Amsterdam Stol (Using Bread Machine)

🍞🇳🇱 Amsterdam Stol: A Dutch Delight 🇳🇱🍞

What is Amsterdam Stol?
Amsterdam Stol is a delightful Dutch bread, known for its sweet and aromatic flavors. It’s often enjoyed during special occasions like Christmas and Easter. This bread is a distant cousin of the famous German Stollen.

History:
The history of Amsterdam Stol can be traced back to the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), where spices from the Dutch East India Company enriched the nation’s culinary culture. It evolved from earlier fruit and nut bread traditions. Over time, it became a beloved festive treat.

Components:
🥖 Ingredients:

• 500g of bread flour
• 7g of instant yeast
• 250ml of lukewarm milk
• 75g of granulated sugar
• 100g of unsalted butter
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 egg
• 200g of mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, candied peel)
• 100g of chopped almonds
• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• A pinch of ground cloves
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps to Prepare:

1. Activate Yeast 🍞

   • In a small bowl, mix the yeast and a pinch of sugar with the lukewarm milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it’s frothy.

2. Mix Ingredients 🥣

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and spices.

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients 🥚🧈

   • Add the egg, melted butter, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough 💪

   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Add Fruits and Nuts 🍇🥜

   • Incorporate the dried fruits, chopped almonds, and citrus zest into the dough. Knead until evenly distributed.

6. First Rise 🕒

   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

7. Shape the Stol 🥖

   • Punch down the risen dough and shape it into an oval loaf. Fold it in half if you want to encase marzipan inside.

8. Second Rise 🕒

   • Place the shaped Stol on a baking sheet, cover it, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

9. Preheat Oven 🔥

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

10. Bake 🎂

    • Bake the Amsterdam Stol for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

11. Cool and Dust ❄️

    • Let it cool on a wire rack, then dust generously with powdered sugar to mimic the snow-covered streets of Amsterdam.

Total Time:
The entire process will take approximately 3-4 hours, including rising and baking time.

Enjoy your homemade Amsterdam Stol! 🇳🇱🍞 It’s a heartwarming treat perfect for festive occasions or just to savor with a cup of tea or coffee. 😊🎉

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amsterdam Stol:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, Per Serving):

• Calories: Around 250-300 calories per serving (1 slice, about 50g)
• Total Fat: 7-10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-5g
• Cholesterol: 20-30mg
• Sodium: 150-250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40-45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
  • Sugars: 15-20g
• Protein: 5-7g
• Vitamins and Minerals: Amsterdam Stol contains small amounts of various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron, primarily from the dried fruits and nuts.

Health Information:

1. Moderation: While Amsterdam Stol is a delicious treat, it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar and fat content. Excessive consumption may contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

2. Fruit and Nut Benefits: The dried fruits and nuts in Amsterdam Stol provide essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also offer a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness.

3. Portion Control: To manage calorie intake, consider slicing your Amsterdam Stol into smaller portions and savoring it mindfully.

4. Allergies: Be aware of potential allergens, especially nuts, for those with allergies. You can adapt the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions.

5. Balance: Pairing a slice of Amsterdam Stol with a source of protein or fresh fruit can help balance your meal and provide a more comprehensive nutritional profile.

Remember, while Amsterdam Stol is a delightful treat, it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, especially during festive occasions.