I first learned to make this
bread as a young girl from my sweet Godmother, Mama Mac. She owned and operated a successful
bakery for many years in Los Angeles, California.
I still remember spending time with her there, smelling the wonderful aroma of her baking.
Over the years I've changed this recipe only a little, just so that it is easier and requires less time
to make. It is a wonderful treat to make for those you really care for. I promise, you'll love my
tried and true recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup whole Milk, Half & Half, or Whipping Cream, scalded
3 pkgs. Dry Yeast - Rapid Rise Fleischmann's is good
4 tablespoons Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
1 Egg, beaten lightly
2 sticks of Butter, melted
About 5 cups All-Purposed Flour, sifted once
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
You will need the following utensils:
Bundt Pan
a roast & yeast thermometer
small saucepan
measuring spoons
flour sifter
wooden spoon or heavy rubber spatula
This bread must be made by hand and not by a machine of any kind.
Making the Bread:
1. Grease very lightly, a Bundt pan, sides up to the top and center up to the top with two (2)
teaspoons of the vegetable oil.
2. Pour milk, half & half or whipping cream into a small saucepan. (Use whichever
you prefer, depending on the richness of the bread you want, all are good).
3. Heat at medium high, watch closely as small bubbles form at the sides of the pan.
Boil a little longer and remove from heat and pour into the bowl. (Don't let the cream
rise to the top of the pan) .
4. Allow to cool slightly to a temperature between 115 and 120°. (no more, no less)
5. Having opened the three (3) yeast packages, sprinkle them on top of the warm liquid.
Allow to sit for about 5 to 7 minutes then stir a bit. You want to see the yeast foam slightly
before going to the next step.
6. When you see the yeast foaming, add the sugar, salt, beaten egg, and one 1 stick of
the melted butter. Stir to mix well.
7. Using a measuring cup, start to add flour one (1) cup at a time. Stir
each cup in to blend well. Continue adding the flour until a soft dough (ball) is formed.
Leaving dough in the same bowl, pour the remaining one (1) teaspoon of vegetable oil on top and spread
over the dough with your hand. Cover with a clean cloth and allow to rise, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
8. Melt the remaining stick of butter in a medium sized shallow bowl. Put aside.
Place the dough onto a floured surface and sprinkle a wee bit of flour on top so that
the rolling pin won't stick to the dough. Roll out to about 1/2" thickness. Cut dough into 2" diamond shapes.
9. Holding your Bundt pan close to your dough, dip each piece in the melted butter and
begin layering the dough into the pan, using smallest pieces on the bottom. All of the butter
will be used.
Cover the pan with the clean cloth (I use the cover of my Dough Rising Bowl) and allow
dough to rise to top of pan. About 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven 400° F., while the dough is rising this last time. Bake
the bread for about 25 minutes. The top and sides should be nice medium dark color.
(A little over golden brown)
11. Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 or 10 minutes. Take a dinner plate
and place on top of pan and invert the pan. Bread will fall onto plate. Gently lift pan away.
Then take another serving plate and place on the bread and invert.
12. You are now ready to serve your bread warm or allow to cool. Serve by
pulling pieces apart.
AND THERE YOU HAVE IT! |