Absolutely! Let’s dive into the delightful world of Amazing Traditional Croatian Povitica! 🇭🇷 This recipe, born from the heart of Kansas City and now cherished far and wide, brings together the warmth of tradition and the joy of homemade goodness. If you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly, let’s gather our ingredients and get started on crafting this scrumptious treat! 🍞✨
🕒 Cooking Times:
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3 hours | 1 hour | 4 hours |
🥖 Amazing Traditional Croatian Povitica Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 packages dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 5 cups flour
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling:
- Combine walnuts, 1 egg (beaten), milk, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and dry yeast in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens (about 30 minutes). It should be a luscious, thick filling. Let it cool.
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Activate the Yeast:
- In a large heated bowl, combine the dry yeast with warm water and 1/2 tsp. sugar.
- Stir until the yeast is fully dissolved.
- Set the mixture in a warm place for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
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Prepare the Dough:
- In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter, and salt.
- Add boiling water, stir, and cool until lukewarm.
- Add this mixture to the activated yeast.
- Stir in the beaten eggs and gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
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Knead and Rise:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. Be mindful not to over-flour; it should be softer than regular bread dough.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- Once risen, place the dough on a lightly floured work surface.
- Roll it out as thin as possible into a square or rectangle. The thinner, the better!
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Add the Filling:
- Spread the prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a bit of space at the edges.
- Roll up the povitica, jelly-roll style.
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Shape and Bake:
- Cut the roll in half and place each half into a greased bread pan, forming it into an “S” shape.
- Tuck in the ends and gently flatten it a bit.
- Cover and let it rise for another 2-1/2 hours in a warm place.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the povitica for 10 minutes at 375°F, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 50 minutes, or until beautifully golden brown.
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Cool and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, cool the povitica in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it finish cooling on a wire rack.
🌟 Filling Variations:
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🍓 Fruit Delight: Cook down your favorite fruits with sugar until they form a jam-like consistency. Spread this fruity goodness on the dough before rolling.
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🧀 Creamy Indulgence: Mix cream cheese with egg and powdered sugar for a rich, creamy filling that will melt in your mouth.
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🎃 Pumpkin Spice Twist: Embrace the flavors of fall with your favorite pumpkin pie filling. It’s like a taste of autumn in every bite!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
Slice this Amazing Traditional Croatian Povitica into thick, luscious pieces and savor it with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It’s perfect for a cozy brunch gathering, a sweet treat for large groups, or simply indulging in a slice of European-inspired comfort at home.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the world of bread-making, this recipe invites you to create something truly special. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of fresh-baked povitica fill your kitchen with joy! 🥐✨
With its tender layers, nutty aroma, and sweet, comforting flavors, this Amazing Traditional Croatian Povitica is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home. Enjoy every slice, and savor the tradition and love baked into each delicious bite! 🍞❤️
