Sweet Bread (Sweet Breads)

1

To make the dough: In a small saucepan, warm up some milk

Remove from heat; add sugar, salt, and butter; mix until butter is melted

Reserve and let mixture cool to room temperature

2

Pour in warm water into a large bowl

Water should be lukewarm; if too hot, yeast won't activate, and if too cold, it will prolong its activation

Sprinkle yeast over the water; mix until dissolved

Add mixture of milk and egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 1/2 cups of flour; beat with a spoon until smooth

Add raisins, lemon zest, and remaining flour; beat with a spoon until dough is smooth and no longer sticks to sides of bowl

3

Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 5-10 minutes or until elastic and bumpy

4

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl; turn to coat top as well

Cover with cloth and let rise in a protected area away from air currents for about 1 1/2 hours, or until has doubled in volume

5

Shape into desired shape; place in a baking dish

6

Let rise again in the same way as before for another 1 1/2 hour, or until has doubled in volume once more

7

To form sweet breads, flatten each portion into a ball and shape into a round loaf

Cut each loaf into 9 pieces; shape each piece into a ball and let rise on floured surface for about 1 hour

8

Arrange balls in a baking dish lined with parchment paper; press each ball gently with fingers

9

Cover baking dish with cloth and let rise again in the same way as before for another 1 1/2 hours, or until has doubled in volume once more

10

Preheat oven; beat egg yolk with a spoon (of milk); brush sweet breads with this mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown

11

Glaze: In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until smooth

12

Let sweet breads partially cool in baking dish; place glaze over each bread

Serve warm.