There is no dearth of chocolate recipes out in the blogosphere and in print for Valentine's day in the world.
but there is also something to be said about sharing a really really good cup of coffee
with your honey
in the morning
before the day separates you
before the kids begin their demands on your time
so make this with love
this spectacular cinammon sugary braid
pull it apart with fingers
eat it warm, eat it hot, eat it cold, eat it together
with that excellent cup of coffee
On Valentine's Day
for there's no better way to start the day!
Before I proceed with this recipe, I must thank my friend Joumana, Taste of Beirut who shared the recipe link on facebook from Ana Maria Ciolacu from Just Love Cooking. The inspiration for this braid comes from her with slight adjustments and artistic liberty to turn this into a very rustic and endearing Valentine's day treat!Gather the ingredients,
Dough : 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup milk, 1 tbs + 1-1/2 tsp active dry yeast (1-1/2 envelope active dry yeast), 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 2 egg yolks & 2 tbs sugar, 1-2 tbs water if needed to soften dough.Cinnamon Butter: 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 3 tbs regular sugar, 5 tbs light brown sugar, 4 tsp ground cinnamon
Line a 11 x 13" jelly roll pan with double layer parchment paper. Set aside.
In a microwave safe bowl, warm the milk for 30 seconds till warm. Stir in the yeast and sugar with the lukewarm milk and let it proof for about 5-10 minutes.
Good to know: The yeast should foam and bubble up. if it doesn't you will need to begin afresh with a new batch of yeast.
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, add the egg yolk, the melted butter, the flours and salt. Add the proofed yeast and on a medium setting, knead the dough and shape into a ball. All of this can also be done by hand if you are not using a electric stand mixer or any other equipment.
Place the dough in a large greased bowl, and place in a warm space and let rise until doubled in size for about an hour or so. The microwave works well as a warm resting place.
While the dough is rising, combine the cinnamon sugar ingredients in a bowl and stir with a spoon. Set aside at room temperature till needed
Do not punch down the risen dough but simply divide the dough into 2 equal halves, uUsing a kitchen scale if you have one.
Preheat oven to 400 deg F.
Sprinkle 2 tbs all-purpose flour on a clean work surface.
Using even pressure, roll out the dough to a circle, slightly less than 1/4" thickness.
Using a butter knife or the back of a spoon, spread 1/2 the butter over the rolled dough, leaving a 1/2" rim all around.
Roll up the dough into a log and using a sharp knife, cut the log in half length-wise.
Twist the two halves together, keeping the open layers exposed as described in the photo tutorial.
Repeat the same with the other half of the dough.
Once you have two braid, transfer to the the lined baking sheet and form a heart shape pinching the 2 ends together so they meet.
Using a pastry brush, top with melted butter. Bake for 10 minutes.
Lower the temperature to 350 deg F and continue baking for another 20 mins or so until the top is golden brown.
Enjoy!
Recipe for
Overflowing Cinnamon Braid Heart for Valentine's Day
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Resting time: 1 hr
Baking time: 30-35 mins
Shopping list:
Cinnamon Butter:
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
3 tbs regular sugar
5 tbs light brown sugar
4 tsp ground cinnamon
Line a 11 x 13" jelly roll pan with double layer parchment paper. Set aside.
Method:
In a microwave safe bowl, warm the milk for 30 seconds till warm. Stir in the yeast and sugar with the lukewarm milk and let it proof for about 5-10 minutes.
Good to know: The yeast should foam and bubble up. if it doesn't you will need to begin afresh with a new batch of yeast.
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, add the egg yolk, the melted butter, the flours and salt. Add the proofed yeast and on a medium setting, knead the dough and shape into a ball. All of this can also be done by hand if you are not using a electric stand mixer or any other equipment.
Place the dough in a large greased bowl, and place in a warm space and let rise until doubled in size for about an hour or so. The microwave works well as a warm resting place.
While the dough is rising, combine the cinnamon sugar ingredients in a bowl and stir with a spoon. Set aside at room temperature till neededDo not punch down the risen dough but simply divide the dough into 2 equal halves, uUsing a kitchen scale if you have one.
Preheat oven to 400 deg F.
Sprinkle 2 tbs all-purpose flour on a clean work surface.
Using even pressure, roll out the dough to a circle, slightly less than 1/4" thickness.
Using a butter knife or the back of a spoon, spread 1/2 the butter over the rolled dough, leaving a 1/2" rim all around.
Roll up the dough into a log and using a sharp knife, cut the log in half length-wise.
Twist the two halves together, keeping the open layers exposed as described in the photo tutorial.
Repeat the same with the other half of the dough.
Once you have two braid, transfer to the the lined baking sheet and form a heart shape pinching the 2 ends together so they meet.
Using a pastry brush, top with melted butter. Bake for 10 minutes.
Lower the temperature to 350 deg F and continue baking for another 20 mins or so until the top is golden brown.
Enjoy!