Ziemassvētku Dzeltenmaize (Latvian Christmas Yellow Bread) is a traditional Latvian recipe for a classic saffron-flavoured bread containing sultanas and topped with almonds that's baked as a plaited ring and which is typically served for Christmas. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Latvian version of: Latvian Christmas Yellow Bread (Ziemassvētku ).Dzeltenmaize
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Ingredients:
400ml whole milk
675g plain flour
pinch of salt
75g unsalted butter, warmed to room temperature
75g golden caster sugar
80g sultanas
2 packets active, dried, yeast
5g saffron, ground
2 medium eggs
finely-grated zest of 1/2 lemon
50g nibbed almonds
2 egg yolks, beaten, to glaze
generous pinch of freshly-ground cardamom
icing sugar, for dusting
Method:
Dissolve 5g of the sugar in half the milk. Add the yeast and beat to combine then cover with a cloth and set aside until the mixture begins to froth (about 15 minutes).
At this point, beat in the butter, remaining milk, remaining sugar, sultanas, saffron, eggs and lemon zest. Sift the flour over the top and mix in then knead until you have a smooth and elastic dough. Cover with clingfilm (plastic wrap) then place in the refrigerator over night.
The following day, knock the dough back then divide into three equal portions. Take each piece in turn and roll on a floured work surface to make ropes about 60 to 80cm long. Take the three dough ropes and plait them together then pinch the ends to seal. Form this into a ring then place on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Cover lightly with clingfilm and set aside in a warm place until doubled in volume (about 60 minutes).
Beat the egg yolks and use to brush the top of the loaf. Scatter over the almonds and a generous pinch of ground cardamom then transfer to an oven pre-heated to 190°C And bake for about 30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown in colour and sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
Dust liberally with icing sugar then transfer to a wire rack to cool before slicing and serving.
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