Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped dried fruits (such as raisins, apricots, and cranberries)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds and pistachios)
- 1 small plastic baby figurine (optional)
- 1 egg yolk, beaten
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Add the yeast mixture, butter, cream cheese, coconut cream, and egg to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 5 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and knead in the dried fruits and nuts.
7. Shape the dough into a ring and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Insert the plastic baby figurine into the dough, if using.
8. Brush the dough with beaten egg yolk and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
10. Bake the bolo rei for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Let the bolo rei cool on a wire rack.
12. Dust the bolo rei with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
Makes 1 bolo rei, serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 230
Total fat: 11g
Saturated fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total carbohydrate: 29g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 13g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
- You can use any combination of dried fruits and nuts that you prefer.
- You can omit the plastic baby figurine if you prefer.
Variations:
- You can add orange zest or cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
- You can use almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a nutty flavor.
- You can add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and active for the dough to rise properly.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and create a light texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as a turned-off oven with the light on or a sunny spot in your kitchen.
- Brush the dough with egg yolk for a shiny and golden crust.
- Dust the bolo rei with powdered sugar just before serving to prevent it from melting into the dough.
Storage Instructions:
Store the bolo rei in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the bolo rei, wrap it in foil and heat it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the bolo rei on a cake stand or platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. You can also decorate it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or candied fruits.
Garnishes:
Powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, candied fruits.
Pairings:
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Fruit salad, cheese platter, charcuterie board.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time until it comes together.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable.
- If the dough doesn't rise, check the expiration date of your yeast and make sure the dough is in a warm place.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
- Store the bolo rei in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food History:
Bolo rei is a traditional Portuguese cake that is typically eaten during the Christmas season. It is said to have originated in the 19th century and was inspired by the French galette des rois. The cake is shaped like a crown and contains a plastic baby figurine, which represents the baby Jesus. The person who finds the figurine in their slice of cake is said to have good luck for the coming year.
Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, nutty, fruity, creamy, coconutty.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the bolo rei as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.
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Region: Portuguese