Hue Butter Swirl

Introduction & History

The Hue Butter Swirl is a delectable pastry that blends influences from Vietnamese cuisine and traditional European baking techniques. Named after the Vietnamese city of Hue, it captures the essence of the region's culinary history, which is known for its sophisticated imperial cuisine. The integration of butter into this pastry reflects the European influences brought about during the French colonial period. The result is a pastry that is flaky, rich, and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Butter - 1 cup, softened
• All-purpose flour - 2 cups
• Sugar - 1/2 cup
• Eggs - 2 large
• Milk - 1/2 cup
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Active dry yeast - 2 1/4 teaspoons
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1 tablespoon

Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough

Begin by dissolving the yeast in warm milk. Make sure the milk is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. Let it sit until it becomes frothy, about 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well. Add the vanilla extract.

2. Combining Ingredients

Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Gradually add the creamed butter mixture and the yeast milk. Knead until a smooth dough forms. This should take about 10 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Cooking Process

3. Rolling and Shaping

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread a layer of softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon and a little sugar. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Cut the log into even slices about 1 inch thick.

4. Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 20 minutes. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and brush lightly with butter.

How to Enjoy

These Hue Butter Swirls are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. Serve with a cup of Vietnamese coffee or tea for an authentic experience. They're perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. The combination of butter and cinnamon creates a melt-in-your-mouth delight that is sure to delight anyone who tries them.