Houska

Houska Recipe from Serbia - Delicious Bread with Raisins and Almonds

Region / culture: Serbia | Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 5

Introduction

Houska is a traditional Czech sweet bread that is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. This delicious bread is slightly sweet, soft, and filled with raisins and almonds, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.

History

Houska has been a staple in Czech cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that the recipe was brought to the region by German settlers and has since become a beloved dish in Czech households. Traditionally, Houska is made during Easter and Christmas, but it can be enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients

1 package of yeast
3 tbsp of honey
0.5 cup of warm water
0.75 cup of scalded milk
0.25 cup of granulated sugar
0.33 cup of margarine
1 tsp of salt
4.25 - 4.75 cups of flour, divided
2 eggs
0.25 tsp of mace
0.5 cup of golden raisins
0.5 cup of sliced almonds

How to prepare

Mix the honey and warm water to dissolve, then add yeast.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk almost to boiling point, then remove from heat.
Combine the scalded milk, sugar, margarine, and salt; cool to lukewarm.
Stir 1 cup of flour into the milk mixture and beat well.
Stir in the yeast mixture.
Add eggs and beat well.
Add mace, raisins, and almonds.
Add 3 more cups of flour, stirring to make a soft dough.
Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding flour a little at a time to prevent sticking.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning the dough once to grease all sides.
Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
Punch down the dough and divide it into 5 pieces, with 3 pieces being the same size and 2 slightly smaller.
Roll out the 3 larger pieces to form a 17-inch roll, then braid them together. This will be the bottom row.
Roll out the 2 smaller pieces and twist them together, then place them on top of the 3-braid piece, tucking the ends under.
Assemble the dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, arranging it diagonally.
Let the Houska rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Brush the tops with milk.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Brush the tops lightly with butter while the loaves are still warm to achieve a softer crust.

Variations

Add dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots for a different flavor.
Substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist.
Drizzle the top of the loaves with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweeter finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to scald the milk before adding it to the dough to help activate the yeast.

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Let the dough rise in a warm place to double in size for the best results.

- Brush the tops of the loaves with milk before baking to achieve a golden brown crust.

- Brush the loaves with butter while they are still warm to keep the crust soft.

Serving Suggestions

Houska can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of coffee or tea. It is also delicious when served with butter or jam.

Cooking Techniques

Scalding the milk helps to activate the yeast and create a light and fluffy texture.

- Braiding the dough adds a decorative touch to the loaves.

- Brushing the loaves with milk before baking helps to achieve a golden brown crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have mace, you can substitute it with a combination of nutmeg and cinnamon.

- Feel free to use any type of dried fruit or nuts in place of the raisins and almonds.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Houska ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Houska on a decorative platter or bread basket for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle the loaves with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Houska pairs well with a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It also goes well with fruit preserves or honey.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Houska in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the loaves in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Houska contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Houska contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Houska contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Houska contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Houska is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Houska contains wheat, eggs, and nuts.

Summary

Houska is a delicious sweet bread that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E. However, it contains allergens such as wheat, eggs, and nuts.

Summary

Houska is a traditional Czech sweet bread that is perfect for holidays and special occasions. This soft and slightly sweet bread is filled with raisins and almonds, making it a delicious treat for breakfast or dessert. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy this homemade bread with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a rainy day in the small village of my grandmother's birthplace, nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Czech Republic. I was rummaging through old cookbooks and recipe cards in her attic, searching for inspiration for my next culinary adventure. As I dusted off an old, tattered cookbook, a yellowed piece of paper fell out, fluttering to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Houska, a traditional Czech sweet bread.

My heart skipped a beat as I read through the faded ink, the memories flooding back to me. I remembered my grandmother baking this delicious bread in her cozy kitchen, the sweet aroma filling the air and making my mouth water. I recalled the joy on her face as she taught me how to knead the dough and shape it into the iconic braided loaf. And I remembered the taste of that first warm slice, slathered with butter and enjoyed with a cup of hot tea.

I knew in that moment that I had to recreate this recipe, to bring back the taste of my childhood and honor my grandmother's memory. So I set to work, gathering the ingredients and following the instructions carefully. As the dough rose and baked in the oven, the familiar aroma filled my own kitchen, transporting me back to that cozy kitchen of my youth.

When the Houska emerged golden brown and fragrant from the oven, I knew I had succeeded. I sliced into the loaf and took a bite, savoring the sweet, slightly tangy flavor that I remembered so well. Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought of my grandmother and the love she had poured into every loaf she baked.

From that day on, Houska became a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the bond between generations and the power of food to connect us to our past. I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down not just a recipe but a piece of our family history.

Over the years, I have made Houska for countless family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. Each time I bake it, I feel my grandmother's presence in the kitchen, guiding my hands and infusing the bread with her love and warmth. And each time my family takes a bite of that sweet, buttery bread, I see the same joy on their faces that I once saw on my grandmother's.

As I sit here now, writing this story and thinking back on that rainy day in my grandmother's attic, I am filled with gratitude for the gift she gave me in that old, yellowed recipe. It is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it is a link to my past, a connection to my roots, and a testament to the enduring power of food to nourish both body and soul.

So I will continue to bake Houska for as long as I am able, passing down this treasured recipe to future generations and keeping alive the memory of my beloved grandmother. And every time I take a bite of that sweet, buttery bread, I will say a silent thank you to her for teaching me not just how to bake, but how to love through food.