New Zealand-inspired Kiwi Twist Cozonac

Ingredients

In this New Zealand-inspired version of Cozonac, we incorporate the vibrant flavors of kiwi fruit, honey, and toasted almonds into the traditional Romanian sweet bread. This adds a refreshing and tropical twist to the classic recipe, creating a unique fusion of Romanian and New Zealand cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Cozonac, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) kiwi fruit, peeled and diced 1 cup (150g) kiwi fruit, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (60g) toasted almonds, chopped 1/2 cup (60g) toasted almonds, chopped
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 47g (Sugars: 17g)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and whisk until well combined.
4. 4.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling by combining the diced kiwi fruit, honey, and chopped toasted almonds in a bowl.
8. 8.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
9. 9.
   Spread the kiwi fruit filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. 10.
    Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
11. 11.
    Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
12. 12.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
13. 13.
    Bake the Kiwi Twist Cozonac for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
14. 14.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. 15.
    Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kiwi fruit — Make sure to dice the kiwi fruit into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the filling.
• Toasted almonds — Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant before chopping them. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a sweeter cozonac, you can sprinkle some additional sugar over the filling before rolling the dough.
• For a more pronounced kiwi flavor, you can add a teaspoon of kiwi extract to the dough.
• If you don't have almonds, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or pecans.
• Serve the Kiwi Twist Cozonac warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Slice the Kiwi Twist Cozonac into thick slices and serve it on a platter. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the Kiwi Twist Cozonac with a few slices of fresh kiwi fruit and a sprinkle of toasted almonds. This will add a pop of color and highlight the kiwi flavor.