Nut and chocolate sweet bread

Nut Roll with Walnut and Chocolate: A Holiday Delight

The nut roll is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition that brings family and friends together around the table, especially during the holidays. Every bite is a reminder of the moments spent with loved ones, and the recipe I will share with you today is a special one, full of flavor and nostalgia. This fluffy nut roll, filled with walnuts and chocolate, is perfect for celebrating Christmas or any other occasion, turning every meal into an unforgettable experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 2 rolls

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour type 000
- 250 g yogurt (ideally at room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 135 g butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 200 g milk (warm, not hot)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 230 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 35 g fresh yeast
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Rum essence (1-2 tablespoons)

For the filling:
- 225 g ground walnuts
- 4 egg whites (from the eggs used for the dough)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- Rum essence (1 teaspoon)
- 200 g Finetti chocolate (or another preferred chocolate)
- 150 g finely chopped walnuts

For finishing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk

Preparing the Dough

1. We start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 50 ml of warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as it ensures that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise.

2. In a large bowl, sift the flour. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the activated yeast. Around the edge of the flour, add the remaining sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and rum essence. This mixture will add a pleasant aroma to our dough.

3. Add the eggs, yogurt, pinch of salt, warm milk, and melted butter. Begin kneading the dough with your hands until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your fingers. This process may take 8-10 minutes, but we don't rush. A well-kneaded dough will result in a fluffy and delicious nut roll.

4. Once we have kneaded the dough, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and a half, or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the Filling

5. Meanwhile, we take care of the filling. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy, then gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until we obtain a glossy meringue. It is important to ensure that the meringue is well beaten, as it will provide structure to the filling.

6. Add the ground walnuts and rum essence, gently folding with a spatula until combined. To this filling, we can also add finely chopped chocolate for extra flavor.

Assembling the Rolls

7. After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 6 equal parts (for 2 rolls, each having 3 parts).

8. Take two parts of the dough and roll them out into rectangular sheets, not too thick. On the first sheet, spread one-third of the walnut filling evenly. Roll the sheet tightly, along the longer side.

9. Do the same with the second piece of dough, but this time apply one-third of the chocolate cream. Twist the two rolls together and place them in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

10. Repeat this process with the other two rolls. Let the rolls sit in the tray in a warm place for 20-30 minutes to rise again.

11. Before placing them in the oven, brush the rolls with the egg yolk mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk for a golden and shiny crust.

Baking

12. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the trays in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at high heat. Then, reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and pass the toothpick test.

13. Once they are done, remove the rolls from the tray and let them cool on a wire rack. This step is important as it helps prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Practical Tips

- All ingredients should be at room temperature to achieve a uniform and fluffy dough.
- If you are not a fan of chocolate, you can replace the filling with raisins or dried fruits.
- The nut roll can be kept at room temperature for a few days but can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Nutritional Benefits

The walnut and chocolate roll is a good source of protein, thanks to the eggs and walnuts, and chocolate adds a touch of antioxidants. However, we must remember that it is a calorie-rich dessert, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, 35 g of fresh yeast can be replaced with approximately 11 g of dry yeast.

2. How do I keep the roll fresh for longer?
You can keep it in a plastic bag or an airtight container to maintain moisture and fluffiness.

3. What are the best drinks to serve with the roll?
Fruit tea or a sweet wine are excellent choices to complement the rich taste of the roll.

4. Can I make a gluten-free roll?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but it is advisable to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to give it structure.

The walnut and chocolate roll is a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring warmth and joy into your home. Experiment, add your own voice to the recipe, and don't forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones. Enjoy!