This bread was soooo controversial that I have to share the story. It is cringe-worthy... I gotta poke fun at myself from time to time.
I tried one test batch as a preparation for my birthday. The plan was, I'll make couple of improved versions and have hubby bring it to his department.
On my birthday, I woke up at 3AM to start the process. It is a long process indeed. I need enough time to bake the bread, prep to work and drop off Alex to school.
Surely enough, my hard labour paid, I was able to do everything that morning. Even managed to be creative enough and seal each bread into a hotdog sandwich pack heating the opening so it'll stick together.
On my way home after a really, really, really long, painful and toxic day at work,,, I called hubby to double check our schedule for the night,,, dinner with the kids at PF Changs new branch at Mall of the Emirates.
In our conversation, I checked on who got the ensaymadas and whether they re-heated it in the microwave to make sure it's hot and soft,,, to my horror! My loving hubby didn't mention it, didn't even remember that it should be done so.
Unfortunately, I was also PMS-ing. So you can imagine my emotional roller coaster in addition to work's emotional baggage which is not at all an exaggeration.
That minute error that hubby made was on that day, huge to me. Let just say, I cried my heart out to my sister. At the back of my head, I know it's not a big deal,,, but I just feel so embarrassed, hurt and all the weirdest feeling one can think of. I know that I was exaggerating and it's my hormones that's wreaking havoc to my mood but I just can't help it.
It also didn't help when he said, "I'm sorry. Don't cry,,, it's just bread and they love it even it's not hot" Whoa! Just bread! I worked hard for that "just bread" from 3 in the morning! The water works begun, stomping and really just the craziest reaction one might ever expect from anyone!
Now that things have calmed down, I look back at my birthday and cringe, but also smile because my hubby is really forgiving. I lashed at him until the morning after! Ignored his present. Scowl the whole time at dinner. I was just a horrible person. I don't think I'll even be able to stand "me" if I have another version of me then. Thank goodness God only create one of us each...
I told you, it's cringe worthy! You're probably thinking, what a loser :P
So going to the recipe, here it goes:
Tip 1: Patience is required, it is a long process
Tip 2: Spread just the right amount of sugar, butter and cheese as filling. Don't be tempted to go overboard, otherwise, you're filling will overflow, break the dough and ruin your creation.
Tip 3: Re-heat it before serving... (love you daddy!)
INGREDIENTS
5 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
¾ cup butter, melted
extra 1/2 cup melted butter
1 1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
3 pieces whole eggs
2 ¼ tsp active yeast
1 cup fresh milk, warm
3-4 single-pack slices of sandwich cheese (Kraft individual pack cheese is common)
Serves 20
Combine warm milk, yeast, and ½ cup sugar and stir until yeast and sugar dissolves in milk. Set aside to let yeast activate (approximately 10-15 minutes)
In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients starting from the flour, sugar, and salt then mix thoroughly.
Add the eggs, 1/2 cup butter, and activated yeast mixture to the mixed dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and a dough is formed. Use spatula to mix thoroughly then hands ones it's coming together.
Knead the dough on a flat surface until texture becomes fine. Maybe 5-10 but don't over knead it to avoid overworking the dough.
Put the dough back on the mixing bowl and cover the top with cloth. Allow the dough to rise for 2 hours.
Put the dough back on the flat surface and flatten. Punch the dough lightly to release the air inside.
Using a dough slicer, divide the dough into four pieces.
Roll each piece until shape becomes cylindrical.
Cut the cylindrical dough into individual serving pieces (1 serving piece should weigh at least 60 grams).
Put the sliced individual serving piece in a flat surface and flatten using a rolling pin.
Combine ¼ cup melted butter with ¼ cup white sugar. Using a brush, paint the mixture on the flattened dough. Make sure to paint only the center part of the flat dough.
Sprinkle some cheese over the painted area then seal the dough by folding opposite directions and rolling it until a long cylindrical shape is formed (about 12 inches in length).
Form the spiral Ensaymada shape by crossing the two opposite ends of the dough. The first end should be placed under dough while the other end should be inserted in the middle.
Place the dough in a baking tray with wax paper, apply melted butter on coil, cover with cloth and set aside to rise for another 45 minutes.
Pre-heat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Remove cloth on top of the tray and if you prefer, apply egg glaze before baking the dough for 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the baked Ensaymada from the oven. Using the remaining melted butter and sugar mixture, apply on top of the baked ensaymada and sprinkle additional cheese or if you wish, criss cross thin strips of cheese on top. Put it back in the oven just to briefly melt the cheese on top.
Serve hot. Share and Enjoy!
I'll post more pics soon, missed taking photos of the portioning and filling stage...
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