Sweet bread

Nut Roll with Walnut, Poppy Seeds, and Cocoa: Mom's Traditional Recipe

Happy New Year! Every year, during the holidays, I think back to my mother's house, where the aroma of freshly baked nut roll filled our hearts and gathered us all around the table. The nut roll is more than just a dessert; it is a bridge between generations, a recipe full of tradition and love. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing this delicious nut roll, which will transform your festivities into a celebration full of flavor and warmth.

Total preparation time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 1 kg flour
- 2 cups warm milk
- 3 large eggs
- 200 g sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- Zest of one orange
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 150 ml warm oil
- 4 teaspoons instant yeast
- Raisins (optional)
- 2 cups ground walnuts
- 200 g ground poppy seeds
- 100 g soft butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1/2 cup warm milk for the poppy seed filling
- Oil for greasing the nut roll sheet
- 1 beaten egg for brushing the rolls
- Rum essence (optional)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Dough

Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This is an essential step, as the air trapped in the flour will help achieve a fluffy nut roll. Add the dry yeast and mix well.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. This will add an airy texture to the dough.

In the large bowl, add the egg yolks, sugar, lemon and orange zest, aromas, and warm milk. Mix all the ingredients well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Now, add the beaten egg whites and finally the warm oil. Begin kneading the dough, folding it over itself to ensure all ingredients are perfectly combined. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little extra flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid a dense roll.

2. Proofing the Dough

After kneading the dough well, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume. This is the time to relax and enjoy the aroma that will fill your home.

3. Dividing and Preparing the Fillings

Once the dough has risen, divide it into three equal parts. Each part will become a delicious nut roll.

Walnut Roll:
- Roll out a thick sheet about 1 cm. Grease with oil and sprinkle the ground walnuts mixed with sugar and a splash of rum essence. Carefully roll the sheet and place the roll in the baking tray. Let it rise a little before baking.

Poppy Seed Roll:
- Grind the poppy seeds and mix with the grated lemon zest, sugar to taste, and warm milk until you achieve a thick paste. Spread the paste on the dough sheet and roll carefully.

Cocoa Roll:
- Mix the soft butter with cocoa and sugar to taste. Spread the resulting cream on the dough sheet and roll.

4. Baking the Rolls

Before placing them in the oven, brush each roll with beaten egg for a beautifully golden crust. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius and bake the rolls for about 1 hour, or until they are golden brown and the filling is well set.

5. Serving and Storing

Once the rolls have cooled, you can slice them and enjoy their delight alongside a cup of tea or coffee. This nut roll is perfect to be served as a dessert at festive meals or simply as a snack on cool days.

Practical Tips:

- Check the yeast's freshness: Make sure the yeast is fresh to achieve a fluffy dough. You can test the yeast by mixing a tablespoon of sugar, a tablespoon of warm water, and the yeast; if it bubbles, it’s good.
- Ingredient temperature: Ingredients like milk and eggs should be at room temperature for better integration into the dough.
- Experiment with fillings: Instead of walnuts, you can use hazelnuts or almonds, and for cocoa, you can add chopped chocolate for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Information:

The nut roll is a source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats (thanks to the nuts and olive oil). It contributes to energy and, depending on the filling, can also provide vitamins from the fruits (lemon and orange zest). Consume it in moderation, as an average slice of nut roll has about 250-300 calories.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Why didn’t my nut roll rise well? It could be due to old yeast or a temperature that was too low during proofing. Make sure you use fresh ingredients and let the dough rise in a warm place.
- Can I freeze the nut roll? Yes, that’s a great idea! You can freeze it before baking or after it has been baked. Make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent drying out.
- What are the best drinks to serve with nut roll? A flavorful coffee or a fruit tea pairs perfectly, but you can also opt for a sweet wine that will complement the flavors.

A Personal Note:

This recipe is more than just a nut roll; it is a journey back in time, reminding me of the moments spent with family. Each slice is a story, and its aroma brings back memories of warmth and love from childhood. I wish you to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, because, in the end, the love you put into cooking is what makes every meal special. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour 2 cups warm milk 3 large eggs 200 g sugar grated zest of one lemon grated zest of one orange 4 packets of vanilla sugar 1 pinch of salt 150 ml warm oil 4 teaspoons instant yeast raisins 2 cups ground walnuts 200 g ground poppy seeds 100 g soft butter 2 tablespoons cocoa 1/2 cup warm milk for poppy seed filling oil for greasing the walnut dough 1 beaten egg for brushing the loaves rum essence

 Tags:  sweet bread christmas recipes