Sweet bread with three fillings

Three-Filling Sweet Bread - a traditional delight for holidays. This recipe, although it may seem complicated, is accessible to anyone who wishes to bring a touch of magic to their kitchen, and its inviting aroma will transform any meal into a festive feast. The three-filling sweet bread is perfect to be enjoyed with loved ones, and each slice promises an explosion of flavors and textures.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour (approximately)
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 2 hours (approx.)
Number of servings: 12-15 slices

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 1 kg all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 200 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 cup (250 ml) sugar
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 1 cup (250 ml) warm milk
- Flavorings (vanilla essence, rum, or lemon zest)
- 1 teaspoon salt

*For filling 1:*
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 100 ml milk
- Flavorings (vanilla essence or rum)

*For filling 2:*
- 300 g ground poppy seeds
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 100 ml milk
- Vanilla (or other preferred flavor)

*For filling 3:*
- 300 g fresh cottage cheese (well-drained)
- 100 g raisins
- 2 small eggs
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- Grated lemon zest

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a small bowl, soak the fresh yeast in 100 ml of warm milk, adding a teaspoon of sugar. Let the yeast rise for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, sugar, and flavorings until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy.
- Add the sifted flour and the risen yeast, gently mixing with a spatula. Gradually add the remaining milk, stirring continuously until you obtain a smooth dough.

2. Kneading the dough:
- Gradually add the melted butter, kneading the dough vigorously for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. It is important to be patient in this step, as proper kneading gives the sweet bread airiness and texture.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, protected from drafts, for about an hour or until it doubles in volume.

3. Preparing the fillings:
- *Filling 1:* In a saucepan, combine the ground walnuts, sugar, and 100 ml of milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes a slightly thick paste. Add the flavorings at the end.
- *Filling 2:* Follow the same procedure as for the first filling, using poppy seeds instead of walnuts. Add the sugar and milk, stirring over low heat until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
- *Filling 3:* In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. Add the raisins and mix well until you obtain a smooth paste.

4. Shaping the sweet bread:
- After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Divide it into 3 or 4 equal pieces.
- Take each piece and flatten it in your palm, adding a spoonful of each filling. Fold the dough around the filling, forming a ball.
- Place these balls in a buttered round mold, alternating the fillings for an attractive appearance. Let them rise again for 30 minutes.

5. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the sweet bread has risen, brush it with a beaten egg and sprinkle flax or sesame seeds on top.
- Bake the sweet bread for 45-50 minutes, or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. Let it cool in the mold for a few minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions:
The sweet bread is served warm or at room temperature, plain or with a drizzle of honey. It is perfect alongside a cup of warm milk or flavored tea, making it ideal for breakfast or dessert.

Tips and useful advice:
- Use the best quality ingredients, especially butter and eggs, to achieve a rich and flavorful sweet bread.
- If you don't have poppy seeds, you can substitute them with ground almonds or hazelnuts.
- Experiment with fillings by adding chocolate, candied fruits, or even jam to customize the recipe to your taste.

Nutritional information:
The three-filling sweet bread can contain approximately 350-400 calories per slice, depending on the fillings and ingredients used. It provides carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the eggs and cheese, as well as healthy fats from the butter and nuts.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, making sure to follow the proportions indicated on the package.
- What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise enough?
Ensure that the yeast is active and that the dough has been left in a warm place. If it is too cold, the dough will not rise correctly.

The three-filling sweet bread is not just a recipe, but a tradition that brings joy and warmth to the heart of any home. Enjoy it with loved ones and turn every moment into a celebration!