Croatian Easter Bread {Sirnica}

Sirnica is a traditional Croatian sweet bread made during the Easter period. At this time of year, you can find it in most bakeries and supermarkets across Dalmatia. My Aunt’s make a wonderful Sirnica every year for us all to enjoy on Easter day, so maybe you could give this recipe a go for your family to enjoy on Easter day as well. Or if you are like Mrs. CtD, you can eat this now, even though Easter is a way off this Easter bread has made its way into the bakeries and she can’t help herself but nibble at it all day.

Ingredients: Croatian Easter Bread, Sirnica

•     25 g yeast
•     3 tbsp warm milk
•     4 egg yolks
•     100 g sugar
•     1/2 tsp vanilla sugar
•     60g soft unsalted butter
•     4 tbsp sunflower oil
•     pinch of salt
•     zest of 1/2 lemon
•     zest of 1 orange
•     3 tbsp rum
•     400 g sifted all-purpose flour
•     1 1/4 cups milk
•     1 egg lightly beaten
•     3 cubes of sugar

Method: Croatian Easter Bread, Sirnica

    Place the yeast in a bowl and add the 3 tbsp of warm milk, a tsp of sugar and a tsp of flour.
    Allow the yeast to do its magic and get foamy.
    In another bowl add the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla sugar, and butter and beat until it thickens and then add the sunflower oil and gently mix to combine.
    Now add the foamy yeast mixture, lemon and orange zest, rum, salt and flour and milk and start kneading. You need to get a soft – medium dough.
    Cover the dough and allow to rise for about an hour.
    Form 4 smaller round shaped pieces of dough, place them on a baking tray and allow to rise again until they double in size. Make sure they aren’t too close together, you don’t want them touching.
    Pre-heat your oven to 160 degree’s celsius.
    Once risen, with a sharp knife make a cross-like incision on top of each of the pieces of dough and brush with the beaten egg.
    Break up the sugar cubes so they become chunky coarse pieces of sugar and sprinkle on top of each of the Sirnica’s.
    Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Source:

http://www.chasingthedonkey.com/croatian-easter-bread-recipe-sirnica/