Romanian Cozonac or Colac - a Christmas Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour
• 1 cup milk, heated
• 3 eggs, beated lightly
• 1 fresh yeast cake
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons sugar, plus
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3-4 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

Cheese Filling

• 1/2 pint sour cream
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla or lemon flavoring

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 2

   For the Dough: Heat the milk to lukewarm.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, crumble yeast.

4. 4

   Add 2 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp milk; set aside.

5. 5

   In a large mixing bowl, place the 4 cups flour.

6. 6

   To the lukewarm milk, add 3 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, the melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, (and optional food colouring).

7. 7

   Add yeast mixture to remaining milk.

8. 8

   Beat all with with rotary beater until thoroughly blended.

9. 9

   Pour mixture over flour and work in, with a wooden spoon, until all flour has mixed well with milk mixture.

10. 10

    Now, knead with hands for about 5 minutes or until dough will not stick too your hands.

11. 11

    Cover with clean tea towel and place in warm spot. Allow dough to rise until double in size.

12. 12

    Punch down and knead again for 2 minutes.

13. 13

    Let rise again.

14. 14

    Roll out dough and fill with your favourite filling.

15. 15

    Cheese Filling: Cream cheese well, with fork.

16. 16

    Add cornstarch and egg yolks and mix well.

17. 17

    Add sour cream, 1 or 2 tbsp at a time.

18. 18

    Work quickly and mix thoroughly.

19. 19

    Add 4 tbsp sugar and flavouring.

20. 20

    Spread over the dough, and bake in a moderate oven (350°F) until done.

21. 21

    After 45 minutes, check for doneness.