UKRAINIAN POPPY SEED ROLL

Steps:

• THE NIGHT BEFORE: Scald with boiling water 2 1/3 cups poppies. I do this about three times. I put the poppies in a large bowl add boiling water and swish them poppies. Wait until the poppies have settled and then pour off the water.
• After the third wash let the poppies stand in hot water for 1 hour.
• Drain poppies through a cheesecloth covered net sieve.
• Air dry in the sieve, preferably overnight.
• FOR THE DOUGH: MIX and KNEAD for about 10 minutes addin more flour if necessary.
• This is a soft dough.
• Let rise in a greased bowl, covered, for about 45 minutes, till doubled in bulk.
• Punch down and divide into two parts.
• Roll each into rectangle.
• Spread with Poppy Seed Filling all over the rectangle.
• Roll up each rectangle from the long end like a jelly roll.
• Pinch seams to make edges secure.
• Place on greased baking sheet.
• Cover, let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes, brush with egg wash or cream.
• (I use evaporated milk to brush tops) I like to slash tops lightly about 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart all the way up the roll.
• BAKE: preheated oven 350 degree F.
• for about 45 to 50 minutes or until done and brown on top.
• POPPY SEED FILLING: Stir HOT milk into poppy seeds, add the rest of the ingredients in order. Sometimes I add liquid honey for more sweetness. Add to taste.
• Stir until cool.
• When cool fill rolls.