Sweet bread with Turkish delight and raisins

Cozonac with Turkish Delight and Raisins - A Holiday Delicacy

Cozonac with Turkish delight and raisins is one of those desserts that reminds us of warm moments spent with family, during holidays, and the joy of sharing special moments. This traditional dessert, full of flavor and history, has been prepared for generations. This recipe will guide you step by step to achieve a fluffy, delicious, and flavorful cozonac.

Total preparation time: 3 hours (including rising time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 2 cozonaci

Necessary ingredients for a perfect cozonac:

- 600 g all-purpose flour (for a fine texture)
- 25 g fresh yeast (one cube)
- 2 eggs + 1 egg for brushing (ensures a golden crust)
- 50 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 50 g melted butter (for a rich taste)
- 1 vial of vanilla essence (for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon grated orange and lemon peel (adds a note of freshness)
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 250 ml)
- 6 tablespoons sugar (adjusts sweetness)
- 500 g Turkish delight (cut into small cubes)
- 100 g raisins (preferably soaked in rum or warm water before use)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, place the fresh yeast in warm milk. Add a tablespoon of sugar and a tablespoon of flour. Mix well until combined. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy and increases in volume. This is the key step to achieving a fluffy cozonac.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the remaining flour, sugar, melted butter, oil, eggs, vanilla essence, and grated citrus peel. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the yeast mixture. Start kneading the dough. Continue kneading for 10-15 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. It is essential to dedicate time to this step, as well-kneaded dough will result in a fluffy cozonac.

3. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving an airy texture.

4. Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the filling. If you want the raisins to have a more intense flavor, you can soak them in rum for about 30 minutes. Cut the Turkish delight into small cubes to distribute evenly in the cozonac.

5. Shaping the cozonac: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first piece into a round sheet. Place the pieces of Turkish delight and soaked raisins on the surface. Fold the edges like a pie, forming a ball, which you will place in a round pot lined with baking paper.

6. Rolling and braiding: From the second piece of dough, divide it again into two equal parts. Roll them into long sheets, the length of the tray. Place slices of Turkish delight over the entire surface and sprinkle with raisins. Roll each sheet tightly to form two rolls. Braid the two rolls together and place them in a tray lined with baking paper.

7. Second rising: Brush the cozonaci with beaten egg for a golden crust and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Once the cozonaci have risen, place them in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until they turn golden and sound hollow when gently tapped on the bottom.

9. Cooling: Once the cozonaci are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This step is important to avoid condensation.

10. Serving: Cozonac with Turkish delight and raisins is served warm or at room temperature, alongside a glass of warm milk or a cup of fragrant tea. It can be stored in aluminum foil or an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Practical tips:

- Flour: Choose a high-quality all-purpose flour for a fluffy cozonac. If you want a cozonac with a more complex flavor, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Yeast: Ensure that the yeast is fresh. If using dry yeast, you need to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
- Nut variation: For an even richer cozonac, add ground nuts to the filling.
- Rising conditions: If it is cold at home, you can preheat the oven to 50 °C, then turn it off and let the cozonac rise inside.

Nutritional benefits:

Cozonac with Turkish delight and raisins is a source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Raisins are rich in antioxidants, and Turkish delight adds extra flavor and texture. However, considering that it is a dessert, it is important to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the liquid quantity, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

2. How do I keep the cozonac fresh?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture.

3. Can I add other fillings?
Absolutely! You can experiment with chocolate, nuts, or candied fruits.

4. What drinks pair best with cozonac?
A glass of warm milk, a fruit tea, or even a glass of mulled wine in the cold season.

So, dear cooks, prepare your ingredients and let yourself be inspired by the tradition of cozonac with Turkish delight and raisins. This is a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring warmth to the hearts of your loved ones. Happy cooking!