Poppy Seed Roll

Perhaps you have never heard of this delicatable sweet bread.  It's found in Ukraine, Hungary and Poland, in addition to many other countries.  It basically consists of a sweet poppy seed paste rolled up in a sweet bread.  There are a lot of variations of what is exactly in the poppy seed paste, but this is what I came up with and it's delicious!  :)  I've got to thank my in-laws for introducing me to "Poppy Seed Bread" as they call it.  My husband's grandma used to make this treat for them.  I think you'll like it too...so go on and try it!  :)

Additional:  You can also do smaller loaves.  See below.  :)

Here's my recipe:

Dough:
1 c.  Warm Water
2 t.  Sugar
2  Pkg. Yeast
7-8 c.  Flour ( I use half All purpose and half Whole Wheat Pastry Flour. )
1 c.  Sugar
3/4 c.  Butter/Margarine
2  Eggs
1 t.  Lemon Extract
1.5 c.  Warm Milk

Poppy Seed Filling:
1 lb.  Poppy Seeds, ground.  ( You can grind them easily in a coffee grinder! )
1 c.  Hot Milk
1/4 c.  Butter/Margarine
2/3 c.  Sugar
2 T.  Honey
1 t.  Vanilla Flavoring
1/2 lb.  Seedless Raisins

Instructions:

1.  In large bowl dissolve  yeast and 2 T. sugar in 1 c. of warm water.

2.  Stir in sugar, butter, eggs, lemon extract and milk to yeast mixture.

3.  Add flour until a soft and sticky dough ball forms.

4.  Knead for about 5 minute incorporating more flour, so it is workable and not sticky.

5.  Grease bowl and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

6.  While dough is rising mix together ingredients for the poppy seed paste in a separate bowl.  Set aside.

7.  After the dough has risen for 45 minutes, punch it down and lay it out on a floured surface.

8.  Divide the dough in half and put half back in the bowl.

9.  Roll out half of the dough into a somewhat rectangular shape.  Try not to roll it too thin though.

10.  Spread half the room temperature poppy seed paste over the rolled out dough.

11.  Carefully start rolling the dough up like a cinnamon roll.  Be gentle because the dough is very soft, which will make it so delicious!  It's easy to tear though.

12.  Finish rolling up the roll and pinch the seam closed.

13.  Transfer to baking sheet and eggs wash.

14.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.

15.  It should look something like this when it comes out!

Serve and enjoy!  Oh, and do the same with the other half of the dough!  :) Wait until it is completely cooled to wrap it up.  This is great any time of year, but especially great for the holidays!

Smaller loaves....

You can make a half batch of the above recipe and then split into 3 pieces.  Then roll out each piece, spread the filling and continue as directed above.  :)