Mecklenburg Sweet Bread

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Suikerbrood to Mecklenburg cuisine, we have incorporated the traditional flavors and techniques of Mecklenburg. The original Dutch Suikerbrood is typically made with white bread dough, while our Mecklenburg Sweet Bread uses a combination of white and whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Additionally, we have added a touch of cardamom to enhance the flavor profile and complement the sweetness of the bread. These modifications give the Mecklenburg Sweet Bread a unique twist while still capturing the essence of the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Suikerbrood, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 250g (2 cups) whole wheat flour 250g (2 cups) whole wheat flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 100g (1/2 cup) sugar 100g (1/2 cup) sugar
• 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm milk 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm milk
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• Additional sugar for sprinkling Additional sugar for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and ground cardamom.
2. 2.
   Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour in the warm milk while stirring, until a soft 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 about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf.
8. 8.
   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. 9.
   Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with sugar.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven 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 on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Whole wheat flour — Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the bread. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can replace half of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour.
• Cardamom — Cardamom adds a unique and aromatic flavor to the bread. Make sure to use ground cardamom for even distribution throughout the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, you can add raisins or chopped nuts to the dough before shaping it into a loaf.
• Serve the Mecklenburg Sweet Bread warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a truly indulgent treat.
• If you prefer a softer crust, you can cover the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serving advice

Mecklenburg Sweet Bread is best served warm, either on its own or with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Mecklenburg Sweet Bread, you can dust the top of the loaf with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and highlights the beautiful golden crust.