Moldavian Muffins (Sfintișori)
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 250 milliliters warm milk
- 8 grams dry yeast
- 80 grams sugar
- 630 grams bread flour
- 80 grams soft butter
- Zest of 1 unripe lemon
- 200 grams honey
- 200 grams warm water
- Zest of 1 unripe lemon (for syrup)
- 100 grams walnuts, grated
- 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glazing)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
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- In a large bowl, crack 2 eggs and add salt, 250 ml of warm milk, 8 g of dry yeast, and 80 g of sugar.
- Gradually add 630 g of bread flour and mix until the dough starts to form.
- Incorporate 80 g of soft butter into the dough.
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- Knead the dough:
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- Place the dough on a worktop and add the zest of 1 unripe lemon.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
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- Prepare the syrup:
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- In a separate bowl, combine 200 g of honey, 200 g of warm water, and the zest of 1 unripe lemon.
- Strain the syrup before using it.
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- Prepare the walnuts:
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- Grate 100 g of walnuts and set them aside.
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- Shape the muffins:
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- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each one into a ball.
- Roll out each ball into a rectangular shape using a rolling pin.
- Roll the dough into a log shape and form two 50 cm long sticks.
- Braid the two sticks and shape them into a muffin form.
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- Rise the dough:
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- Place the muffins in a baking tray and let them rise for 30 minutes.
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- Glaze and bake:
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- Mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush this mixture over the muffins.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake the muffins for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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- Finish the muffins:
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- Once the muffins are baked, pour the prepared syrup over them while they are still warm.
- Sprinkle the grated walnuts on top for added flavor and texture.
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- Serve and enjoy:
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- Let the muffins cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these sweet, soft, and syrupy Moldavian treats!
Let me know how they turn out for you! -