Raisin and Apricot Buns
Ingredients:
- Milk: 150 ml
- Egg: 1 piece
- Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Vegetable Oil: 40 ml
- Flour: 300 g
- Fresh Yeast: 15 g
- Salt: A pinch
- Butter: 40 g
- Raisins: ½ cup
- Dried Apricots: 100 g
Cooking Steps:
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients. Thoroughly wash and dry the raisins and apricots, then chop the apricots into small pieces.
- Mixing the Base: Separate the egg, reserving the yolk for later. Combine the egg white with vegetable oil in a bowl. Stir in the sugar and a pinch of salt for balance.
- Activating the Yeast: Softly crumble the fresh yeast into the mixture. Warm the milk to a cozy 40-50°C before blending it in, ensuring a swift rise. Mix until the yeast fully dissolves into a smooth concoction.
- Forming the Dough: Gradually incorporate the flour, setting the stage for kneading.
- Kneading: Start with a fork, then transition to hands-on kneading. The goal is a soft, elastic dough that’s a pleasure to handle, thanks to the vegetable oil ensuring it won’t stick.
- Rising: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for 40-60 minutes, allowing it to ambitiously expand to 2-3 times its original volume.
- Shaping the Buns: Once risen, deflate the dough gently. Carve out a piece roughly the size of a tennis ball and roll it into a 15×20 cm rectangle. Lavish it with softened butter.
- Adding the Fruits: Evenly distribute the chopped apricots and raisins over the buttered surface.
- Rolling: Roll the dough into a tight log. Slice it in half lengthwise, leaving one end intact, and dust your knife with flour to avoid sticking.
- Twisting: Turn the cut strips inside out to showcase the filling, then artfully twist them together.
- Forming the Ring: Coil the twist into a circular shape, symbolizing continuity and unity.
- Final Rise: Allow the shaped dough to proof for an additional 15 minutes. Brush it lovingly with the reserved egg yolk to give it a golden glow.
- Baking: Bake at 170°C for 20-25 minutes until the buns bloom into a rich, golden hue. Resist the urge to peek early, as patience rewards you with perfectly risen buns.
- Serving Suggestion: These aromatic buns are best enjoyed with a side of tea or warm milk, making for a heartwarming treat.
Bon Appétit!
