Shrove Tuesday Buns (Semlor)
- 1 (1 ounce) packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup warm heavy cream or 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 - 3 1/4 cups pre-sifted flour
- Filling
- 1/4 lb almond paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Beat egg slightly and mix HALF of it with the cream and add to yeast.
- Add sugar, salt, cinnamon, butter and a little of the flour.
- Add more flour, a little at a time, beating with a wooden spoon to make a soft dough.
- You can use a mixer instead of a spoon, but just don't over do it!
- Turn dough onto floured board and knead until smoooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Make this when you are frustrated, and the time will FLY by! It's good therapy!
- Place dough in a lightly buttered bowl, and turn once to grease surface.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled. (About 1 1/2 hours.).
- Now go rest and give your arms a break!
- When light and doubled, punch down, turn out onto your floured board again and knead lightly til smooth.
- Divide dough into 10 equal pieces and shape each piece into round buns.
- Place buns onto greased cookie sheet.
- Let rise in warm place until almost doubled in size.
- Brush each with remaining egg.
- Bake in 400 degree oven til golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on rack.
- Cut off top slice from bun with a sharp knife.
- Insert a slice of almond paste into bun, garnish with a generous spoon of whipped cream, replace top, and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- *Traditionally served in deep individual dishes with hot milk and cinnamon, but I like them as is.
- *In case you are not able to buy almond paste, here is how to make it:.
- Almond paste:.
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds.
- 1/2 teaspoons almond extract.
- 1 cup pre-sifted powdered sugar.
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten.
- Grind almonds in food processor til extremely fine!
- Place into a bowl and sprinkle with almond extract and powdered sugar.
- Toss with a fork and gradually add egg white.
- Work paste until smooth.
active dry yeast, water, egg, warm heavy cream, sugar, salt, cinnamon, butter, flour, filling, almond paste, heavy cream
Taken from www.food.com/recipe/shrove-tuesday-buns-semlor-234774 (may not work)