Czech Desserts: CHRISTMAS TWIST "Vanocka"
3 egg yolks
1 whole egg
1/2 cup butter
5 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 pkg. yeast or preferably
1 cube fresh yeast
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup raisins
1 tbsp. lemon rind
1 tbsp. rum (optional)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 beaten egg for brushing
Sift measured flour together with grated lemon rind in a large bowl. Make a hole in the centre; add 1 table- spoon sugar. Crumble the yeast into the sugar; pour 1/4 cup lukewarm milk over the sugar and yeast. Leave in warm place for yeast to dissolve. Meanwhile, cream sugar, butter, egg yolks plus 1 whole egg until double in bulk. Add remaining lukewarm milk. Add to yeast mixture, making sure first that the yeast has dissolved.
With a wooden spoon work into elastic dough. Add raisins, almonds, lemon rind. Sprinkle top with 1 tea- spoon flour, cover and put in warm place to rise until double in bulk, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hour.
Divide the dough into 8 equal parts. Shape each piece of the dough into a long strip (16 inches) Braid first 4 strips together and put them on a well greased cookie sheet. Then braid the next three and put them on top of the first layer. Divide the last strip in two, wind these 2 pieces one over the other and place them on top, securing the ends to the lower layer. Brush with egg, let rise 30 min. and bake at 350F for 45-60 minutes, or until done. Sprinkle with sugar and cut in 1/2 inch slices to serve. If braiding seems complicated, shape into round loaf, and bake as above. (Could be frozen).
Czech Republic Information
Czech Desserts: EASY CAKE
2 cups flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 cup of oil
1 tsp. baking powder
Mix together, grease pan and pour in.
Cover with peeled and sliced apples (raisins,nuts) or any fruit you desire.
Bake at 350F for about 45 minutes.
Told you it was easy - Enjoy.
