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Potica

A rich, very special recipe popular in many southern European countries. This version of Potica (pronounced poh-tee-sa) features a walnut-swirl and an easy-to-form snail shape.
Potica
Yield 2 loaves

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups bread flour, divided
  • 1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2 1/4 teaspoons Red Star Active Dry Yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)

Filling

  • 2 cups walnuts (ground)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons half and half
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  • In stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add 1 1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt; mix well. In saucepan or microwave-safe dish, heat water, sour cream and butter to 120-130°F (butter does not need to melt). Add to flour mixture; blend on low speed for 30 seconds. Add egg; beat on medium speed for 3 minutes.
  • Switch to dough hook attachment. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes.
    (NOTE: For hand mixing: following above steps, mix ingredients in large mixing bowl using a wooden spoon or dough whisk. Knead on floured surface until smooth and elastic.)
  • Place dough in lightly oiled bowl and turn to grease top. Cover; let rise until indentation remains after poking dough with finger down to second knuckle, about 1 hour.
  • Make the filling: In a small bowl combine filling ingredients and blend until smooth.
  • Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; punch down to remove air bubbles. Divide into 2 equal parts. On lightly floured surface, roll each half to 15x12-inch rectangle. Spread with half of filling. Starting with longer side, roll dough tightly. Pinch edges to seal. Place roll seam-side down on greased cookie sheet. Loosely coil foil to form a snail shape. Cover; let rise until indentation remains after lightly touching side of loaf.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown; cool on rack. If desired, sift powdered sugar over top before serving.

Notes

Get Bread Machine Method here.
Photo by Amanda Livesay.