Ukrainian Harvest Bread - A Celebration of Flavors and Traditions

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp saffron threads 1 tsp saffron threads
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 100g (1/2 cup) honey 100g (1/2 cup) honey
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• Decorations: wheat stalks, edible flowers, dried fruits, etc. Decorations: wheat stalks, edible flowers, dried fruits, etc.

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat: 9g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 12g)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the saffron threads with a tablespoon of warm milk and let it steep for 10 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, eggs, saffron-infused milk, and the remaining warm milk.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 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 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into portions for braiding. Shape the portions into long ropes and braid them together, forming a round loaf.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. 9.
   Transfer the braided loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Decorate the bread with wheat stalks, edible flowers, or dried fruits.
10. 10.
    Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To extract the maximum flavor and color from saffron, steep it in warm milk before adding it to the dough. Crushing the saffron threads slightly before steeping can enhance the infusion process.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cardamom to the dough.
• Experiment with different decorative elements such as colored sugar, candied fruits, or even small figurines to personalize your Ukrainian Harvest Bread.
• If the bread starts browning too quickly in the oven, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.

Serving advice

Ukrainian Harvest Bread is traditionally served as a centerpiece during special occasions such as weddings, holidays, or family gatherings. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by butter, honey, or a variety of spreads.

Presentation advice

To showcase the beauty of the Ukrainian Harvest Bread, place it on a decorative breadboard or a platter adorned with fresh flowers and greenery. Surround it with small wheat stalks or other symbolic elements to enhance the visual appeal.