Cakes with meringue, cocoa, and walnuts

Cozonaci with Meringue, Cocoa, and Nuts – A Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 2 small cozonaci

Cozonaci are a symbol of culinary traditions, often associated with holidays and moments of joy. This cozonaci recipe with meringue, cocoa, and nuts combines the fine flavors of citrus with the sweetness of meringue, creating a delicacy that will delight any table.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 eggs and 2 egg yolks
- Flour, as needed (approximately 1 kg)
- 200 ml warm milk
- 200 ml warm water
- A pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- Oil for kneading

For the filling:
- 3 egg whites
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 5 tablespoons of ground nuts
- Lemon and orange zest (to taste)
- Raisins (optional, for added sweetness)
- Rose-flavored Turkish delight (or any preferred flavor for a touch of originality)

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk

Preparing the cozonaci:

Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by placing the yeast in a small bowl. Break it into pieces, add a teaspoon of sugar (which will activate the yeast), a little warm milk, and a tablespoon of flour. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. Let it rise for about 15 minutes in a warm place until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until frothy. Add the remaining milk, a little flour (in a rain), salt, and the activated yeast. Continue to add flour gradually, mixing until you obtain a fluffy and consistent dough. If necessary, grease your hands with oil to knead more easily. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, then cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Whip the egg whites until stiff, then add the sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing continuously until you obtain a firm meringue. Carefully fold in the cocoa and roasted, ground nuts. If desired, you can add citrus zest and raisins to this mixture.

Step 4: Shaping the cozonaci
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a lightly oiled work surface, roll out each piece of dough. Add the filling to each sheet, making sure to distribute it evenly. You can also add spices of your choice, such as citrus zest or pieces of Turkish delight. Roll each sheet of dough like a roulade, and if desired, you can braid the two pieces of dough for a more sophisticated look.

Step 5: Second rising and baking
Place the cozonaci in prepared baking trays lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes. Before placing them in the oven, brush them with a beaten egg yolk for a golden and appetizing crust. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (low heat) and bake the cozonaci for about 50 minutes, or until they are evenly browned.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
After baking, remove the cozonaci from the oven and cover them with a kitchen towel to keep them moist and fluffy. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.

Serving suggestion:
Serve the cozonaci with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. You can also add a bit of butter or jam for extra flavor.

Useful tips and tricks:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and milk, to achieve an even dough.
- You can experiment with different fillings by adding chocolate, dried fruits, or even poppy seeds.
- If you prefer a moister cozonac, you can add a little oil to the dough.

Nutritional benefits:
Cozonaci with meringue, cocoa, and nuts provide protein from the eggs and egg whites, carbohydrates from the sugar and flour, as well as healthy fats from the nuts. Additionally, citrus zest offers antioxidants that are beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount. Usually, 10 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast.

2. How can I keep the cozonaci fresh for a longer time?
You can keep them in a plastic bag or an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the cozonaci to preserve them for longer.

3. What drinks pair well with cozonaci?
Cozonaci pair wonderfully with sweet wine, fruit tea, or aromatic coffee.

This cozonaci recipe with meringue, cocoa, and nuts is not just a way to bring a touch of tradition into the kitchen, but also an opportunity to create unforgettable moments with loved ones. Enjoy!