Festive wreath

Festive Crown - A Holiday Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 8

If you're preparing for a special occasion or simply want to bring a touch of joy to your everyday life, the festive crown is the perfect choice. This simple and quick recipe will delight your guests with its delicious flavors and unique appearance. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 500g all-purpose flour (type 000)
- 100g butter at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 250g natural yogurt (preferably Greek for a creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 7g dry yeast or 25g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to activate the yeast)
- 1 egg for brushing (for a shiny finish)

Dough preparation:
1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl to aerate it and remove lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy crown.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour. Here, add the softened butter, eggs, salt, and yogurt. If using dry yeast, sprinkle it over the flour. If you prefer fresh yeast, dissolve it in a little warm water with the sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
3. Knead the dough with your hands or with a dough hook mixer for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Shaping the crown:
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for obtaining an airy crown.
5. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 3-4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a long cylinder, then braid them together to form a crown. Make sure the ends overlap so they don’t unravel during baking.
6. Place the crown on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Baking:
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan) or 200°C (without fan). Before placing the crown in the oven, brush it with beaten egg for a golden and appetizing finish.
8. Bake the crown for 30-35 minutes or until golden, and when you tap the bottom lightly, it sounds hollow.

Serving:
Once the festive crown is ready, let it cool on a rack. You can serve it warm, alongside fresh butter or flavored jams. It’s perfect for a festive breakfast or as an appetizer at a holiday meal.

Possible variations:
- You can add dried herbs to the dough, such as rosemary or oregano, for an extra flavor boost.
- If you want a sweet version, add a few tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon to the dough and fill the crown with caramelized apples or nuts and honey.

This quick and delicious dessert will surely become a favorite in your home. Don't forget to share the joy with your loved ones!