I don't have a lot to share. It has been in the negative digits all weekend. We have had to shovel and plow almost every day. I have spent this three-day weekend cleaning. I spent it washing the logs, dusting everything, and tidying the plants. I made peanut butter cookies, babka bread, and pork/pepper stir fry with noodles. 
4 c. Flour
2 1/4 t. Yeast
1 c. Water warm
1 T. Kosher Salt
1/4 c. Honey or Sugar
1/2 c. Olive Oil
2 Eggs
Zest of one Orange
2 t. Vanilla
Filling
1/2 c. Butter
3/4 c. Dark Chocolate Chips
1/2 c. Powdered Sugar
1/3 c. Cocoa Powder
Syrup
1/3 c. Orange Juice fresh squeezed
6 T. Sugar
Wisk 1 c. of flour with the yeast and stir in warm water until combined and let rise 45 minutes. Add honey, salt, oil, eggs, zest, and vanilla. Stir until will mixed, then add remaining 3 c. flour. Stir until sticky. Turn dough on a lightly floured work surface and knead for a few minutes, until smooth. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a dish towel. Let rise 1-2 hours. Make the filling by melting the butter and chocolate together. Stir in powdered sugar and cocoa until smooth. Punch down dough and divide into 2 equal parts. Using a rolling pin, roll 1 half into a rectangle about 10-11 inches wide and 16 inches long. Spread half of the filling over the top, leaving half for the other half. Roll into a tight coil. You can refrigerate overnight or chill in the freezer for 15 minutes. Coat loaf pans with butter. Cut logs in half and twist together in loaf pan. Let rise 1 to 1.5 hours. Bake at 375º for 25-30 minutes.
Personal Notes: Wow! Chocolate and bread, what more could a person want? It seems complicated at first, but once you make it you realize it is pretty easy and well worth it.
What gorgeous colors! The bread recipe seems so decadent and looks yummy. To me, this is the time of year where I look around and say I've got to get a load ready to go to the thrift! Yeah, cleaning, umm, maybe later?
ReplyDeleteThe only time I heard of Babka is from Seinfeld, lol. But it looks delicious. Sounds like you're having a busy week, all that cleaning - yuck. My daughter is coming home to help me get my house in order. She will be brutal with decluttering, which is exactly what I need. Have a great week, stay warm! Sincerely, Leslie
ReplyDeleteWe got fresh snow last night so I put my wool rugs in the soft snow and swept them clean felt refreshing. I like to do spring cleaning when I can throw up with the windows wide and and wash all the curtains. Right now i am making the sure the cozy throws are clean and soft and the surfaces are dusted.
ReplyDeleteCathy