**Hoska: A Taste of Czechoslovakian Christmas Tradition**
In the heart of Europe, where rich culinary traditions intertwine, lies a unique bread that captures the essence of Christmas in Czechoslovakia: Hoska. This traditional sweet bread, also known as vánočka, is a symbol of prosperity, fertility, and the warmth of family gatherings. Embark on a delightful journey as we unveil the secrets behind this iconic Christmas treat and present a collection of recipes that will guide you in creating your own Hoska masterpiece. Immerse yourself in the flavors of this braided bread, adorned with almonds, raisins, and a hint of citrus, and discover the variations that make each bite a celebration of Czechoslovakian heritage. From the classic Hoska recipe to its delectable fillings and toppings, this article offers a comprehensive guide to crafting this cherished bread that brings loved ones together during the festive season.
CZECH CHRISTMAS BREAD
My grandmother and aunt used to bake these lovely, traditional loaves every Christmas. I like my sliced toasted and buttered for breakfast.
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 1h10m
Yield 2 loaves.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, milk, butter, eggs, lemon zest, salt, mace and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes or until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). , Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead in raisins. Divide dough into six equal portions. Shape each into a 20-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet; braid. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining ropes. , Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Beat egg yolk and water; brush over loaves. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.
Nutrition Facts :
HOSKA
I got this recipe from my mother in law. Her family has been making it for several years, and its a tradition at Christmas for us. It's a Czechoslovakian recipe. You can do variations from the citron and raisins if you wish. My mother in law uses different fruits that are used in fruitcake.
Provided by Amy Cook Provstgaard
Categories Sweet Breads
Time 3h10m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- 1. Scald milk; stir in sugar, salt and margarine. cool to lukewarm.
- 2. Measure warm water into large warm bowl. Sprinkle in the yeast; stir until dissolved. Stir in lukewarm milk mixture, 2 eggs, and 3 cups flour.
- 3. Stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough. Turn out onto lightly floured board. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise in warm place, free from draft, until doubled in size.
- 4. Punch down. Turn out onto lightly floured board. Knead in citron, raisins, and chopped almonds until well distributed. Divide into four equal pieces. Set 2 pieces aside.
- 5. Divide one piece into 3 equal strips about 14 inches long. Place the 3 strips on a large greased baking sheet; form into braid. Brush top of braid with melted margarine.
- 6. Divide 2/3 of the second piece into 3 equal strips about 12 inches long. Form into a second braid and place on top of the first braid. Brush top with melted margarine.
- 7. With remaining dough from second piece, make a third braid about 10 inches long and place on top of second braid.
- 8. Form second bread with reserved dough. Cover; let rise in warm place free from draft until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
- 9. Beat 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water together until well blended. Brush braided loaves with egg mixture. Decorate with whole blanched almonds.
- 10. Bake at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes. Loaves will be well browned.
HOSKA - CZECHOSLOVAKIAN CHRISTMAS BREAD
My grandmother taught me how to make Hoska, a Czechoslovakian Christmas Bread. It is a sweet bread that I normally reheat and spread with butter.
Provided by maureenebrown
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 4h
Yield 1 loaf, 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm water until bubbly. To the warm milk add soft butter, salt, sugar, vanilla, spices and orange rind. Let cool to lukewarm.
- Add yeast mixture and beaten eggs and mix well. Sift in 4 cups flour, stirring well, add raisins and nuts alternately. Then add remaining flour, beat until dough does not stick to bowl.
- Turn out on floured board and knead until smooth and elastic about 8 or 10 minutes. Put in greased bowl, cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours. Punch down dough and divide in half. This make 2 loaves.
- Cut 4 large and 5 smaller portions, roll each into long rolls. Braid the 4 rolls forming a loaf. Put on pan lined with greased brown paper. Braid the 3 smaller rolls and place on top, then remaining 2 pieces on top.
- Brush with beaten egg whites in a little water. Let rise to double in bulk. For rich crust brush with melted butter during baking. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, lower temperature to 325 degrees for 45 minutes longer depending on how you like it.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 321.4, Fat 11.8, SaturatedFat 5.9, Cholesterol 65.3, Sodium 221, Carbohydrate 47, Fiber 2, Sugar 12.3, Protein 7.3
HOUSKA - BOHEMIAN CHRISTMAS BREAD
This is a traditional Bohemian Christmas Bread. It's along the same lines of the German Christmas Stollen. Houska is pronounced - "ho-ska". I prefer this over the German Version because I don't like the taste of the traditional dried, candied Christmas fruit.
Provided by Lori Borgmann
Categories Other Breads
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Dissolve yeast in water. Combine sugar and butter. When combined add beaten egg and salt. Stir in the scalded milk AFTER IT HAS COOLED and the yeast. Add 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Let rise about 1/2 hour. Add almonds and raisins. Mix well. Add rest of the flour to make a soft dough. Turn on board and knead until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and let rise about 45 minutes. Punch down in bowl and let rise again for 45 minutes. Then put in two greased bread pans. Let rise again for another 45 minutes. Bake 45 minutes at 325 degrees. Brush with beaten egg and 1 Tablespoon of water before baking.
- 2. This is time consuming so make sure you have plenty of time on your hands! Letting the dough rise multiple times is key to this bread! Once you taste it you will realize that it was well worth the work! A stand mixer works great when making sweet breads!
CZECH CHRISTMAS HOSKA
Steps:
- Dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add beaten egg and salt. Stir in cooled milk (2 cups), and then the yeast. Add l l/2 cups sifted flour; beat to smooth batter. Cover and let rise until light, about one hour.
- Stir spices and dried orange zest into the sponge. Add 4 l/2 cups of flour to make a soft dough. Place on a lightly floured board, and knead until smooth and elastic. Knead in raisins and candied peel.
- Put dough in a well oiled bowl, and turn once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover. Set aside to rise until double in bulk, about 2 hours.
- Divide dough into ten parts, roll into desired lengths, and let rise about l5 minutes. On a heavily greased baking sheet, make a braid of three parts, beginning in the center and working braid loosely toward each end. Pinch ends together. Twist the remaining two pieces together, and place on the base of the braid.
- In a small bowl, beat together egg yolk and 1 tablespoon milk; brush the loaf with this mixture. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the loaf. Repeat process for second loaf. Let rise about 45 minutes.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes. Transfer bread to a wire rack, and cool completely. Cover while cooling with a tea towel to make a soft crust.
- Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the milk and butter are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Let the loaf rise for 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Bake the loaf at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion:
Hoska is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for Christmas or any other special occasion. It is a relatively easy bread to make, but it does require some time for rising. The end result is a soft, fluffy bread with a delicate flavor. If you are looking for a unique and flavorful bread to try, I highly recommend hoska.
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