NAZOOK OR CHOREG (ARMENIAN SWEET PASTRY)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt and mahleb.
• In a medium saucepan, heat milk until hot. Add butter,
• shortening and sugar, and stir until sugar is dissolved.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
• Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add a bit of
• sugar to activate the yeast. The mixture should become foamy.
• Make a well in the center of the flour. Add the eggs and the
• milk mixture to the flour.
• Pour in the activated yeast. Stir to blend well.
• Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until
• the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly
• sticky, not dry.
• Place the dough in a large greased bowl. Pat top of dough with
• a bit of oil to prevent sticking to aluminum foil. Cover the
• bowl with foil and then a dish towel. Let rise in a warm place
• for 2 hours.
• Break off a small amount of dough and shape into pretzels or braids.
• Put rolls on a baking sheet and allow to rise for 30 minutes. Brush
• with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds and/or nigella (black
• seeds, see note).
• Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.