Chocolate bread

Chocolate bread – a sweet delicacy that brings joy to every corner of the home. This recipe is not just a simple bread, but a story of traditions, beautiful moments, and tempting aromas. Whether you prepare it for the holidays or want to treat your family with a savory dessert, the chocolate bread will surely become a favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 slices

Ingredients:
- 700 g flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- 150 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 60 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons oil
- 200 ml milk (warm)
- Zest of one orange
- 50 ml orange juice
- Filling: 300 g Nutella (or another favorite chocolate spread)
- For brushing: 1 egg yolk, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, 2 tablespoons milk

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft and the milk is warm. The orange zest should be fresh, and the juice should be freshly squeezed to get the best flavors.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the salt, sugar, orange zest, and dry yeast. This is where the flavors begin to intensify.

3. Preparing the wet mixture: In the center of the flour mixture, make a well. Here, add the egg yolks and the lightly beaten whole egg. Now is the time to add the orange juice.

4. Adding the liquid ingredients: In another container, mix the warm milk with the soft butter and oil. This combination will add moisture and flavor to the dough. Gradually pour the milk mixture over the flour, stirring constantly.

5. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, adding a little extra oil if necessary to achieve a non-sticky and elastic consistency. A useful trick: the dough is ready when it easily pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels smooth and silky to the touch.

6. First rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while you wait.

7. Shaping the bread: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a clean surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangular sheet. Spread Nutella (or your chosen chocolate spread) at room temperature evenly over each sheet.

8. Rolling the dough: Roll each sheet as tightly as possible, forming two cylinders. This is the moment to carefully roll the dough without letting the air escape.

9. Braiding: Braid the two rolls of dough to form a beautiful braid and place it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.

10. Preparing for baking: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the milk and vanilla sugar. Brush the bread with this mixture to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

11. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread turns golden and holds its shape. Test if it is baked using a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the bread is ready!

12. Cooling: Once the bread is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It is important not to cut the bread before it cools completely to maintain its shape and moisture.

Serving suggestions:
The chocolate bread is delicious both on its own and alongside a cup of warm milk or a fragrant coffee. You can also try serving it with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, try adding nuts or roasted hazelnuts to the Nutella filling. You can also replace the chocolate spread with a combination of fruit jams and nuts for a fresher bread.

Nutritional benefits:
This bread provides a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats, thanks to the butter and oil content. Additionally, the orange zest adds a touch of antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquids, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
2. How do I keep the bread fresh? Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
3. Can it be frozen? Yes, the bread can be frozen without problems. Make sure it is well wrapped.

This chocolate bread recipe is not only simple but also full of memories and moments of joy. Each bite will take you back to family gatherings and traditional holidays. So, embrace the art of cooking and turn each step into a pleasant experience!