Vanocka - Czech Braided Bread
Vanocka is a traditional Czech braided bread, most often prepared during Christmas time. The soft, sweet dough is flavored with raisins and lemon zest, then sprinkled with almonds and baked until golden brown. The braided form is attributed with symbolic meaning, as it represents family togetherness. Vanocka has been a festive pastry of Czech cuisine for centuries and is often consumed with milk or butter. According to tradition, baking a successful Vanocka brings good luck for the new year.
Ingredients for this recipe
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Preparation Steps
1
Warm the milk until lukewarm, then mix in the yeast and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it stand for 10 minutes, or until the yeast blooms.
2
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, the remaining sugar, and the lemon zest.
3
Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough.
4
Knead in the raisins, then cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into three equal parts.
6
Roll each part into a long rope, then braid them together to form a loaf.
7
Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg.
9
Sprinkle with almond flakes, then bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
10
Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving with butter or jam.
