Have you ever craved a warm and comforting treat to accompany your afternoon tea or cozy up with on a chilly evening? Look no further than the delightful Schwabische Briegel, a traditional German pastry that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
Schwabische Briegel
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp almond extract
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add the softened butter, egg, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the yeast mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
3. Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 10 equal portions and roll each portion into a long rope about 12 inches in length.
8. Twist the ropes into a pretzel-like shape and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Brush the Briegel with a beaten egg and sprinkle the sliced almonds on top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Schwabische Briegel is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The warmth of these twisted pastries, combined with the nutty crunch of the almonds, makes them a perfect indulgence for any time of day. Share them with loved ones or savor them in solitude, either way, they are bound to become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and treat yourself to a little piece of Germany right in your own home!
