Butterbarches Recipe

Butterbarches, also known as Butter Braids, are a delicious pastry treat that originated in Europe. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a favorite in many households. The rich and buttery flavor, combined with the soft and slightly sweet dough, makes Butterbarches a truly irresistible treat.

Now let's dive into the recipe and learn how to make these delectable pastries step by step.

Ingredients:
- 1 cake of compressed yeast
- 1/2 cup of lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 8 cups of sifted flour
- 2 cups of milk (approximately)
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of butter, dissolved in warm milk
- Grated peel of 1 lemon
- 2-3 dozen raisins, seeded
- 2 eggs, well beaten
- Beaten egg for brushing
- Poppy seeds for sprinkling

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, dissolve one cake of compressed yeast in a half cup of lukewarm milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast is activated and starts to bubble.

2. Add a teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of sugar to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.

3. In a large mixing bowl, sift eight cups of flour. Gradually add milk to the flour, working it in with your hands until a soft dough forms. The amount of milk needed may vary, but it's usually around two cups.

4. Add the yeast mixture to the dough and mix well. Then, incorporate the half cup of sugar, four tablespoons of dissolved butter, grated lemon peel, raisins, and the two well-beaten eggs. Use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the dough dry.

5. Once the dough is smooth, cover it and set it aside to rise in a warm place. Let it double in size, which usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature. Patience is key here, as a good rise will result in a light and fluffy pastry.

6. After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Divide each part into three smaller portions.

7. Take the six portions of dough and work each one thoroughly. Roll them into long strands, making three strands longer than the others.

8. Braid the three longer strands together, ensuring it is thicker in the center and tapering at the ends. Then, braid the shorter strands together and place it on top of the longer braid, pressing the ends together.

9. Butter a long baking pan and carefully transfer the braided dough into the pan. Allow it to rise once more for about half an hour in a warm place.

10. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature. Brush the top of the braided dough with beaten egg and sprinkle poppy seeds all over.

11. Bake the Butterbarches in the preheated oven for approximately one hour, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Keep an eye on them during the baking process, as oven temperatures may vary.

12. Once baked, remove the Butterbarches from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious when enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Fun Fact:
Butterbarches are often enjoyed during festive occasions, such as Christmas or Easter celebrations. They are traditionally shared with friends and family as a symbol of love and togetherness. In some European countries, it's even believed that eating Butterbarches on New Year's Day brings good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
There are many other delightful pastry dishes that you might enjoy if you love Butterbarches. One such dish is the classic Danish pastry, which features flaky layers of dough filled with various sweet or savory fillings like jam, cream, or cheese.

Another similar treat is the Swedish cinnamon roll, also known as "kanelbulle." These rolls are laced with a rich cinnamon and sugar filling and topped with pearl sugar. They are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea as a popular fika (coffee break) snack in Sweden.

If you prefer a savory option, you might like the Russian Piroshki, which are small handheld pastries filled with a variety of savory fillings like meat, cheese, or potato. These tasty treats are perfect for a quick snack or as part of a meal.

Whether you choose to indulge in Butterbarches or explore other pastry delights, there's no doubt that these recipes will satisfy your cravings for a delicious and comforting treat. Enjoy the process of baking and savor every bite of your homemade pastries.