Walnut Roll

Nut roll is a classic, delicious, and aromatic dessert that evokes memories of moments spent with loved ones. Unlike traditional sweet bread, nut roll has a special dough that is softer and fluffier, yet retains the same rich flavor. Although the recipe may seem complex at first glance, each step is an opportunity to connect with tradition and create something truly special.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 4-5 hours
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 16 servings

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1.5 kg of high-quality white flour
- 8 eggs
- 250 g of margarine (or 125 g of butter + 125 g of margarine)
- 250 ml of warm milk for the dough
- 80 g of fresh yeast
- 400 g of sugar (200 g for yolks, 200 g for egg whites)
- 250 ml of sour milk or yogurt
- 1.5 teaspoons of salt
- 50-80 g of oil
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Juice of one lemon

Ingredients for the filling:
- 200 g of chopped walnuts
- 100 g of sour cherries from jam

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, crumble the yeast and mix it with warm milk (not hot!). Add 5 tablespoons of flour and a tablespoon of sugar. Mix well until homogeneous. Cover the bowl with a cotton towel and leave it in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume.

2. Separating the ingredients:
While the dough is rising, prepare the other ingredients. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks with half of the sugar and the salt until the sugar is completely dissolved. Melt the margarine or the butter and margarine mixture and let it cool.

3. Beating the egg whites:
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the other half of the sugar until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy nut roll.

4. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the beaten yolks, melted (but warm) margarine, vanilla, lemon juice, and yogurt or sour milk. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Add the risen dough and mix again. Finally, gently fold in the beaten egg whites.

5. Kneading the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour twice to enrich it with oxygen. Make a well in the center and pour in the mixture obtained. Start kneading, adding oil gradually to prevent sticking. Knead the dough for about 30 minutes until it becomes elastic and easily pulls away from the sides of the bowl. A warm hand and a good mood are essential for an exceptional result!

6. Rising the dough:
Once the dough is kneaded, turn it with the kneaded side down, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 4-5 hours. Check it periodically; the rising time depends on the yeast used and the temperature in the kitchen.

7. Shaping the nut roll:
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each part with a rolling pin on a floured surface. Evenly distribute the chopped walnut filling and sour cherries over 2/3 of the surface of each dough sheet. Roll the dough to form a nut roll, ensuring the edges are well sealed.

8. Final rising:
Arrange the nut rolls on a greased baking tray and let them rise for about 2 hours, until they double in volume.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 170 °C. Before placing the tray in the oven, brush the nut rolls with a mixture of egg yolk, a little honey or sugar, using a brush. Bake for 50-60 minutes, but do not open the oven before 25 minutes to avoid collapsing the dough. You can increase the oven temperature in the last few minutes to achieve a crispy crust.

10. Serving:
Once baked, let the nut rolls cool on a rack. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar before serving for a more festive appearance. This dessert is perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to allow for even fermentation.
- It is important to use high-quality flour, as this affects the texture of the dough.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace the sour cherries with other candied fruits or chocolate.
- The nut roll can be stored in aluminum foil or an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.

Nutritional information:
A serving of nut roll contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The walnuts add healthy fats and protein, while the eggs contribute vitamins and minerals.

This nut roll recipe is not just a dessert, but a true tradition that will bring joy and flavor to every meal. You can experiment with different fillings and flavors, transforming your favorite dessert into a personalized masterpiece. I invite you to try this recipe and share the joy of taste with your loved ones!