Best 3 Houska Bohemian Christmas Bread Recipes
Indulge in the festive spirit of Czech Christmas with the traditional Houska, a braided bread that holds a special place in Bohemian holiday celebrations. With its rich history and symbolism, this bread is a centerpiece of many Czech Christmas Eve dinners. In this article, we bring you a collection of carefully curated Houska recipes, each offering unique variations on this beloved holiday treat.
We present a classic Houska recipe that captures the essence of traditional Czech baking. Simple yet flavorful, this recipe guides you through the process of creating a golden-brown, soft, and fluffy loaf that is sure to impress your family and friends. For those seeking a more elaborate experience, our collection includes recipes for Houska filled with sweet fillings like poppy seeds, nuts, and dried fruits, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to this delightful bread.
For those who prefer a savory twist, we offer a recipe for Houska stuffed with savory ingredients like cheese, ham, and vegetables, creating a satisfying and hearty dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. Additionally, we provide a vegan Houska recipe for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring that everyone can partake in this cherished Christmas tradition.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, our collection of Houska recipes provides clear instructions, helpful tips, and beautiful photographs to guide you through the process. Embrace the joy of Czech Christmas by baking this symbolic bread and filling your home with the warmth and aroma of freshly baked Houska.
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
Traditional Czechoslovakian Christmas Bread. Serve with butter. Some people toast it, use jelly, or even butter and powdered sugar...depending upon local customs and family preference. It is a day-long project, but well worth the effort.
Provided by Carol Ponec-Nemec
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes
Time 5h30m
Yield 30
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add beaten egg and salt. Stir in cooled milk and then the yeast. Add 1 1/2 cups sifted flour; beat into a smooth batter. Cover and let rise until light, about one hour.
- Stir spices and dried orange zest into the sponge. Add 4 1/2 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 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 15 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 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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.3 calories, Carbohydrate 29.4 g, Cholesterol 22.3 mg, Fat 4.9 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 110 mg, Sugar 6.2 g
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will ensure that your bread is as flavorful as possible.
- Proof the yeast before using it: This will help to ensure that the yeast is active and will help the bread to rise properly.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic: This will help to develop the gluten in the dough, which will make the bread chewy and flavorful.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size: This will help to ensure that the bread is light and airy.
- Bake the bread in a preheated oven: This will help to ensure that the bread is cooked evenly.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing it: This will help to prevent the bread from crumbling.
- Serve the bread with your favorite toppings: Butter, jam, honey, or fruit are all popular options.
Conclusion:
Houska is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for Christmas or any other special occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. So next time you are looking for a special bread to bake, give houska a try.
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