Pan Tramvai: A Sweet Bread from Brianza
Pan tramvai is a traditional sweet bread from the Brianza region of Italy, celebrated for its rich flavor and unique texture. This delightful treat is often enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. Each bite reveals a harmonious blend of sweet raisins infused into a soft, fluffy dough, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with your afternoon coffee. With a fermentation process that allows the dough to develop character, this recipe will transport you to the charming Italian countryside as you indulge in this delightful creation
Ingredients
For the Baguette:
- 100 g flour 00
- 95 g water
- 10 g beer yeast
For the Dough:
- 400 g flour 00
- 400 g raisins
- 40 g cream butter
- 180 g water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baguette
In a mixing bowl, combine the 100 g of flour, 95 g of water, and 10 g of beer yeast. Stir until well blended. Cover the bowl with a cloth and allow the mixture to rise for 16 to 18 hours at room temperature. This long fermentation ensures a rich flavor.
Step 2: Soak the Raisins
While the baguette rises, soak the 400 g of raisins in warm water for about 30 minutes. This will plump up the raisins and enhance their sweetness. After soaking, drain and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, add the 400 g of flour. Incorporate the prepared baguette mixture and pour in 180 g of water. Add 40 g of cream butter in small cubes and a pinch of salt. Use your hands to mix everything together until you achieve a soft and homogeneous dough.
Step 4: Knead and Integrate Raisins
Flatten the dough slightly and sprinkle the soaked raisins over the center. Carefully fold the dough over the raisins, first bringing the long sides together followed by the shorter sides. Knead the mixture gently to evenly distribute the raisins throughout.
Step 5: Shape and Rise
Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape them into loaves. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dust them lightly with flour and cover. Let them rise until they double in size, which should take about an hour.
Step 6: Final Shaping and Baking
Once risen, roll the loaves into rectangles. Fold them like a book and close the flaps toward the center. Roll them again into elongated shapes. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F). Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Inspired by a blend of culinary traditions, this dessert is affectionately known as "Not a Cake, but Gold," celebrating simplicity and indulgence. Featuring a delicate dough layered with a smooth cheese filling, this dish embodies the essence of comfort food while providing a touch of elegance. Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying with family after a meal, this recipe showcases the magic that happens when basic ingredients come together in a delightful union. Dust it with powdered sugar to elevate its appeal—every bite feels like a celebration of flavors!
Not a Cake, but Gold: An Exquisite Dessert
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 eggs + 1 egg for filling
- 150 g granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- 70 ml milk
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
For the Filling:
- 250 g cheese (cottage or ricotta)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Decoration:
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 eggs and add a pinch of salt along with 150 g of sugar. Beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate 100 ml of vegetable oil and 70 ml of milk, mixing well after each addition.
Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift 200 g of all-purpose flour along with 1 tablespoon of baking powder into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until the composition is smooth, being careful not to overmix, which can create a dense texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, mix 250 g of cheese, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil. Pour the prepared dough into the pan, smoothing it evenly across the surface. Fill a pastry bag with the cheese mixture and create crisscross patterns on top of the batter.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Step 6: Cooling and Decoration
Brownie Cookies: A Delightful Treat
Chocolate lovers rejoice! These brownie cookies combine the best qualities of brownies and cookies into one indulgent dessert. With a fudgy center and a slightly crisp edge, each cookie bursts with rich, decadent chocolate flavor, making them an irresistible treat. Perfect for an afternoon snack, a party platter, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are quick to prepare, ensuring that deliciousness is never far away. Each bite is a reminder of the joys of baking and sharing, making them a favorite among family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 225 g semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 200 g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 g all-purpose flour
- 25 g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 120 g chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a heatproof bowl, combine 100 g of unsalted butter and 225 g of chopped chocolate. Melt them together using a double boiler or microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 200 g of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy. Gradually fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together 120 g of flour, 25 g of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gently fold this mixture into the wet batter until just combined; take care not to overmix.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Stir in 120 g of chocolate chips to enhance the chocolate flavor and texture. The cookie dough should be thick and sticky.
Step 6: Bake
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops appear cracked.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Five-Minute Nut and Fruit Cake
Five-Minute Nut and Fruit Cake
Life can be busy, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a delicious homemade treat! This five-minute nut and fruit cake is designed for those who desire a quick yet delightful dessert option. Bursting with the goodness of dried fruits and crunchy nuts, this cake is not only a tasty snack but also a wholesome choice packed with nutrients. Ideal for brunch, dessert, or as a quick energy boost during the day, this recipe allows you to whip up a delightful treat in no time, showcasing the beauty of combining simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150 g) dried fruit mix (such as apricots, cranberries, and raisins)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking your cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the dried fruit, chopped walnuts, chopped almonds, and 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Toss the ingredients until the fruit and nuts are well coated with flour, which helps prevent them from sinking during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is well combined and slightly foamy. This should take about a minute of vigorous whisking.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture. Mix until fully combined to create a smooth batter.
Step 5: Fold in the Dried Fruit Mixture
Gently fold the dried fruit and nut mixture into the wet ingredients, ensuring not to overmix. The flour should be fully moistened, but avoid excessive stirring to maintain a light texture.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan. Spread it evenly, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cooling and Serving
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve. This cake is perfect as a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert!
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