Sweet bread

Mother's Sweet Bread – A Traditional Easter Recipe

Sweet bread is a delicacy found in many cultures, but every family has its own special version, filled with memories and traditions. The sweet bread recipe I am going to share with you is a special one, inspired by recipes passed down through generations. This silky and fragrant sweet bread, filled with Turkish delight and cocoa, is perfect for the Easter table, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 2 sweet breads

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg all-purpose flour (ideal for sweet bread or bread)
- 500 ml milk
- 330 g sugar
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 100 ml oil
- 100 g butter (preferably fatty)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 200 g Turkish delight (preferably in different colors)
- 3 eggs (2 for the dough and 1 for brushing)
- 25 g cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt
- Poppy seeds and sesame seeds for decoration

Preparing the sweet bread:

1. The starter:
We begin by preparing the starter. In a pot, scald 250 ml of milk with a little flour (about 100 g). Mix well until you obtain a smooth mixture. Let it cool slightly, then add the yeast mixed with a teaspoon of sugar. This step is essential, as the activated yeast will help the dough rise beautifully.

2. Beating the eggs:
In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Using a mixer, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Add half of the sugar (about 165 g) and continue mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, incorporate the yolks, mixing well. Don’t forget to add the lemon zest for an extra flavor boost!

3. Mixing the ingredients:
Once the starter has risen, add it to the bowl with the beaten eggs. Add the remaining milk (250 ml), melted butter (but not hot), and oil. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, mixing with a spatula or by hand. Now it’s time to knead the dough! This is a satisfying activity. Knead the dough for about 50 minutes, until it no longer sticks to your hands.

4. Adding the oil:
Once the dough is well-kneaded, add the oil and knead again for another 10 minutes. Here’s a tip: if the dough sticks to your hands, add a little more flour, but be careful not to dry out the dough.

5. Cocoa filling:
Take a quarter of the dough (about 250 g) and mix it with cocoa powder and a little oil. This will be the base of our filling.

6. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size (about 1-1.5 hours).

7. Shaping the sweet breads:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two. Roll out a sheet of the white dough (without cocoa) and then add half of the cocoa dough on top. Cut this sheet into 6 pieces. Take 3 pieces from one side and 3 from the other, align them, and gently roll them together. Add pieces of Turkish delight inside the rolls.

8. Second rising:
Place the sweet breads in greased pans and let them rise again until they reach the top of the pans (about 30-40 minutes).

9. Brushing and decorating:
Brush them with beaten egg and sprinkle sugar, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds on top for a delicious and crunchy crust.

10. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) and bake the sweet breads for 50 minutes. Every oven is different, so it’s good to check the sweet breads in the last 10 minutes. If they brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

11. Cooling:
Once the sweet breads are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Nutritional benefits:
Sweet bread is a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. The yeast contains probiotics, which help with digestive health, and the Turkish delight adds a note of sweetness along with a portion of vitamins and minerals (though in moderation). Whole wheat flour can add fiber, so a healthier option would be to use part whole wheat flour.

Helpful tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients to better activate the yeast.
- If you want a less sweet sweet bread, reduce the amount of sugar in the dough.
- You can add nuts, raisins, or chocolate to the filling to explore different flavors.
- Sweet bread keeps well wrapped in aluminum foil or in a plastic bag and can be frozen for times when you're craving something sweet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How can I tell when the sweet bread is done?
- The sweet bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
- Yes, you can use dry yeast, but the amount will be about 7 g to replace 25 g of fresh yeast.

3. What drinks pair best with sweet bread?
- Sweet bread pairs perfectly with flavored tea or sweet wine, but also with a glass of cold milk.

Sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a memory, and a tradition that brings family together. There’s nothing more enjoyable than savoring a slice of freshly baked sweet bread with loved ones while sharing stories and laughter. I wish you happy cooking and delightful holidays!