Horn of Plenty

Horn of Abundance: A Recipe Full of Goodness and Comfort

The Horn of Abundance is a traditional recipe that we lovingly make around the holidays, a symbol of prosperity and goodwill. This sweet and fragrant dish reminds us of the moments spent with loved ones, and my grandmother prepared it with great passion, carefully keeping it until Easter. I decided to participate in the Chef's meeting in Păltiniș in 2016, and to convey good wishes to everyone, I chose to bring this Horn of Abundance, but adapted to be edible. So, let's embark on this delicious recipe!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15

Ingredients:

- 800 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (42 g)
- 250 ml oil
- 250 ml borscht
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg (for brushing, optional)
- Feta cheese (for sprinkling, optional)

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small pot, heat the borscht over low heat, being careful not to boil it. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Once the mixture is warm, pour it over the crumbled yeast in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast so that the dough rises beautifully.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and oil. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth dough. It is important not to knead too much, but to obtain a smooth and non-sticky dough.

3. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. The dough should double in size. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture of the horn.

4. Shaping the horn: After the dough has risen, divide it into two or three parts, depending on the desired size of the horn. Roll each piece of dough into a long, thin cylinder, which you will bend into a cone shape. Place the horn on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

5. Preparing the salty snacks: With the remaining dough, you can form salty snacks. Cut small pieces of dough, shape them as desired, and brush them with beaten egg. Sprinkle feta cheese on top for a delicious taste.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the horn and salty snacks for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and their aroma fills your home. Use a toothpick to check if they are baked inside – if it comes out clean, they are ready!

7. Serving: Once they have cooled slightly, you can decorate the horn with seasonal fruits or other delicacies. This dish is perfect to be served alongside a hot tea or mulled wine on cold winter days.

Notes and practical tips:

- Variations: You can add flavors such as vanilla or lemon zest to the dough for an extra taste. You can also replace the feta cheese with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for a crunchy texture.

- Frequently asked questions:
- *What can I do with the leftover dough?* You can use the remaining dough to make various shapes of cookies or rolls!
- *How can I store the horn?* You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze individual portions.

- Nutritional benefits: This horn, rich in carbohydrates from flour and healthy oil, can provide the energy needed to cope with busy days. The borscht adds a note of acidity, balancing the sweet taste of the sugar.

The Horn of Abundance is not just a recipe, but a tradition that conveys warmth and goodwill. Whether you prepare it for holidays or simply to pamper your family, it is guaranteed to bring smiles and moments of joy. Perhaps, like my grandmother, you will find inspiration to share it with all your loved ones.

Enjoy every step of this recipe and the magic it brings to your life!