Kougelhopf: Gourmet Recipe for Christmas

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Icing sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk in a large mixing bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, salt, and eggs to the bowl and mix well.
3. Add flour to the mixture and combine to form a dough.
4. Continue mixing the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Add softened butter, raisins, and chopped almonds to the dough and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
6. Grease a Kougelhopf mold with butter and dust it with flour.
7. Transfer the dough into the mold and cover it with a kitchen towel.
8. Let the dough rise for 1.5-2 hours until it doubles in size.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
10. Bake the Kougelhopf in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until it turns golden brown.
11. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the mold.
12. Dust the Kougelhopf with icing sugar before serving.

Verdict:

Kougelhopf is a traditional Alsatian dessert typically served during Christmas. This gourmet recipe is perfect for the holiday season because it’s easy to make and tastes delicious. The raisins and chopped almonds provide a nice crunch, and the dough is soft and fluffy. The icing sugar on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions:

Best served slightly warm with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. Kougelhopf can also be sliced and served as a dessert after dinner. It goes well with whipped cream or ice cream. Enjoy!