Holiday Sweet Bread

Holiday Sweet Bread – A Traditional Delicacy

The sweet bread is undoubtedly a star of the holidays, bringing an authentic taste and unforgettable aroma to the Christmas or Easter table. This holiday sweet bread recipe is simple and full of flavor, ideal for cooking enthusiasts who want to impress family and friends. The total preparation time is about 3 hours, and this recipe will yield 2 delicious sweet breads.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg flour type 650 (for a fluffy dough)
- 250 ml warm milk
- 100 g butter (softened)
- 200 g sugar
- 4 eggs (3 whole + 1 for brushing)
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla essence)
- A pinch of salt
- 200 g ground walnuts (or hazelnuts, for a crunchier option)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for added flavor)
- 100 g raisins (optional, for a sweet-sour taste)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk, adding a tablespoon of sugar and a tablespoon of flour. Mix well and let the starter rise for 15-20 minutes in a warm place until it becomes frothy.

2. The dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Make a well in the center and add the eggs, softened butter, and the risen starter. Start kneading, gradually adding the rest of the milk. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. First rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. The filling: Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing the ground walnuts with the vanilla sugar and raisins (if using). You can also add a tablespoon of cocoa for a more complex flavor.

5. Shaping the sweet breads: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll each piece of dough into a rectangle, then evenly spread the filling over the entire surface. Roll the dough tightly into a log.

6. Second rising: Place the sweet breads in greased and floured baking pans. Cover them again and let them rise for 30 minutes.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the sweet breads with beaten egg and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown, and when you tap the bottom lightly, it sounds hollow.

8. Cooling: Let the sweet breads cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even dough.
- You can experiment with different fillings: cocoa, chocolate, or even fruit jams.
- Serve the sweet bread with a cup of warm milk or fruit tea for an unforgettable experience.

The holiday sweet bread is not just a quick dessert, but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories around the table. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor the magic of the holidays!

 Ingredients: DOUGH: 25 g fresh yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 4 tablespoons warm water 1 tablespoon flour DOUGH: approximately one glass of warm water (a 200ml glass) 100 g sugar 500 g flour (at room temperature) 2 eggs + 1 yolk (at room temperature) 150 g melted and warm butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 packet vanilla sugar grated zest of one lemon 3 tablespoons oil (not olive) CREAM: 200 g soft butter 75 g cocoa 300 g sugar 3 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon sifted flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon (if you like) 1 teaspoon instant coffee vanilla essence