Christmas Star

Christmas Star Recipe - a quick and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 10

I present you a Christmas Star recipe, a simple and spectacular dessert, perfect for the holidays. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a true gem on the Christmas table. I will explain step by step how to prepare it, as well as some suggestions for personalizing it.

Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
- 500 g flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 200 ml warm milk
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)
- 200 g dried or candied fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the fresh yeast with 100 ml of warm milk and one tablespoon of sugar from the total amount. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough texture.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar until you obtain a homogeneous mixture, with a deep yellow color. Add the melted butter, vanilla essence (if using), and mix well. Then, add the flour and salt, mixing gently. Incorporate the activated yeast and the remaining milk gradually, mixing until you obtain a soft dough.

Step 3: Kneading
For a perfect texture, I recommend using a food processor, but you can also knead by hand. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Add the dried or candied fruits in the last minutes of kneading to distribute them evenly in the dough.

Step 4: Proofing
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 30-40 minutes until the dough doubles in volume. This step is important to ensure a fluffy cake.

Step 5: Shaping the star
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part into a round sheet about 1 cm thick. Use a knife or a pastry cutter to cut circles, being careful not to detach them completely from the center. Then, cover with the second sheet of dough and repeat the cutting process. This technique will create the star effect.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the cake to a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let it proof for another 15 minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden and can be checked with a toothpick.

Step 7: Serving
Once the cake has cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a festive look. You can serve the Christmas Star with a warm chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Variation suggestions:
- Replace dried fruits with chopped nuts or chocolate.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an even more aromatic flavor.

This Christmas Star is a quick and easy dessert to impress family and friends during the holidays. Enjoy every step of cooking and the moments spent with your loved ones!