This recipe offers a sumptuous journey into the world of traditional sweet breads, combining a rich dough with a delectable filling of cocoa, nuts, and a hint of citrus. The resulting pastry is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal treat for any special occasion or as a delightful snack.
Why You'll Love It:
- Rich and Complex Flavors: The combination of cocoa, nuts, and citrus zest creates a deliciously complex taste.
- Satisfying Texture: The soft bread with its crunchy nut filling provides a wonderful contrast in textures.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, as a dessert, or as a snack at any time of the day.
- Ingredients:
- Flour: 1 kg
- Eggs: 5 (yolks for dough, whites for filling)
- Sugar: 250 grams
- Milk: 250 ml
- Warm Oil: 100 ml
- Fresh Brewer's Yeast: 30 grams
- Lemon and Orange Zest, Vanilla, Rum
- A pinch of Salt
- For the Filling:
- Egg Whites: 4
- Cocoa Powder: 4 tablespoons
- Sugar: 5 tablespoons
- Chopped Walnuts, Crushed Hazelnuts, and Pistachios: to taste
- Dough Preparation:
- Mix the crumbled yeast with 2 tablespoons of sugar, a bit of warm milk, and some flour. Let it rest in a warm place until it expands.
- In another container, mix five egg yolks with salt, sugar, essences, and citrus zest. Then, incorporate the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add tepid milk to the mixture, ensuring the dough remains firm. Knead for about 30 minutes, folding and turning the dough until air bubbles appear. Let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours.
- Preparing the Filling:
- Beat the egg whites and mix them with cocoa, sugar, and the nuts to form a thick paste.
- Shaping the Bread:
- Roll out the risen dough and spread the filling over it. Roll or braid the dough as per your preference.
- Place the shaped bread in pans, ensuring they occupy only half of the pan space to allow for rising.
- Before baking, brush the tops with a mix of beaten egg yolk, a little milk, and a sprinkle of sugar.
- Baking:
- Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 50 minutes.
Enjoy this traditional sweet bread, a treat that's as delightful to the senses as it is satisfying to the soul. ☀️