Since Easter is here ... I chose to share this recipe with you. Hope you
enjoy it.
* Exported from MasterCook *
Babka
Recipe By : Chris F.'s Kitchen
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Bread-Bakers Mailing List Breads
Ethnic Holiday
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 Pkg Active Dry Yeast
1 C Warm Water
8 C Flour
3 Eggs -- Beaten
4 Egg Yolks -- Reserve Whites
1 C Sugar
2 C Milk -- Warmed
1 Tbsp Orange Zest
1 C Butter -- Melted
1 C Raisins
In a small mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water with a pinch
of sugar. Let stand about 10 minutes until foamy.
In a very large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, 2 cups of the flour, the 3
whole eggs, 4 egg yolks, sugar, milk and orange zest; mix well.
Add the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and
supple, about 5 minutes.
Flatten the dough out with your hands and dot 1/3 cup of the butter on the
dough.
Fold up the dough and knead gently to incorporate the butter into the dough.
Repeat with another 1/3 cup and then with the last 1/3 cup of butter, until
all of the butter is incorporated.
Again flatten the dough with your hands and sprinkle with the
raisins. Fold up and knead to incorporate the raisins.
Lightly oil a large mixing bowl.
Place the dough in the bowl and turn the dough to lightly coat with oil.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let stand in a warm place until
doubled in volume; about 1 hour.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two equal
size pieces. Form each piece into a loaf and place them in two lightly
greased 9x5 in (23x12cm) loaf pans.
Again cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled,
about 40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
Brush the tops of the loaves with egg whites (you will not use all 4 of the
egg whites...just a nice brushing will do) and bake at 350F (180C) for 30
to 40 minutes, until the top of the loaves are golden and the loaves sound
hollow when tapped.
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