Cozonac Mioritic Recipe
Introduction to Cozonac Mioritic
Cozonac Mioritic is a traditional Romanian sweet bread that has been a centerpiece in holiday festivities, particularly during Easter and Christmas. With its rich and fluffy texture, this delightful bread is often flavored with vanilla, citrus zest, and filled with various ingredients such as walnuts, cocoa, or raisins. Its roots can be traced back centuries as part of Romanian culture, where it symbolizes prosperity and joy. The aroma of a freshly baked Cozonac is enough to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
The History of Cozonac
The origins of Cozonac can be traced as far back as Ancient Egypt, where similar sweet breads were first recorded. The recipe traveled across Europe, evolving with local ingredients and traditions to become the beloved Cozonac recognized in Romania today. Historically, the preparation of Cozonac was a family affair, often involving multiple generations who gathered to share in the ritual of making this exquisite bread.
Ingredients for Cozonac Mioritic
- Flour - 1 kg
- Sugar - 250 g
- Eggs - 5 whole plus 1 for glazing
- Milk - 500 ml
- Butter - 200 g
- Fresh Yeast - 50 g
- Salt - a pinch
- Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
- Citrus zest (lemon or orange) - 2 teaspoons
- Walnuts - 200 g
- Cocoa powder - 50 g
- Raisins - 100 g
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. Warm the milk slightly to activate the yeast. This will be crucial for the dough's rise. In a bowl, combine walnuts, cocoa, and raisins for the filling and set aside.
Step 2: Activating the Yeast
Crumble the fresh yeast into a bowl, add a teaspoon of sugar and a few tablespoons of warm milk. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 3: Making the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast mixture, remaining sugar, beaten eggs (reserving one for the glaze), butter, remaining milk, vanilla extract, and citrus zest. Mix the ingredients either by hand or using a mixer with a dough hook attachment until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This may take around 10 minutes.
Step 4: Letting the Dough Rise
Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free environment until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Creating the Filling
Step 5: Preparing the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the walnuts, cocoa, and raisins. Some variations include adding a bit of melted butter or milk to bind the ingredients together, creating a paste-like texture.
Assembling the Cozonac
Step 6: Shaping the Bread
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly over each rectangle, and roll the dough tightly into a log. You can braid two logs together for a decorative appearance.
Step 7: Final Rise
Place the shaped loaves into buttered loaf pans, cover them, and let them rise again for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Baking the Cozonac
Step 8: Preparing to Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the tops of the risen loaves with the reserved beaten egg to give them a glossy finish.
Step 9: Baking
Bake the Cozonac in the preheated oven for about 40 to 50 minutes or until golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the tops brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Using a Timer
Ensure to keep track of the baking time by using a reliable cooking timer.
Enjoying Cozonac Mioritic
After baking, let the Cozonac cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy this delicious bread sliced with a cup of tea or coffee, or as part of a festive meal. Cozonac is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Conclusion
Whether you're making Cozonac Mioritic for a special holiday or simply to enjoy the rich flavors of Romanian tradition, this recipe will surely become a household favorite. Share it with family and friends, and create lasting memories with every bite.