Dessert - Cozonut with poppy seed cream and fruit by Codruta O. - Recipia
Sweet bread with poppy seed cream and fruits – a recipe that combines tradition with flavor, bringing a decadent dessert to your table, perfect for special moments! In a world full of quick and easy desserts, this sweet bread stands out for its complexity and the rich flavors provided by the poppy seed cream and juicy fruits. Let's discover together how to prepare this delight step by step.

Preparation time:
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour (or more, depending on the ambient temperature)
- Baking time: 45-50 minutes
- Total: Approximately 2 hours
- Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 500 ml sweet milk
- 5-6 eggs (3 whole + 2-3 yolks)
- 300 g sugar
- 150 ml oil (combined with melted butter)
- Zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
- 25 g fresh yeast
- A little rum (3-4 drops)

For the filling:
- 100 g poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 100 ml milk
- A cube of butter
- Sugar (to taste)
- Remaining egg whites from the dough
- Fruits: sour cherries, apricots (from a jar or freezer)
- Optional: raisins, Turkish delight, almonds

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the milk
Start by bringing the sweet milk to a boil. Add 100 g of sugar and mix well. Once the milk has boiled, pour it hot over the flour in a large bowl, mixing in the center to avoid lumps. Mix well until the composition cools slightly.

Step 2: Preparing the yeast
In a separate bowl, dissolve the cube of yeast with a tablespoon of sugar and a tablespoon of flour, adding a few tablespoons of warm milk. Let it rise for 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 3: Preparing the eggs
In another bowl, whisk the yolks with the remaining sugar until fluffy. Separately, beat the egg whites until you get a firm foam.

Step 4: Mixing the ingredients
Add the yeast and the yolk mixture to the bowl with flour and milk. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the oil (lightly heated) combined with the melted butter. Knead well for about 30-40 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If you can't knead that long, don't worry! 20 minutes are enough to achieve a good result.

Step 5: Flavoring the dough
At the end of kneading, add a few drops of rum and the lemon zest. Continue kneading a little to incorporate the flavors.

Step 6: First rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Step 7: Preparing the poppy filling
It is recommended to prepare the poppy filling a day in advance. Soak the poppy seeds in milk and sugar, then simmer them on low heat until thickened. After cooling, mix with the beaten egg whites and cocoa. If you want, you can add raisins, Turkish delight, or almonds for extra texture and flavor.

Step 8: Shaping the sweet bread
After the dough has risen, divide it into 2-3 pieces, depending on how large you want the sweet breads to be. Roll out each piece on a work surface, add the poppy filling in the center, and place the fruits on the edges. Carefully twist the dough, forming a roll, and place it in the prepared baking tray (greased with oil and sprinkled with breadcrumbs or flour).

Step 9: Second rise
Let the sweet breads rise again in the trays, covered, for about 30 minutes or until they double in volume.

Step 10: Baking
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Bake the sweet breads for 45-50 minutes, starting at low heat, then increase the temperature to moderate. Avoid brushing them with egg yolk before baking, as this could make the crust too hard. Once the sweet breads are golden, take them out of the oven.

Step 11: Glazing
After removing them from the oven, brush them with a mixture of honey dissolved in warm milk. This step will add a shiny layer and a sweet flavor, making them irresistible.

Useful tips:
- Flour: Choose a quality flour, ideal for sweet breads, with a high gluten content.
- Yeast: Ensure that the yeast is fresh for a fluffy dough. You can test with warm water and sugar; if the yeast foams, it is ready to use.
- Rum: The flavors of rum are optional but add a wonderful taste and a festive air. You can experiment with various essences or vanilla extracts.

Variations:
To customize the sweet bread, you can replace the poppy filling with ground nuts, chocolate, or even fruit jams. Each variation will bring a unique note to your dessert!

Nutritional benefits:
The sweet bread provides a significant amount of carbohydrates, protein from eggs, and healthy fats from oil and butter. Poppy seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, calcium, and antioxidants, thus contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use about 7 g of dry yeast, but it is recommended to activate it beforehand in warm milk.

2. How can I keep the sweet bread fresh for longer?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, or you can freeze it to enjoy later.

3. What drinks pair best with sweet bread with poppy seed cream and fruits?
A flavored coffee, a fruit tea, or a sweet wine can perfectly complement this delicious dessert.

The sweet bread with poppy seed cream and fruits is more than just a simple dessert; it is an experience that brings back memories of beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Don't hesitate to try this recipe and contribute to the culinary tradition, turning every meal into a celebration moment!
Dessert - Cozonut with poppy seed cream and fruit by Codruta O. - Recipia

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