Sweet bread

Nut Roll with Walnut and Cocoa – A Delicacy for Unforgettable Moments

The nut roll is a traditional recipe cherished by many generations, often associated with holidays and family gatherings. Like a sweet gift, this dessert combines the flavors of walnut, cocoa, and citrus, making it not only a pleasure for the taste buds but also an unforgettable experience for those who prepare it. Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or give it as a gift, the nut roll is more than just a dessert - it is a piece of our soul.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 slices

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 2 kg of wheat flour (choose a quality flour, type 650, for a fluffy dough)
- 4 cubes of fresh yeast (or 2 packets of dry yeast)
- 9 eggs (it is recommended to use farm eggs for a richer taste)
- 2 cups of sugar (you can adjust the amount if you prefer a less sweet nut roll)
- 250 g of oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also use melted butter for a finer taste)
- 1 liter of milk (the milk should be warm, not hot)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 400 g of ground walnuts (freshly ground walnuts provide a more intense flavor)
- 200 g of sugar
- 50 g of cocoa (choose high-quality cocoa for a rich aroma)
- Grated zest of 1 orange or 1 lemon (for an extra flavor)
- Orange or lemon extract (optional, but recommended to enhance the flavor)

Preparation Instructions:

1. Sifting the flour:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential as it helps aerate the flour and prevents lumps from forming.

2. Preparing the yeast:
In the center of the flour, make a well and add the yeast mixed with a pinch of salt, a little warm milk, and a teaspoon of sugar. Cover the yeast with a little flour and let it rise for 5-10 minutes. This process helps the yeast to activate and develop its aroma.

3. Separating the eggs:
In the meantime, separate the egg whites from the yolks. The egg whites will be used for the filling, so make sure they do not mix with the yolks.

4. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until you obtain a firm foam. Gradually add the ground walnuts, sugar, cocoa, and the grated zest of orange or lemon. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. This aromatic filling is the secret to a delicious nut roll.

5. Forming the dough:
After the yeast has risen, add the yolks, the remaining sugar, and the warm milk to the bowl with flour. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the warm oil. Knead for about 30 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If you want to give it an even richer taste, you can add a little butter or margarine and orange zest.

6. Letting it rise:
After kneading the dough well, let it rise in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, for 30-45 minutes until it doubles in volume.

7. Filling and shaping the nut rolls:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 2-4 portions, depending on the desired size for the nut rolls. Roll each portion of dough into a rectangular sheet, add the walnut filling, and carefully roll it up. Place the nut rolls in greased trays and let them rise for another 15 minutes.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the nut rolls for 40-50 minutes until golden brown and well-baked. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the nut rolls are ready.

9. Cooling and serving:
After removing them from the oven, let them cool in the trays for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Serve them sliced, alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature; this will help with better fermentation of the dough.
- If you want a fluffier nut roll, you can add 50 g of melted butter to the dough mixture.
- You can experiment with fillings by adding raisins or chopped chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast; in this case, use about 7 g of dry yeast.

2. How can I tell if the dough is well-kneaded?
The dough is ready when it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. You can do the "windowpane test": stretch a piece of dough between your fingers; if it stretches without tearing, it is well-kneaded.

3. What other fillings can I use?
Instead of walnuts, you can use poppy seeds, chocolate, or a combination of dried fruits.

4. How can I keep the nut roll fresh?
Keep the nut roll in a paper bag or an airtight container. You can freeze the sliced nut roll, and when you want to serve it, you can thaw it at room temperature.

Nutritional Benefits:
The nut roll is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats from walnuts. The intake of vitamins and minerals from eggs and milk contributes to a balanced diet, making it an excellent choice for special occasions.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all you have to do is get to work! Prepare this nut roll with great care and enjoy every slice with your loved ones. It can surely become your cherished recipe, passed down from generation to generation. Enjoy your meal!