Little heart with orange peel

The heart-shaped orange peel dessert is a sweet treat that blends tradition with the fresh flavors of citrus, bringing smiles to the faces of loved ones. This delicious recipe is not only easy to make but also provides a pleasant cooking experience, making it perfect for moments when you want to add a touch of magic to your kitchen. Before we begin, let’s dive into the story of this dessert and the details that make it so special.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 60 g butter or Unirea margarine (for the starter)
- 125 g + 450 g white flour
- 100 g + 150 g sugar
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 150 ml warm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- Zest from one candied orange
- The syrup in which the orange peel was boiled
- A pinch of salt

Ingredient tips:

- Fresh yeast: Make sure it is fresh to achieve a fluffy dough. If you prefer, you can use dry yeast, but you will need about 10 g.
- Butter: Use quality butter, as this ingredient is essential for flavor. Margarine can be an alternative, but the taste will be different.
- Orange zest: Choose organic oranges to avoid pesticides and chemicals. Candied peel can be purchased or made at home.

Preparing the Heart-shaped Orange Peel Dessert:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 25 g of fresh yeast in 150 ml of warm milk along with a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. This is the sign that the yeast has been activated.

2. Preparing the starter: Add 125 g of flour to the bowl with the activated yeast and mix well. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes until it becomes fluffy and puffs up.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In another large bowl, combine the remaining flour (450 g), the two eggs, 60 g of melted butter, 100 g of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the risen starter and mix until you obtain a smooth dough.

4. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

5. Rising the dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, cream the remaining 125 g of butter with 150 g of sugar until you obtain a smooth cream. This will be the delicious filling for our rolls.

7. Shaping the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two. Take one half and roll it out into a long strip 10-15 cm wide and 60-70 cm long.

8. Adding the filling: Spread half of the butter and sugar cream on the dough strip, then sprinkle the finely chopped candied orange zest. Roll the dough tightly and cut it into pieces about 5 cm long.

9. Assembling the bread: In a greased and floured baking dish, place a ball of dough filled with orange zest in the center. Around it, arrange the pieces of roll with the cut side down. Repeat the process until the entire dish is filled.

10. Final rising: Let the bread rise again for 30 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the syrup.

11. Preparing the syrup: In a saucepan, combine 90 g of water, 90 g of sugar, and 45 g of honey. Boil the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved, then let it cool slightly. Add flour until you obtain a dough that is easy to spread, which you will use for decoration.

12. Forming the roses: From the obtained dough, shape three roses that you will place on top of the bread.

13. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Using the syrup, brush the top of the bread. Add the shaped roses and bake for 40 minutes, or until it turns golden and baked.

14. Finishing: Once the bread is ready, brush it with orange syrup for an extra shine and flavor. Let it cool before slicing.

Serving suggestions:

The heart-shaped orange peel dessert is perfect served warm alongside a cup of aromatic tea or a strong espresso. This combination will highlight the citrus flavors of the dessert. Additionally, a teaspoon of orange or berry jam can be a delicious accompaniment.

Nutritional information:

Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size. It is a relatively carbohydrate-rich dessert but also provides a good source of energy due to the sugar and healthy fats from the butter.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour? You can substitute part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a richer taste, but the texture will be different.
- How can I store the bread? It keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It can be frozen for a longer period.
- Are there vegan versions of the recipe? Yes, you can use vegan butter and almond or soy milk, and the eggs can be replaced with flaxseed meal or banana mixtures.

This heart-shaped orange peel dessert recipe is a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy into everyday life, perfect for holidays or celebrating special moments. Cooking is an art, and this dessert will turn every meal into a celebration of flavors and aromas. Don't forget to share the recipe and adapt it to your preferences! Enjoy!