ADVERTISEMENT
Ingredients
Unsalted butter
1/2 Tax
Zucker
1 Taxes
Kosher salt
1/2 TL
Milk, scalded
1 Taxes
Dry yeast
4 1/2 TL
Warm water
1/4 Tax
large eggs, room temperature and beaten
2
All-purpose flour
5 1/2 Bags
Raisins, golden or dark
1/2 Tax
Almonds, blanched and sliced
1/2 Tax
candied lemon, chopped
1/3 Taxes
for covering
Large egg, beaten
1
sliced almonds
2 THE
powdered sugar
If you are a fan of Jewish challah bread or Polish halka, you will love Czech Vánočka . This sweet braided Czech Christmas bread has a wonderfully sweet outside, flaky inside and fluffy with a buttery taste
Vanocka is a delicious sweet bread made with delicious ingredients such as candied citrus fruits, raisins and almonds . It is a delicious bread to bake for your loved ones this Christmas season, especially if you want to treat them to something special with a phenomenal taste.
What is Christmas?
Vanocka (pronounced van-otch-ka) is a braided sweet bread traditionally eaten for Christmas Eve breakfast in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is similar to Jewish challah bread , but contains additional ingredients such as candied citrus fruits, raisins, and almonds.
Vanocka dates back to the 14th century and is said to depict the Christ Child wrapped in a cloth. It is made from enriched dough, similar to brioche bread.
There are many special customs and superstitions related to Vanocka. It is said that the baker should think of all his loved ones when preparing it. It is also customary to avoid contact of the dough with metal. The reason why the bread is braided is because it is believed to promote peace.
Christmas ingredients
To make Vanocka, you need basic bread-making ingredients such as flour, yeast, water and salt.
Since Czech Christmas bread is rich, you also need butter, milk and eggs.
Sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while candied citrons, raisins and almonds add wonderful flavor.
Either all-purpose flour or bread flour is suitable for this recipe. Traditionally, Czech flours Hladka and Polohruba are used to make Vanocka, but these are difficult to find abroad.
How to make Christmas
To make the perfect vanocka at home, start by combining butter, sugar, salt and milk. Add yeast and water to the bowl of your stand mixer and allow it to foam. Add the milk mixture and eggs to the yeast mixture and stir well. Set your stand mixer to the low setting and then beat in three cups of flour.
Add raisins, almonds, candied citrus fruits and the rest of the flour. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes until you have a smooth dough. It will be sticky, but at this point this is the right texture. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in volume, about an hour depending on the temperature in your home.
Once it has doubled in size, cut the dough into 3 large and 5 smaller pieces. Roll each piece out into a thin rope. Braid the three large ropes, pinch the ends together, then tuck the ends under the loaf. Braid three of the smaller ropes and place the smaller loaf on top of the larger braided loaf. Twist the remaining two ropes together, then place them on top of the smaller braid. Fold all the ends together to help the loaf hold its shape, then let the dough rise once more.
Brush the loaf with egg and garnish with almonds. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F. Bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing. Garnish with powdered sugar and serve, preferably with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for Czech Christmas bread
Make sure the dough is well kneaded. This will ensure that the ingredients are well incorporated and you get the perfect light, flaky bread. This is much easier with a food processor, but you can also knead the dough by hand. It will just take a little longer.
You can use toothpicks or wooden skewers to secure the braids in place and keep the bread in shape.
Let your bread rise in a warm, draft-free place.
Christmas Variations
For a tasty change, try using different types of dried fruit such as dried apricots, dates or figs. Soak overnight in rum or brandy for extra flavour.
Add anise seeds to the dough for a delicious touch.
How to store Czech Christmas bread
To continue reading, scroll down and click Next 👇👇
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
