Pan Dulce Navideńo

Pan Dulce Navideño Recipe from Bolivia with Yeast, Flour, Raisins, and Almonds

Region / culture: Bolivia | Preparation time: 3 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Pan Dulce Navideño, or Christmas sweet bread, is a traditional Mexican holiday treat enjoyed during the festive season. This sweet and fruity bread is a staple at Christmas celebrations and is often enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.

History

Pan Dulce Navideño has its origins in Spain, where it was traditionally made during the Christmas season. The recipe was brought to Mexico by Spanish colonizers and has since become a beloved holiday treat in Mexican culture. The bread is often enjoyed on Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena, and is a symbol of the joy and togetherness of the holiday season.

Ingredients

Yeast

2 spoonfuls of dry yeast or 4 spoonfuls of fresh yeast
0.25 cup of lukewarm water
2 spoonfuls of sugar
2 cups of lukewarm water
2 cups of flour

Dough

10 cups of flour, more or less
1.5 cups of sugar
6 whole eggs
1 spoonful of salt
1.5 cups of butter
2 cups of lukewarm milk
1 spoonful of orange blossom water
1 spoonful of cognac
1 tsp of vanilla extract
6 cups of raisins
1 cup of peeled and chopped nuts
1 cup of glazed orange rind
1 cup of peeled and chopped almonds

How to prepare

Yeast Preparation

In a deep bowl, combine 0.25 cup of water with two spoonfuls of sugar. Mix well.
Add the yeast and let it soak for five minutes.
Gradually add the two cups of water and two cups of flour to the mixture.
Mix well and let it rest until it rises and doubles in size.
Place this mixture under the sun or near the stove, covering it with a dish cloth or towel.

Dough Preparation

To the yeast mixture, add 1.5 cups of sugar, a spoonful of salt, 1.5 cups of butter, six slightly beaten eggs, 2 cups of milk, a spoonful of orange blossom water, a spoonful of cognac, vanilla essence, and flour.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
On a table, knead the dough until bubbles burst.
Place the dough in a bowl and cover it with a dish cloth or towel.
Place the dough under the sun or near the stove to allow it to double in size for a second time.
Meanwhile, mix nuts, almonds, and glazed orange rind with one or two spoonfuls of flour to prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
Once the dough has doubled in size, add the fruit and mix well.
Place the dough under the sun or near the stove to allow it to double in size for a third time.
Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into eight parts.
Shape each piece into a ball and then flatten it to form a bread loaf.
Place the bread loaves on a non-stick baking sheet and let them double in size for the fourth time.
Bake them at a medium temperature (European oven: 150 °C; American oven: 300°F) for forty-five minutes to one hour.
In a small bowl, combine a spoonful of boiling water, approximately ten spoonfuls of fine sugar (adjust to desired thickness), and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Remove the bread loaves from the oven.
While still hot, brush them with the sugar mixture.
If desired, decorate with glazed fruit or raisins.

Variations

Add dried cranberries or apricots for a festive twist.
Substitute the nuts with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Experiment with different extracts such as almond or rum for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the yeast mixture rise properly to ensure a light and fluffy bread.

- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and create a chewy texture.

- Adding the fruit and nuts at the right time will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.

- Brushing the bread with a sugar glaze while still hot will give it a shiny and sweet finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pan Dulce Navideño warm with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy holiday treat. It can also be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Properly proofing the yeast is essential for a light and airy bread.

- Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic will create a chewy texture.

- Baking the bread at a moderate temperature will ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast for a quicker rise.

- Replace butter with margarine for a dairy-free version.

- Swap raisins for dried cherries or currants for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Pan Dulce Navideño can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the loaves.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the bread loaves with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for a festive touch. Serve them on a decorative platter with fresh fruit and nuts for a beautiful holiday display.

Pairing Recommendations

Pan Dulce Navideño pairs well with a variety of beverages such as hot chocolate, coffee, or spiced cider. It also complements savory dishes like tamales or pozole for a complete holiday meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Pan Dulce Navideño in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bread in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Calcium: 40mg per serving

Alergens

Contains: Eggs, Milk, Nuts, Wheat

Summary

Pan Dulce Navideño is a rich and indulgent treat, high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Pan Dulce Navideño is a delicious and festive holiday treat that is sure to delight your family and friends. With its sweet and fruity flavor, chewy texture, and beautiful presentation, this bread is a must-have for your Christmas celebrations. Enjoy the tradition of making and sharing this special recipe with your loved ones this holiday season.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a cold winter day, just a few days before Christmas. I was in the kitchen, trying to decide what to bake for the holiday season. As I was going through my old recipe books, I stumbled upon a worn-out, yellowed piece of paper tucked away in between the pages. It was a recipe for Pan Dulce Navideño, a traditional Christmas sweet bread that I had never tried my hand at before.

I couldn't help but smile as memories of my childhood flooded back to me. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, used to make this bread every Christmas. I remember the warm, sweet aroma that would fill the house as it baked in the oven. The taste of the soft, fluffy bread studded with candied fruits and nuts was something that I looked forward to every year.

As I read through the recipe, I could almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through the steps. She had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a family tradition that I was determined to keep alive.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work. The kitchen was filled with the sound of mixing, kneading, and the clatter of pots and pans. As the dough rose and baked in the oven, the familiar scent of cinnamon and sugar filled the air. It felt like my grandmother was right there with me, guiding my hands as I shaped the bread into a beautiful wreath.

When the Pan Dulce Navideño finally came out of the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I couldn't wait to take a bite. The bread was soft and sweet, with bursts of flavor from the candied fruits and nuts. It was just as I remembered it from my childhood - a perfect blend of tradition and love.

I packaged up a few loaves of the Pan Dulce Navideño to share with my family and friends. As I handed them out, I saw the smiles of delight on their faces. It was a magical moment, knowing that I had brought a little piece of my grandmother's legacy into their homes.

Since that day, the recipe for Pan Dulce Navideño has become a staple in my holiday baking repertoire. Every year, as I mix and knead the dough, I feel a connection to my past and to the generations of women who came before me. It has become more than just a recipe - it is a link to my family's history and traditions.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in the kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me closer to my roots and has allowed me to share a piece of my heritage with those I love. The Pan Dulce Navideño will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and to the ones we hold dear.