Regina's Bobka

Ingredients

Batter

• 1/2 lb butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 (1/4 ounce) packages dry yeast (about 2 Tbsp)
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 3 egg yolks

Filling

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 cup golden raisin
• 1 grated lemon, rind of
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Merinque

• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 cup sugar

Directions

1. 1

   For the batter, heat the butter and milk until the butter melts. Set aside to cool.

2. 2

   Sift the flour into a large bowl with the salt and sugar.

3. 3

   Dissolve the yeast in the water and mix in the egg yolks.

4. 4

   Stir the cooled milk and butter mixture into the flour and then add the yeast mixture.

5. 5

   Mix well and refrigerate, covered, overnight or for at least 12 hours. Refrigerate the egg whites.

6. 6

   For the filling, combine the water and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

7. 7

   Add the rest of the filling ingredients and cook on low heat until thick, about 10 minutes. If you make the filling in advance, refrigerate it.

8. 8

   To assemble the bobka, bring the egg whites to room temperature.

9. 9

   Beat the whites until foamy, and while stir beating, slowly ad 1/2 cup sugar until peaks form.

10. 10

    Preheat the oven to 350°F.

11. 11

    Remove the dough from refrigerator just before you roll it out.

12. 12

    Divide the dough in half.

13. 13

    One a well-floured surface with a floured rolling pin, roll each half into a 12*24 inch rectangle.

14. 14

    Work quickly because the dough will become sticky and difficult to work with as it warms up.

15. 15

    Spread half he meringue and then half of the filling on each recangle to within 1 inch of the sides.

16. 16

    Roll the long side up like a jelly roll and seal the short ends together. Place on roll inside a greased bundt pan. Lay the other roll on top.

17. 17

    Bake for 45-60 minutes, until firm and almost bread-like on top.

18. 18

    Let the bobka cool.

19. 19

    Turn it out onto a plate, put a serving plate on top, and reverse the cake to its original position.