ROMANIAN COZONAC OR COLAC - A CHRISTMAS BREAD
At Christmas time Romanian mothers readied the dough for baking these delicious breads with a variety of fillings. The smells of Cozonac baking would stir my senses. As a little girl, I knew there would be merriment and lots of good food. On Christmas Eve, relatives and their friends with musical instruments moved from house to house in the large Romanian community where I grew up. They would serenade us with Romanian Christmas songs and my mother would lay out Cozonac, Placinta with apples or sweetened cottage cheese, yeast doughnuts with lemon curd filling, and other lovely Old World style baking. There would be fresh sarmale (cabbage rolls), mititea, (sausage), pickled cucumbers, liquors and liqueurs, and home made wine. If families could afford it, money was also given to the carollers which would be divided between them at the end of their carolling. The feast was the carollers' reward for bringing joy in our homes, and was my signal that Mosu Craciun (Father Christmas) was about to arrive. The carollers moved throughout the Romanian community all night, during Christmas Eve, until dawn. I would sneak out of bed to watch the muscicians and listen to the carols. When they were gone I was sent to my bed, but quietly sneaked a peek to watch my parents put out the few toys for the youngest children and stockings filled with fruit nuts and cookies for the elders, and perhaps new mittens and socks. I was the eldest girl. There are many variations of fillings for the Cozonac. The basic dough does not vary much.
Provided by TOOLBELT DIVA
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 3h45m
Yield 1 loaf, 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- For the Dough: Heat the milk to lukewarm.
- In a separate bowl, crumble yeast.
- Add 2 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp milk; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the 4 cups flour.
- To the lukewarm milk, add 3 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, the melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, (and optional food colouring).
- Add yeast mixture to remaining milk.
- Beat all with with rotary beater until thoroughly blended.
- Pour mixture over flour and work in, with a wooden spoon, until all flour has mixed well with milk mixture.
- Now, knead with hands for about 5 minutes or until dough will not stick too your hands.
- Cover with clean tea towel and place in warm spot. Allow dough to rise until double in size.
- Punch down and knead again for 2 minutes.
- Let rise again.
- Roll out dough and fill with your favourite filling.
- Cheese Filling: Cream cheese well, with fork.
- Add cornstarch and egg yolks and mix well.
- Add sour cream, 1 or 2 tbsp at a time.
- Work quickly and mix thoroughly.
- Add 4 tbsp sugar and flavouring.
- Spread over the dough, and bake in a moderate oven (350°F) until done.
- After 45 minutes, check for doneness.
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Boitumelo Mahlangu
[email protected]This recipe was a complete disaster. The dough was too sticky and the bread turned out raw in the middle.
Shoaib Basharat
[email protected]I had some trouble getting the dough to rise properly. I think I might have used too much yeast.
Alfred Romero
[email protected]This bread was a bit too sweet for my taste, but it was still very good. I might try reducing the amount of sugar next time.
Jims baby Smith
[email protected]This recipe is a keeper! I'll definitely be making this cozonac again and again.
Desi hits9
[email protected]I've made this cozonac several times now, and it's always a hit. It's the perfect bread to share with friends and family.
Monty Christou
[email protected]This bread is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet breads. It's perfect for special occasions or just as a weekend treat.
Sumaira Yousaf
[email protected]I was a bit intimidated by this recipe at first, but I'm so glad I gave it a try. The cozonac turned out beautifully and was a huge hit with my family.
Jcen Mwandi
[email protected]This cozonac was a labor of love, but it was totally worth it. The bread was absolutely stunning and tasted even better than it looked.
asif rehman
[email protected]I've never made cozonac before, but this recipe made it easy. The instructions were clear and concise, and the bread turned out perfectly.
Philip
[email protected]This bread was a hit at my Christmas party. Everyone loved the unique flavor and the beautiful presentation.
Beyonce Yonce
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of sweet breads, but this cozonac was surprisingly delicious. The dough was light and airy, and the filling was just the right amount of sweetness.
MD Shaddat Hossen Rakib
[email protected]This recipe was a bit more time-consuming than I expected, but it was totally worth it. The cozonac turned out beautifully and tasted amazing.
Mary wangari Kahinga
[email protected]I've tried many cozonac recipes over the years, but this one is by far the best. The bread was so fluffy and flavorful, and the filling was perfectly sweet and gooey.
AS MirZa
[email protected]This cozonac recipe is a true gem! The dough was incredibly soft and easy to work with, and the final product was absolutely delicious. My family and friends raved about it.