Served on Easter Sunday in Russia, it is a customary delicacy on the special day. A yeast-risen sweet bread, the Kulich bread is something to try this Easter.
Ingredients
40gm fresh yeast
125ml warm milk
900g plain flour
4 eggs, plus 2 egg yolks, beaten
250g unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly
100g raisins
1 tsp vanilla extract
175g natural honey
165g caster sugar
2 tsp olive oil
215g pure icing sugar
125ml pouring cream
20ml lemon juice
12 nos muffin cup or molds
Preparation
Preheat oven to 180°C
Dissolve yeast in 125 ml warm water in a large bowl
Add milk and 150 g flour, and whisk until smooth
Cover and place in a warm, draught-free place for 1½ hours or until mixture doubles in size
Combine eggs, yolks, butter, raisins, ½ teaspoon vanilla, honey, sugar, oil and ½ tsp salt in a large bowl
Add to the yeast mixture and gradually beat in remaining 750 g flour with a wooden spoon until combined.
Place dough in an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for 8 minutes or until smooth and elastic
Alternatively, knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
Line insides of molds with baking paper. Place dough evenly into each and cover. Place in a warm, draught-free place for 1½ hours or until dough doubles in size.
Place molds in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until kulich is golden in color
Cover with foil if it browns too quickly
Cool for 10 minutes in tins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Meanwhile, whisk icing sugar, remaining ½ teaspoon vanilla, cream, lemon juice and 2 tbsp water until smooth
Pour over top side and serve
(In arrangement with Hilton Garden Inn, Thiruvananthapuram)
