Regular Sweet Bread

Regular Sweet Bread Recipe from Romania | Ingredients: flour, sugar, milk, eggs, yeast, butter, oil, vanilla, salt, egg

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Regular sweet bread is a delicious and traditional dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite among many families. The sweet and fluffy bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

Sweet bread has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Europe and has since spread to other parts of the world. The recipe has evolved over time, with different variations and ingredients being added to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

2 lb / 1 kg flour
10 oz / 300 g sugar
1.5 cups milk
6 eggs
2 oz / 50 g yeast
7 oz / 200 g butter
2 tbsp oil
1 vanilla stick
salt
1 egg for washing the dough
grease for the pans

How to prepare

To make a starter, combine yeast and a teaspoon of sugar.
Mix until the consistency resembles sour cream, then add 2 – 3 tbsp of tepid milk and a little flour. Mix well and sprinkle some flour on top. Cover and let it sit in a warm place to rise.
Boil the milk with the vanilla stick (cut into very small pieces) and set it aside, covered, to keep warm.
In a separate bowl, mix the yolks with the sugar and salt. Slowly pour in the tepid milk, stirring continuously.
Transfer the risen starter to a large bowl. Pour the yolk-milk mixture and some flour into the bowl, stirring continuously. Add the flour gradually.
Next, add 3 whipped egg whites to the mixture. Once added, begin kneading the dough.
Knead the dough, gradually adding melted butter combined with oil, until the dough easily comes off your palms.
Cover the dough with a cloth, and then with something thicker like a blanket.
Leave the dough in a warm place to triple in size.
If the dough seems too hard during kneading, you may add a little milk.
If, on the contrary, the dough seems too soft, you may add a little flour.
Once the dough has risen well, take a piece of it and place it on a floured work surface. Shape it as desired (round, oval, braided, etc.) and place it in a baking pan that has been greased with butter.
Allow the dough to rise further in the pan in a warm place.
Brush the dough with beaten egg and bake at medium heat.
As soon as it is done, remove the bread from the pan and place it on a cloth to cool.

Variations

Add raisins or dried fruit to the dough for a fruity twist.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a spiced flavor.
Top with a glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice for a tangy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh yeast for the best results.

- Knead the dough well to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to ensure it doubles or triples in size.

- Brushing the dough with beaten egg before baking will give it a beautiful golden color.

- Serve the sweet bread warm for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Regular sweet bread can be served on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Regular sweet bread is baked in the oven at medium heat until golden brown and cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast.

- Margarine can be used instead of butter.

- Almond or soy milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for regular sweet bread can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Simply allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Regular sweet bread can be presented on a decorative platter or cake stand for a beautiful display. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Regular sweet bread pairs well with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover sweet bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of regular sweet bread contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of regular sweet bread contains approximately 40g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of regular sweet bread contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of regular sweet bread contains approximately 8g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Regular sweet bread is a good source of vitamin B and iron.

Alergens

Regular sweet bread contains gluten, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Regular sweet bread is a delicious and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content.

Summary

Regular sweet bread is a classic and comforting dessert that is sure to please your taste buds. With its fluffy texture and sweet flavor, it is the perfect treat for any time of day. Enjoy a slice with your favorite hot beverage for a truly indulgent experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha. Martha was known for her delicious baked goods, and she had just pulled a tray of sweet bread out of the oven. The smell was intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Martha smiled as she saw the look of longing on my face. "Would you like the recipe, dear?" she asked, knowing full well that I would jump at the chance. I eagerly nodded, and she handed me a well-worn recipe card with the instructions for her regular sweet bread.

As I read through the ingredients and steps, I couldn't help but marvel at how simple it seemed. Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a few other basic ingredients were all that was needed to create such a delectable treat. I knew right then and there that I had to try making it myself.

I spent the next few days gathering the ingredients and preparing to bake the sweet bread. I followed Martha's instructions to the letter, carefully measuring each ingredient and mixing them together with love and care. As the sweet bread baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled my kitchen, just like it had in Martha's.

When the bread was finally done, I couldn't wait to taste it. I cut myself a generous slice and took a bite. The bread was moist, sweet, and utterly delicious. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Martha's regular sweet bread countless times. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its incredible flavor and texture. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that I am known for and proud to make.

But Martha's recipe is not the only influence on my sweet bread. Over the years, I have gathered recipes and tips from various places and people, each one adding a unique twist to the classic dish. From my own mother's secret ingredient to a friend's special technique for kneading the dough, each new addition has only served to enhance the flavor and quality of the bread.

One of my favorite memories of learning a new twist on the recipe was when I visited my cousin Emma in the countryside. Emma had her own version of sweet bread, one that incorporated fresh berries picked from her own garden. The burst of fruity flavor and the bright colors of the berries added a whole new dimension to the bread, making it a perfect summer treat.

I also learned a new technique for shaping the dough from a bakery I visited while traveling. The baker showed me how to create intricate braids and twists, transforming the simple sweet bread into a work of art. I was amazed at how a few simple twists and turns could elevate the bread from a humble treat to a stunning centerpiece for any table.

As I continue to experiment with new flavors and techniques, I am constantly amazed at the endless possibilities that exist within the realm of sweet bread. Each new variation brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation, as I eagerly wait to see how the final product will turn out.

But no matter how many new recipes I try or twists I add, Martha's original sweet bread recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the recipe that started it all, the one that ignited my passion for baking and inspired me to explore new culinary horizons.

So, the next time you find yourself craving a sweet treat, why not try your hand at making a regular sweet bread? With a little bit of patience, love, and a touch of creativity, you too can create a delicious masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Happy baking!