Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• • 200ml lukewarm milk

• • 100ml lukewarm water
  • 5 Tbsp (60g) sugar
  • 1 Tbsp (9g) active dry yeast

• • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp (4g) salt
  • 700g all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• • 200g chopped walnuts
  • 80g sugar

• Cinnamon to taste (about 1-2 teaspoons, depending on your preference)
• 200g unsalted butter (softened)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 Tbsp milk

Steps:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• • Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, 5 tablespoons of sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.

• • Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture to the eggs and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition. The dough should start coming together but still be slightly sticky.
  • Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until you get a smooth and elastic dough. The dough should be soft and only slightly sticky but not too wet.
  • Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Set this mixture aside, as it will be the filling for your sweet bread.

3. Shape the Bread:

• • Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick.
  • Spread the Butter: Take the softened butter and spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

• Add the Walnut Filling: Sprinkle the walnut, sugar, and cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Press the filling down lightly with your hands to help it stick to the dough.
• Roll the Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, making sure to seal the edges by pinching them together.

4. Final Proof and Egg Wash:

• • Prepare the Baking Pan: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, seam-side down. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.

• Preheat the Oven: While the dough is proofing, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
• Apply the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk. Gently brush this mixture over the top of the dough to give it a shiny, golden crust during baking.

5. Bake the Bread:

• • Bake the Sweet Bread: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

• Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approximate):

• • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 6g

• • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 12g
• Calcium: 6% of daily value
• Iron: 10% of daily value

Healthy Apple Oatmeal Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup (100 g) rolled oats

• • 3 medium apples, grated
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 banana, mashed

• • 3.5 oz (100 g) dried cranberries, rinsed in hot water
  • 3.5 oz (100 g) raisins, rinsed in hot water
  • 2 eggs

• • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) favorite nuts, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
2. Mix Ingredients:
   • • In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, grated apples, water, mashed banana, rinsed cranberries, rinsed raisins, eggs, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth.

    

   • Stir in your favorite nuts.
3. Bake:
   • • Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.

    

   • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
4. Serve:
   • • Serve warm with Greek yogurt and your favorite berries if desired.

    

Serving Suggestions:

• • Enjoy a warm slice for breakfast topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries.
  • Serve as a healthy snack or dessert.

• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Cooking Tips:

• • Make sure to rinse the dried cranberries and raisins in hot water to soften them and remove any excess sugar coating.
  • You can substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you prefer.

• If you have a nut allergy, skip the nuts altogether or use a nut-free alternative.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Oats are a great source of fiber, which can help with digestion and keep you feeling full longer.
  • Apples provide natural sweetness along with vitamins and antioxidants.

• Bananas add moisture and sweetness without the need for added sugar.
• Nuts add healthy fats and protein, making this bake more satisfying and nutritious.

Dietary Information:

• • No Added Sugar: Naturally sweetened with fruits.

• No Flour: Free from refined flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Serve without Greek yogurt or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the rolled oats are certified gluten-free.

Say Goodbye to Store-Bought Bread: Master the Art of Quick Homemade Bread in Just 5 Minute

Are you tired of running to the store every time you crave fresh bread? Say no more! With this easy and foolproof recipe, you can whip up delicious homemade bread in just five minutes of prep time. No fancy equipment required, just a few simple ingredients and a desire for freshly baked goodness. Let’s dive into the world of baking and discover how you can become a bread-making pro right in your own kitchen.

Importance of Fresh Yeast

Ever wondered why your homemade bread doesn’t turn out as fluffy and delicious as you hoped? The secret lies in the yeast! Using fresh, active dry yeast is crucial for achieving that perfect rise and texture in your bread. Stale or inactive yeast can leave your bread flat and uninspiring. So, always ensure you have fresh yeast on hand and store it properly in the refrigerator to maintain its potency.

Gathering Your Ingredients

• 5.5 cups of flour
• 562.5 ml (2 1/4 cup) of water
• 2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 2 tbsp. of olive oil
• 1 tbsp. of salt
• Butter (optional, for topping)

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to get our hands dirty (literally)! Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. This step ensures that the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic. Once foamy, mix in the flour, sugar, olive oil, and salt until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough until it’s elastic and springs back when touched.

Letting the Dough Rise

Patience is key when it comes to bread-making. Allow your dough to rise for about an hour in a warm, draft-free environment. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, causing the dough to double in size and develop those desirable pockets of air that give bread its light and airy texture.

Shaping Your Bread

Once your dough has doubled in size, it’s time to shape it into loaves. Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each into a rectangle about 20 cm wide. Starting from the shortest side, roll the dough into cylinders to create your loaves. Place them in oiled molds, cover, and let them rise for another hour.

Second Rise and Preparing to Bake

As your loaves undergo their second rise, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Once they’ve doubled in size again, brush the tops with melted butter for added flavor and a golden finish. This step is optional but highly recommended for that extra touch of indulgence.

Delicious Cottage Cheese and Peach Cake

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 200g (7 oz) butter, softened at room temperature
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 380g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 10g (2 teaspoons) baking powder

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1kg (2.2 lbs) cottage cheese, drained
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 150g (5.3 oz) butter, melted and cooled
• 350ml (1½ cups) canned peaches, drained and chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 200g softened butter and 100g sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two portions: ⅔ for the base and ⅓ for the topping.
6. Press the larger portion into the bottom of a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Creating the Filling

1. If using wet cottage cheese, drain it through a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese and sugar, mixing until well blended.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
4. Add cornstarch and melted butter, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Gently fold in the chopped peaches.

Assembly and Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Pour the cheese filling over the base layer, spreading it evenly.
3. Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the filling.
4. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 24g

Timing

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Baking Time: 60-65 minutes
• Cooling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for the richest flavor and best texture
• Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before starting
• For a smoother filling, process the cottage cheese in a food processor before mixing
• Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
• Test doneness by gently shaking the pan – the center should be set with minimal jiggle
• Cool completely before cutting for clean, beautiful slices

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace peaches with other canned fruits like apricots or pears
• Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling for extra flavor
• Substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese (strain well first)
• Add lemon zest to the filling for brightness
• Incorporate ground nuts into the crumb topping for extra texture
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version (add 1 tsp xanthan gum)