Sweet bread with Turkish delight and Finetti

Cozonac with rahat and Finetti – A delicacy that blends tradition with modern sweetness

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 10-12

Cozonac is a traditional sweet bread that often reminds us of holidays and family gatherings. This modern recipe for cozonac with rahat and Finetti reinterprets the classic, bringing a touch of innovation and flavor. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this cozonac promises to become the star of your table.

Ingredients:
- 500 g of sifted flour (choose a quality flour with a medium gluten content for optimal texture)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (Dr. Oetker is a reliable choice)
- 250 ml of warm milk (make sure it’s not hot to avoid killing the yeast)
- 150 g of sugar (you can adjust the quantity to your preferences)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (salt helps enhance the flavor)
- 1 egg (well beaten, to add moisture and flavor)
- 80 g of melted margarine (choose a quality margarine, such as Unirea)
- Essences: lemon essence, orange essence, and rum essence (these will bring a pleasant aroma to the cozonac)

Filling:
- 100 g of rahat (cut into small cubes for even distribution)
- 150 g of Finetti chocolate (creamy and delicious, it will add an intense flavor)

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk (for a golden and shiny crust)
- 2 tablespoons of milk (to thin the yolk)
- Sugar (for sprinkling on top, adding a crunchy note)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential because aerating the flour will contribute to a fluffy dough. In another container, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In the bread machine bowl, add the sifted flour, activated yeast, salt, sugar, beaten egg, melted margarine, and essences. Set the kneading and rising program. If you don’t have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Rising the dough: After the dough has been kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling: When the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out each piece into a rectangle, being careful not to roll it too thin. On the first piece, sprinkle the rahat cubes. On the second, spread the Finetti chocolate cream evenly.

5. Shaping the cozonac: Roll up each rectangle tightly, forming two logs. Braid the two logs carefully so that the filling is well enclosed inside.

6. Second rising: Place the cozonac in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover it again with the towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for achieving an airy texture.

7. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the two tablespoons of milk. Brush the cozonac with this mixture, then sprinkle sugar on top for a crunchy and sweet finish.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cozonac for 40-50 minutes, or until it turns golden. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean, the cozonac is perfect.

9. Cooling: Once the cozonac is ready, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving and variations:
This cozonac with rahat and Finetti is delicious both warm and cold. It can be served plain, alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee, or you can try pairing it with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

If you want to experiment, you can replace the rahat with nuts or almonds, or add some dried fruits for an extra flavor note.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but it is recommended to mix whole wheat flour with white flour for better texture.
2. How can I keep the cozonac fresh longer? You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be frozen for later consumption.
3. Can I replace margarine with butter? Yes, butter will add a richer flavor, and the texture will be flakier.

Nutritional benefits:
Cozonac is a source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Due to ingredients like milk and egg, it also brings protein, while rahat adds a dose of natural sugars. However, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the sugar content.

This cozonac recipe with rahat and Finetti will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to every slice. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy precious moments together!