Global Holiday Breads
A vibrant, crown-shaped sweet bread, traditional for Epiphany celebrations in Mexico, Spain, and Portugal, symbolizing the Three Wise Men's journey. It's often adorned with candied fruits and contains a hidden baby Jesus figurine.
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 package active dry yeast (2.25 tsp)
- 0.5 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 4 large eggs divided
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup candied fruit (mixed) chopped
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar for topping
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for topping
- 1 tablespoon softened butter for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, 3 of the eggs, softened butter, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the dough. If desired, insert a small, heat-proof figurine into the dough before shaping. Shape the dough into a large ring or oval, creating a hole in the center. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 45-60 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). For the sugar paste topping: in a small bowl, combine 0.25 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 tablespoon softened butter until a paste forms.
- Brush the risen dough with the remaining beaten egg. Decorate the top with strips of candied fruit and dollops of the sugar paste.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure your kitchen is warm to aid yeast activation and dough rising. You can customize the candied fruit topping with your favorites or use a mix of dried fruits. Don't forget to hide a small, heat-proof figurine (like a ceramic baby Jesus) inside the dough before the second rise – it’s a fun tradition!