300 g)
- Raisins (200 g)
- Turkish delight (200 g), diced
- Sugar, to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the yeast:
Start by making the yeast. In a small bowl, add 50 ml of warm milk, a teaspoon of sugar, and 250 g of yeast. Add a handful of flour and mix until you obtain a homogeneous composition, similar to sour cream. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 15-20 minutes until the yeast starts to rise and bubble.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour (3 kg) and make a well in the center. Pour the risen yeast into the well of the flour. Begin kneading by gradually adding the warm milk (1 liter), grated lemon zest, vanilla essence, and salt. First, add the beaten egg whites, then the yolks, mixing well.

3. Incorporating the butter:
Let the butter soften at room temperature, then gradually add it to the dough. Continue kneading with warm oil until the dough becomes elastic and pulls away from your hands. Knead vigorously for about an hour. You can lightly punch it to aerate it.

4. First rise:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a thick towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

5. Preparing the cream:
Meanwhile, prepare the cream for the cozonac. Beat the 10 egg whites with sugar until you obtain a firm foam. Add cocoa or instant coffee and crushed walnuts, gently mixing until combined.

6. Forming the cozonac:
After the dough has risen, take a portion of dough (enough to fill half of the pan) and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a rectangle about the thickness of a pinky finger. Spread the dough with the cocoa cream, sprinkle raisins and Turkish delight, then carefully roll it up, forming a log.

7. Placing in the pan:
Place the rolled dough in a greased pan. Let it rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel. Before placing it in the oven, brush it with a beaten egg for a golden, appetizing crust.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven on low heat. Bake the cozonac for 15 minutes, then increase the temperature to medium and continue baking for another 25 minutes. Test the cozonac with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cozonac is ready. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Helpful tips:
- Flour: Choose a high-quality flour, specifically for cozonaci, which has a higher gluten content.
- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh; you can test its activity by placing it in a bit of warm water with sugar to see if it foams.
- Kneading: If you have a food processor, you can use it to knead the dough, saving time and effort.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Cozonac is a dish rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats due to its ingredients. It is full of energy, but consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. A serving of cozonac (about 100 g) contains approximately 350-400 kcal, depending on the ingredients used, but it is important to note that it is a quick source of energy.

Possible variations:
- For a lighter version, you can replace the butter with sunflower oil.
- For a chocolate cozonac, add chocolate chips to the cream.
- Add flavors like cinnamon or cardamom for an exotic touch.

Frequently asked questions:
- How can I store cozonac?
It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the freezer for long-term storage.

- Can I use other fillings?
Of course! You can replace walnuts with almonds or add dried fruits like apricots or figs.

Serving suggestions:
Cozonac is served warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of warm milk or flavored tea. If you want to turn it into a more sophisticated dessert, you can serve it with vanilla ice cream or chocolate glaze.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This cozonac will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and will become a cherished recipe in your family. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 3 kg flour, 1 liter milk, 900g sugar, 2 packets of butter (2x250g), 250g yeast (3 cubes of 50g), 15 eggs, vanilla essence and lemon zest, 3 teaspoons salt, cream: 10 egg whites, coffee/cocoa, crushed nuts, raisins, Turkish delight, sugar to taste.

 Tags:  easter cake and sweet bread christmas sweets christmas recipes sweet bread nut rahat raisins pasta recipes