Grandma's sweet bread

Grandma's Sweet Bread - A Recipe Full of Memories

Grandma's sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it's a journey through time, a sweet and fragrant memory of holidays spent with loved ones. This recipe, passed down from generation to generation, blends tradition with innovation, giving you the chance to recreate the magic of the perfect, fluffy sweet bread filled with enticing aromas. Whether it's Christmas, Easter, or simply a Sunday spent with family, grandma's sweet bread will bring smiles to the faces of those you cherish.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 2 large loaves

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1500 g high-quality flour (type 000)
- 6 large eggs (preferably organic)
- 2 packets of dry yeast (or 50 g fresh yeast)
- 500 g sugar (for a sweet yet balanced flavor)
- 500 ml milk (warm, but not hot)
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Flavorings (rum, vanilla, lemon) – to taste

For the filling:
- 200 g Turkish delight (cut into cubes)
- 150 g walnuts (chopped)
- 150 g raisins (soaked in rum for extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (for a delicious chocolate dough)

Preparation Technique

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Dissolving the yeast: In a small cup, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Wait a few minutes until a foam forms on the surface – this indicates that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the dissolved yeast. Continue by incorporating the sugar, vanilla sugar, and flavorings as desired.

3. Adding the milk: Incorporate the warm milk into the egg and yeast mixture, stirring well to combine all the wet ingredients.

4. Incorporating the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands. As the dough becomes denser, switch to kneading.

5. Kneading the dough: When the dough becomes elastic and non-sticky, transfer it to an oiled surface. Gradually add the oil, kneading vigorously, just like our grandmothers did. If in doubt, don't hesitate to slap the dough on the surface to give it an airy texture.

Step 2: First Rising

6. Letting it rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it triples in volume.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling

7. The filling: In the meantime, prepare the filling by mixing the chopped walnuts, Turkish delight, and raisins. If you prefer, you can add chocolate or other ingredients you like.

Step 4: Shaping the Loaves

8. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into four equal portions. From two of them, form plain dough, while from the other two, add a tablespoon of cocoa to each and knead well.

9. Rolling out the dough: On an oiled surface, roll out a portion of plain dough, then add a portion of cocoa dough on top. Spread the filling evenly over the entire surface.

10. Rolling and braiding: Roll each piece of dough into a cylinder. Braid the two dough shapes together to create a beautifully twisted loaf.

Step 5: Second Rising

11. Placing in pans: Place the loaves in oiled and floured baking pans (or lined with parchment paper) and let them rise again, covered, until they double in volume (about 30-40 minutes).

Step 6: Baking

12. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the loaves for about 50 minutes. After 30 minutes, you can cover the loaves with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent burning.

13. Glazing: Once baked, let them cool for 5 minutes, then brush them with beaten egg white and sprinkle sugar on top for a shiny and appetizing appearance.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

14. Cooling: Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack. If you want to keep them fresh longer, wrap them well in plastic wrap.

Practical Tips

- Quality ingredients: Choose the best quality ingredients, especially flour and eggs. This will influence the final texture and flavor of the sweet bread.
- Experiment with the filling: Don’t limit yourself to Turkish delight and walnuts; you can add chocolate, dried fruits, or even flavored jams to customize the sweet bread to your taste.
- Healthy substitutes: If you want a healthier version, you can use natural sweeteners or whole wheat flour, although the texture will be different.

Nutritional Benefits

Grandma's sweet bread is not only delicious but also a source of carbohydrates and protein from the eggs. Walnuts and raisins provide healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. It's important to consume it in moderation, considering its caloric content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh yeast?
Yes, if you use fresh yeast, add about 50 g. Make sure to dissolve it well before incorporating it into the dough.

2. How can I check if the dough has risen enough?
The dough should triple in volume. You can do a simple test: gently press your finger into the dough; if it retains its shape, it's ready.

3. How do I keep the sweet bread fresh?
Wrap it well in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for later consumption.

Serving Suggestions

Grandma's sweet bread is perfect served plain, but you can pair it with a cup of aromatic coffee or hot tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce will add an extra layer of flavor.

Grandma's sweet bread is more than just a recipe; it's a way to bring the family together around the table. Each slice hides a story, and every bite will take you back to childhood. So, don’t hesitate any longer and bring this wonderful tradition to life by preparing this delightful dessert! Enjoy!