Ingredients and Weight: * All-purpose flour: 3 cups (360g) * Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) * Salt: 1 teaspoon * Active dry yeast: 2 teaspoons * Warm milk: 1 cup (240ml), 110-115°F (43-46°C) * Unsalted butter, softened: 1/4 cup (56g) * Large egg: 1
Filling: * Almond paste: 1/2 cup (113g) * Unsalted butter, softened: 1/4 cup (56g) * Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) * Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon * Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Topping: * Pearl sugar or sliced almonds: 1/2 cup (100g)
Preparation Time: 2 hours plus rising time
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Difficulty Level: 2 (Easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
For the Dough: 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. 2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy. 3. Add the butter and egg to the yeast mixture and beat until well combined. 4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. 5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. 6. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
For the Filling: 1. In a small bowl, combine the almond paste, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. 2. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Assembly: 1. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12x16-inch rectangle. 2. Spread the almond paste filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. 3. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long end. 4. Form the rolled dough into a ring and place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. 5. Cover the ring with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until almost doubled in size. 6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 7. Sprinkle the pearl sugar or sliced almonds over the ring.
Baking: 1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. 2. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information: * Calories: 300 per slice * Carbohydrates: 45g * Protein: 10g * Fat: 15g
Dish Characteristics: * Sweet and buttery * Soft and fluffy dough * Nutty almond paste filling * Impressive presentation
User Comments:
Special Precautions and Tips: * Use warm milk to activate the yeast. Too hot or too cold milk can kill the yeast. * Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This will improve the texture of the bread. * Let the bread rise in a warm place. This will help the dough double in size and make the bread light and fluffy. * Do not overbake the bread. Check for golden brown on top and insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when the bread is done.