Sunflower bread is a soft bread shaped like a sunflower. It’s perfect for special occasions like holidays, family gatherings, or celebrations. The unique shape and buttery layers make it a centerpiece on any table.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups of flour
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 egg white (reserve the yolk for brushing the bread)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (7 fl oz) of milk, warmed
- 1 stick of margarine (1/2 cup) for spreading on the dough
Instructions:
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- Place the flour in a mixing bowl and add the whole eggs. Begin kneading and mix in the salt.
- In warm milk, dissolve the yeast and sugar. Let it activate for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Gradually add the milk mixture to the flour and eggs. Knead until the dough is soft but not sticky. If needed, add more warm milk, a tablespoon at a time.
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- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1–2 hours).
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- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Spread margarine evenly over the surface.
- Fold the dough over itself, wrap it, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this process twice for flaky layers.
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- Roll the dough out again to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut it into strips about the height of your baking pan.
- Roll each strip into a small roll and place them in the pan, starting from the center and working outward in a circular pattern.
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- Brush the top of the rolls with the reserved egg yolk.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, about 25–30 minutes.
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- This bread pairs wonderfully with cheese, but you can also make a sweet version by filling the strips with ground walnuts and jam before rolling them. Both versions turn out delicious!
