Levain and Love: A Recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Spanish Bread
As the aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, our senses are transported to a world of comfort and warmth. For many of us, the smell of bread is closely tied to memories of home, family, and tradition. In this article, we’ll explore the art of bread-making and share a recipe for a delicious Cinnamon Swirl Spanish Bread that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
The Power of Levain
At the heart of traditional bread-making lies the levain, a natural starter culture that gives bread its unique flavor and texture. A levain is a mixture of flour and water that’s allowed to ferment, producing a natural yeast that helps the dough rise. Unlike commercial yeast, a levain imparts a more complex, sour flavor to the bread, making it a staple in many artisanal bakeries.
The Importance of Love
While a levain is essential to bread-making, it’s not the only ingredient that makes a loaf truly special. Love, in the form of patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to experiment, is just as crucial. A good bread recipe requires a gentle touch, a willingness to adjust and adapt, and a sense of joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something with your own hands.
Cinnamon Swirl Spanish Bread Recipe
In this recipe, we’ll combine the power of levain with the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of Spanish bread to create a truly unique and delicious loaf.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup active levain (see notes)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and levain. Mix until the levain is fully dissolved, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 24 hours.
- Add the flour, salt, sugar, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Brush the melted butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
- Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Dust the rolls with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Conclusion
Bread-making is an art that requires patience, love, and a willingness to experiment. With the power of levain and the warmth of cinnamon, this Cinnamon Swirl Spanish Bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, get your hands flour-covered, and bake with love!
