Sweet Garland Bread Recipe
Category: Desserts
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manitoba Flour | 150g |
| Dry Yeast | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Water | 80g |
| Manitoba Flour (for dough) | 400g |
| Sugar (for dough) | 90g |
| Whole Milk | 150g |
| Egg Yolks | 65g |
| Orange Zest | 1 |
| Fine Salt | 5g |
| Butter (softened) | 120g |
| Orange Jam | 200g |
| Raisins | 200g |
| Rum | 100g |
| Honey | to taste |
| Slivered Almonds | 20g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Starter Dough (Lievitino):
In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in warm water. Add the sugar and sprinkle in the Manitoba flour gradually, stirring first with a spoon and then with your hands until a smooth, homogeneous dough forms. Once the dough is mixed, place it on a clean surface and knead for a few minutes to smooth it out. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rest. -
Make the Dough:
While the starter dough is resting, combine the remaining 400g of Manitoba flour and 90g of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the milk, egg yolks, and the zest of one orange to the bowl. Slowly pour in the dissolved starter dough and mix everything together. Gradually add the softened butter in small pieces, continuing to mix with your hands until fully incorporated. -
Knead the Dough:
Once the dough is formed, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface and begin kneading. Add salt and keep kneading until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. -
Prepare the Raisins:
While the dough is rising, place the raisins in a small bowl and pour the rum over them. Let the raisins soak for at least 15 minutes, absorbing the rum and becoming soft and plump. -
Shape the Garland:
Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a thin sheet, about 3-4mm thick, forming a rectangular shape. Spread a thin layer of orange jam evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the soaked raisins on top, making sure they are evenly distributed. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer edge, forming a long log. -
Form the Garland Shape:
Using a sharp knife, make an incision about 3-4 cm from the end of the dough and continue along the entire length of the rolled dough. Once you’ve made the cut, twist the two halves together to form a spiral-like shape. Carefully transfer the garland onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, joining the two ends to form a circle. -
Final Rise:
Allow the shaped garland to rise for another 20 minutes in a warm environment, such as inside an oven with just the light on. This step is crucial for ensuring the garland has a soft, fluffy texture. -
Baking:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode. Once the dough has finished rising, place the garland in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. -
Finishing Touches:
Remove the garland from the oven and let it cool slightly. If desired, drizzle a little honey over the top and sprinkle with slivered almonds for an extra touch of sweetness and texture. -
Serving:
Once the sweet garland has cooled to a comfortable temperature, slice and serve. It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a delightful treat during the holiday season.
This sweet garland bread, with its tender dough, juicy raisins soaked in rum, and bright orange jam, is a perfect centerpiece for your table. Enjoy this aromatic, festive delight with family and friends.
