Babka is probably of Eastern Europe descent but I grew up having this loaf of bread as my afternoon snack. I have not seen a babka in our local deli or supermarket here in the US so I am creating one for the girls to try...
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/4 cups milk
5 tsp active dry yeast (2 envelopes)
1 stick melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
6 egg yolks
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour (plus more for dredging)CHOCOLATE FILLING:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup walnut or pecan, finely choppedHERE'S HOW:
- Warm the milk (about 110 degrees F and place in a bowl. Add yeast and whisk. Using an electric mixer whisk in butter, sugar, salt, egg yolds and egg.
- Using a spatula, add the flour and beat until well blended
- Beat the dough for 2 minutes
- Place in a bowl and cover. Palace in refrigerator for 1 1/2 hours
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining chopped chocolate, sugar and cinnamon.
- After the dough has been chilled, place dough in a work surface dusted with flour and flatten using a rolling pin
- Evenly scatter the chocolate filling and place nuts on top
- Rill gently into a log
- Place in loaf pan (sprayed with non stick spray on the side). Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place babka
- Bake for 40-45 minutes and transfer on a rack to cool
- Slice and enjoy!
