Orange-flavored sweet bread

Orange-flavored Sweet Bread - A traditional, heartfelt recipe

Sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a symbol of tradition and the joy of being together. Whether served at celebrations or at a family meal, sweet bread brings with it a sense of nostalgia and warmth. In this recipe, we will explore how to prepare a delicious orange-flavored sweet bread, enriched with cocoa and Turkish delight fillings.

Total preparation time: 3 hours (including rising time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 1200 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 5 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- One packet of dry yeast
- 700 ml milk
- 100 ml oil
- One egg yolk for brushing
- Zest of one orange
- Cocoa and Turkish delight for filling (to taste)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the yeast starter
We start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix 3-4 tablespoons of warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and the dry yeast. Add 3-4 tablespoons of flour and mix well. Let the starter rise for 20-30 minutes until it becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy dough.

Step 2: Sifting the flour
In a large bowl, sift the flour twice. This will help aerate the flour and make the dough lighter. Do not add all the flour at once; instead, add half, and then gradually add the rest. This will help us adjust the consistency of the dough.

Step 3: Preparing the wet ingredients
Gently heat the milk and dissolve the sugar in it. Whip the egg whites until foamy, and beat the yolks with a little sugar to make them creamier. Now, let’s take care of the orange. Wash the orange well, dry it, and grate it to obtain the aromatic zest that we will add to the milk. Perhaps grandma only used lemon, but this addition of orange will bring extra freshness and an enticing fragrance.

Step 4: Mixing the ingredients
Make a well in the center of the flour and add the risen starter, the yolks, and the warm milk gradually, mixing gently after each addition. Continue mixing well with the flour, then add the whipped egg whites, kneading by hand.

Step 5: Adding the oil
Gradually add the oil, kneading as much as possible. It is important to knead the dough well, as this will develop the gluten and make the sweet bread fluffier. Personally, I couldn’t knead for more than 15 minutes, but that was sufficient.

Step 6: Rising the dough
Once we have kneaded well, cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume. This step takes about an hour.

Step 7: Preparing the filling
In the meantime, cut the Turkish delight into small cubes. In a bowl, mix 5-6 tablespoons of cocoa with 7-8 tablespoons of sugar. This filling will add a note of intensity and sweetness to our sweet bread.

Step 8: Shaping the sweet breads
After the dough has risen, divide it into four equal parts. On each piece of rolled-out dough, sprinkle Turkish delight or the cocoa-sugar mixture, then roll it up and braid two rolls together to form two sweet breads. A variation I love is to make one sweet bread from two cocoa rolls and one from one cocoa roll and one with Turkish delight.

Step 9: Second rising
Place the sweet breads in baking trays lined with parchment paper (grandma used to brush them with oil and dust them with flour) and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 10: Preparing for baking
Brush the sweet breads with an egg yolk mixed with a few tablespoons of milk, then sprinkle them with sugar to achieve a beautiful, glossy crust.

Step 11: Baking
Place the sweet breads in a preheated oven at 180°C (high heat) for the first 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 160°C (medium heat) for the remaining time. Baking takes between 50-60 minutes, but it is important to check if they are well-baked by using a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the sweet breads are ready.

Step 12: Cooling
After the sweet breads are baked, let them cool in the trays for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving:
The orange-flavored sweet bread is delicious both plain and alongside a cup of warm milk or fragrant tea. A savory alternative is to serve it with a spoonful of jam or a scoop of ice cream.

Nutritional benefits:
Sweet bread is a source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Whole flour, if used, will add fiber and additional nutrients. The oil adds essential fatty acids, and the eggs contribute quality protein.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole flour instead of white flour?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the liquid amount as whole flour absorbs more.

2. What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with nuts, raisins, fruit jams, or chocolate.

3. How can I keep the sweet bread fresh for longer?
Wrap it in cling film and store it in an airtight container.

The orange-flavored sweet bread is not just a recipe, but a tradition that brings smiles and beautiful memories. Feel free to experiment and add your personal touch to this recipe. Enjoy!