Sweet Anise Bread from Uruguay

Sweet Anise Bread from Uruguay Recipe - Authentic Uruguayan Bread with Anise Seed

Region / culture: Uruguay | Servings: 8

Introduction

Sweet Anise Bread is a traditional dessert from Uruguay that is loved for its unique flavor and soft texture. This sweet bread is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, and makes a great treat for special occasions or gatherings.

History

Sweet Anise Bread has been a popular dessert in Uruguay for generations. The recipe has been passed down through families and is often made during holidays and celebrations. The anise seed gives the bread a distinct flavor that is both sweet and slightly spicy, making it a favorite among locals.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of lukewarm water
0.5 cup of sugar
1 tsp of salt
1 egg yolk
4 to 5 cups of flour
1 tbsp of anise seed
0.5 cup of butter
3 eggs
2 tbsp of light corn syrup
and cheese

How to prepare

Sprinkle the yeast over the lukewarm water and stir until the yeast is dissolved.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until slightly beaten. Add sugar, yeast mixture, salt, anise seed, butter, and 2 cups of flour.
Using an electric beater, beat the mixture until well beaten and smooth.
Stir in additional flour to make a soft dough.
Turn out the dough onto a well-floured pastry board and knead until the dough is soft and elastic. Avoid adding too much flour.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp warm cloth.
Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in bulk.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf, ensuring the top is smooth with the folded edges at the bottom.
Place the dough in a deep round cake pan.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk with the corn syrup. Brush the top of the dough with a pastry brush.
Bake the dough in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes or until it is done.

Variations

Add raisins or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the anise seed with cinnamon or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top of the bread for a sweeter finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use lukewarm water when activating the yeast to ensure it properly dissolves and activates.

- Knead the dough until it is soft and elastic, but be careful not to add too much flour as this can make the bread tough.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to ensure it doubles in size before baking.

- Brushing the top of the dough with an egg yolk and corn syrup mixture before baking will give the bread a shiny, golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Anise Bread is best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea. It can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough until it is soft and elastic is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture.

- Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place will help it double in size before baking.

- Brushing the top of the dough with an egg yolk and corn syrup mixture before baking will give the bread a shiny, golden crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have anise seed, you can substitute with fennel seed or ground anise.

- Light corn syrup can be replaced with honey or maple syrup.

- Butter can be substituted with margarine or vegetable oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Sweet Anise Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sweet Anise Bread on a decorative platter with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream on the side. Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Sweet Anise Bread pairs well with a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It also goes well with a glass of dessert wine or a sweet liqueur.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Sweet Anise Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sweet Anise Bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sweet Anise Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sweet Anise Bread contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sweet Anise Bread contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet Anise Bread is a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Alergens

Sweet Anise Bread contains eggs, wheat, and dairy.

Summary

Sweet Anise Bread is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sweet Anise Bread is a delicious and traditional dessert from Uruguay that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. With its unique flavor and soft texture, this sweet bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Sweet Anise Bread from Uruguay. It was many years ago, during one of my travels through South America, that I stumbled upon a quaint little bakery in the heart of Montevideo. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, drawing me in like a magnet.

As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by the sight of rows upon rows of golden-brown loaves of bread, each one more enticing than the last. The friendly baker behind the counter noticed my fascination and offered me a sample of his famous Sweet Anise Bread. One bite was all it took for me to fall in love with the unique combination of flavors – the subtle sweetness of the bread, the fragrant aroma of anise, and the slight crunch of sugar crystals on top.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this bread for myself. The baker, whose name was Miguel, was more than happy to share his recipe with me. He explained that Sweet Anise Bread was a traditional Uruguayan treat, often enjoyed with a cup of mate or as a dessert after a hearty meal. The secret, he revealed, was in the quality of the ingredients and the patience required to let the dough rise properly.

Back home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, anise seeds, and yeast. I followed Miguel's instructions to the letter, mixing the ingredients together until a smooth dough formed. As I kneaded the dough, I couldn't help but think of the warm kitchen in Montevideo, with the scent of baking bread filling the air.

After letting the dough rise for several hours, I shaped it into loaves and sprinkled them with sugar crystals before sliding them into the oven. The anticipation was almost unbearable as I watched the loaves bake to a perfect golden brown, the sweet aroma of anise filling my kitchen. When the bread was finally ready, I couldn't resist tearing off a piece and savoring the warm, buttery goodness.

From that moment on, Sweet Anise Bread became a staple in my baking repertoire. I would often make a batch to share with friends and family, each loaf bringing back memories of my time in Uruguay and the kind baker who had shared his recipe with me. Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding a touch of vanilla here, a sprinkle of cinnamon there.

But no matter how many variations I try, nothing quite compares to the original Sweet Anise Bread from Uruguay. Its simple yet delicious flavors continue to captivate me, reminding me of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my collection of recipes from around the world, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences that have led me to discover new flavors and techniques. And as I take a bite of freshly baked Sweet Anise Bread, I am reminded once again of the magic of cooking – a magic that transcends borders and connects us all in a shared love of good food.