BOHEMIAN HONEY WALNUT CHRISTMAS BREAD

BOHEMIAN HONEY WALNUT CHRISTMAS BREAD image

Categories Nut

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 16

Dough
2 envelopes dry yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup warm water
3 large egg yolks
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup milk, scalded and cooled to lukewarm
2 1/2 cups flour
Filling
2 cups ground walnuts (about 9 oz.)
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 egg whites, room temperature
1 cup sugar

Steps:

For dough: Sprinkle yeast and sugar over warm water in large bowl; stir to dissolve. Let stand until foamy, about 5 min. Mix in yolks and salt. Blend in butter, milk, then flour. Beat mixture with spoon until smooth, about 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours. For filling: Combine 1st 4 ingredients in med. saucepan over med.-low heat. Stir until honey dissolves and heated through. Pour into large bowl. Using mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until meringue is stiff and shiny. Fold into honey-nut mixture. Preheat oven to 350. Generously butter 10 inch tube pan. Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead until smooth, about 2 min. Divide dough in half, roll 1 dough piece into 20" square. Spread half of filling over. Roll dough up jelly roll style, enclosing filling. Repeat remaining dough and filling. Place 1 roll seam side down in pan so ends meet. Place second roll on top first seam side down so ends meet. Pierce dough with fork. Bake until tester inserted near center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool completely in pan on rack.