Fogaça da Feira - Portuguese Sweet Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 120ml (1/2 cup) warm milk 120ml (1/2 cup) warm milk
• 120g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 120g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)
• Pearl sugar, for decoration Pearl sugar, for decoration

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 47g (Sugars: 14g)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon zest, and orange zest.
3. 3.
   Add the softened butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into smaller portions. Shape each portion into desired designs, such as flowers or hearts.
7. 7.
   Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. 9.
   Brush the shaped dough with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle pearl sugar on top for decoration.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough.
• Active dry yeast — Ensure the yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date and testing it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.
• Lemon and orange zest — Use a fine grater to zest the fruits, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a few drops of lemon or orange extract to the dough.
• Experiment with different shapes and designs to make your Fogaça da Feira visually appealing.
• Serve the bread warm with a spread of butter or jam for an extra indulgence.
• If pearl sugar is not available, you can substitute it with coarse sugar or granulated sugar.

Serving advice

Serve Fogaça da Feira as a delightful breakfast treat or enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Slice it and spread some butter or your favorite jam for an extra touch of sweetness.

Presentation advice

Present the Fogaça da Feira on a decorative platter, showcasing its intricate designs. Dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.