POVITICA, WALNUT FILLING OR CREAM CHEESE FILLING

Steps:

• In a heavy saucepan, combine all of the filling ingredients, except the raisins. Stirring often, heat the mixture until it turns fairly thick (about 30 minutes). Set aside to cool. Combine the sugar with the melted butter and salt. Stir in the boiling water and cool until lukewarm. Combine the yeast, warm water and 1/2 tsp sugar, stirring until the yeast is dissolved. Set in a warm place until foamy (about 5 minutes). Add the cooled water/sugar/butter mix to the yeast, then stir in the beaten eggs and fold in the flour, gradually. Turn out onto a floured board and knead for about 5 minutes, until a soft dough. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a clean teatowel and place somewhere and draught-free, until doubled in size. Now, roll out the dough. Cover a worktop with a large cotton teatowel, and sprinkle lightly with flour. Place dough in centre and roll out as thin as possible with a rolling pin, maintaining a square or rectangle shape. Cover the dough evenly with the prepared filling, then sprinkle with raisins. Roll up the povitica into a Swiss roll shape, by lifting the cloth on one side and letting the dough roll itself up. Place the finished roll on a large greased baking tray, two inches deep and form it into a tight 'S' shape. Tuck in the ends and squish it flatter. Cover, and let rise for 2 1/2 hours in a warm place. Bake in a preheated oven at 375F/190C/gas mark 5 for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350F/180C/gas mark 4 for 50 minutes, until nicely browned. Allow to cool on the tray for 30 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool further.