Rose brioche

Rose bread: a delicacy for the soul and the table

Rose bread is a symbol of culinary traditions, a dessert that brings joy and warmth to any home. The rich flavors of walnuts and chocolate intertwine with the aroma of vanilla and orange, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Regardless of the occasion, this bread is perfect for celebrating special moments with loved ones. Let’s start preparing it together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 550-600 g flour (choose type 650 for a fluffy bread)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs (preferably at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 225 ml milk (slightly warmed, but not hot)
- 80 ml oil (a neutral or sunflower oil is ideal)
- 25 g fresh yeast (make sure it is fresh for optimal rising)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Grated zest of one orange (for a fresh taste)
- Vanilla essence (3 tablespoons)

For the filling:
- 200 g walnuts (finely ground, but not to a paste)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (choose a good quality cocoa)
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons rum essence (for added flavor)

For brushing the bread:
- One egg yolk (for a shiny appearance)
- 2 tablespoons of milk

Preparing the rose bread:

1. Activating the yeast: In a glass, mix the fresh yeast with a teaspoon of sugar. Add two tablespoons of warm milk and half a teaspoon of flour. Let the mixture sit in a warm place for about 10-15 minutes until the yeast activates and forms a foam.

2. Heating the milk: On a low heat, place the remaining milk and sugar in a pot. Stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour twice to aerate it. Add the salt and create a well in the middle of the flour. Pour the activated yeast, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla essence into this well. Start incorporating the flour, gradually adding the warm milk.

4. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for 15-30 minutes. Gradually add the oil, a little at a time, when the dough begins to stick to your hands. The dough should be smooth and elastic.

5. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts, cocoa, sugar, and rum essence. You can also add a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor.

7. Shaping the bread: Once the dough has risen, grease the countertop with oil and roll out a sheet about 1 cm thick. An ideal size would be 70 cm long and 50 cm wide. Evenly sprinkle the filling mixture over the dough and roll it tightly.

8. Cutting and shaping the roses: Using a thicker thread, cut the roll into pieces of 2-2.5 cm. Insert the thread under the roll and pull it in an X shape to cut the dough.

9. Preparing the baking pan: Line a 26 cm baking pan with damp and well-wrung parchment paper, and grease the edges with butter to prevent sticking.

10. Arranging in the pan: Place the pieces of dough in the pan, leaving a little space between them. Let the bread rise again for another hour.

11. Preparing for baking: Mix the egg yolk with the two tablespoons of milk and brush the bread with this mixture. Preheat the oven to 170°C.

12. Baking: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. If the bread becomes too golden on top, cover it with parchment paper after 30 minutes.

13. Cooling and serving: Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Practical tips:
- For a more aromatic bread, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the filling.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform dough.
- If you want a sweeter bread, adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to taste.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each serving of rose bread contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the serving size and ingredients used. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, while cocoa provides valuable antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount (about 8 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast).

- What can I do if I don't have rum essence?
You can use vanilla essence or even a bit of almond extract for a different flavor.

- How can I store the bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. It can be frozen for longer storage.

Rose bread is more than just a dessert; it is a cooking experience that brings family and friends together. Enjoy and happy cooking!