🥜 Aunt Dean’s Nut Roll, or “Let the Good Nuts Roll,” is a delightful dessert with a rich history. It’s a sweet and nutty treat that consists of a soft, slightly sweet dough wrapped around a generous filling of nuts, sugar, and spices. This treat is known for its delicious taste and is often made around the holiday season.
📜 History: The exact origin of Aunt Dean’s Nut Roll is a bit unclear, but it’s a beloved traditional treat in many families, often passed down through generations. It’s popular in various Eastern European and American communities and is commonly associated with Christmas and Easter.
🥘 Components:
- Dough: The dough typically consists of flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and yeast, which gives it a tender and slightly sweet flavor.
- Nut Filling: The filling is made from a mixture of finely chopped nuts, often walnuts or pecans, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes a touch of vanilla extract.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare Aunt Dean’s Nut Roll:
Dough Preparation:
- Warm a cup of milk to about 110°F (43°C). Dissolve yeast and a pinch of sugar in the warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and softened butter. Mix well.
- Add the yeast mixture and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Filling Preparation:
- In a separate bowl, mix the finely chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to create the nut filling.
Assembly:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the nut filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a log, starting from the long side, and pinch the seams to seal the roll.
- Place the roll onto a greased or lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the nut roll to cool on a wire rack.
- Once it’s cool, you can slice it into rounds and enjoy!
⏰ Time Needed: The preparation of Aunt Dean’s Nut Roll typically takes about 2-3 hours, including dough rising time and baking. It’s worth the effort, as the result is a delicious and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for special occasions and celebrations. Enjoy! 🥮🎉
🥜 Here’s some nutrition information and health insights related to Aunt Dean’s Nut Roll:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values):
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 12 slices per roll)
- Calories: About 200-250 calories per slice
- Fat: Approximately 12-15 grams per slice
- Carbohydrates: Around 20-25 grams per slice
- Protein: Roughly 3-5 grams per slice
- Sugar: Typically 10-15 grams per slice
Health Information:
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Caloric Content: Aunt Dean’s Nut Roll is relatively high in calories, primarily due to the sugar, butter, and nuts. It’s a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake.
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Healthy Fats: Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They provide heart-healthy benefits and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
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Protein: While this dessert is not a significant source of protein, the nuts do contain some protein, which can help satisfy hunger.
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Carbohydrates and Sugar: The carbohydrates in the roll primarily come from the dough and sugar. It’s important to be mindful of the sugar content, especially if you have dietary restrictions or concerns related to added sugars.
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Nutritional Balance: This dessert is delicious but should be considered a treat due to its relatively high sugar and fat content. If you have dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s best to enjoy it in moderation.
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Allergens: Aunt Dean’s Nut Roll contains nuts (usually walnuts or pecans) and may also contain dairy (from butter and milk), making it unsuitable for those with nut allergies or lactose intolerance.
Remember, while Aunt Dean’s Nut Roll is a delightful indulgence, it’s important to balance it with a generally healthy and balanced diet. Enjoy it on special occasions and be mindful of portion sizes to maintain a well-rounded approach to nutrition. 🥮🍽️
