Babka
3pk(1/4 oz) active dry yeast (3 Tbsp)
3/4cwarm water (110f)
1tbplus 1 c sugar
7 3/4cflour, all-purpose
1 1/2cmilk
1 1/4cunsalted butter, or margarine
6eaeggs
2eaegg yolks
1 1/2tssalt
2eaegg whites
--Topping--
1/4csugar
1/2cflour, all-purpose
1tscinnamon, ground
1/4cunsalted butter or margarine, chilled
Directions:
Grease side and bottom of 2 (10 inch) tube pans. Prepare Topping; set aside. In a shallow, medium bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 1 Tbsp sugar and 1/2 cup flour; stir to combine. Cover; let stand in a warm place 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. Heat milk and butter or margarine in a small saucepan until melted. Let stand until mixture cools to warm. In a large bowl, beat eggs, egg yolks and remaining 1 cup sugar until pale and frothy.Add cooled milk mixture, salt and yeast mixture. Beat unil smooth. Gradually beat in 4 1/2 cups flour. Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead dough into a soft, smooth dough. Divide dough in 1/2. Arrange 1 part dough in each greased pan. Cover with a damp cloth; let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly beat 2 egg whites in a small bowl until foamy. Brush beaten egg whites on top of dough. Evenly sprinkle Topping over dough. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans 3 to 4 minutes on racks. Turn out of pans; cool completely on racks. Frost with Powdered Sugar Icing if desired. Makes two (10 inch) cakes. Topping: In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter or margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Powdered Sugar Icing: 2 egg whites 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar 1/2 tsp lemon juice. In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating constantly. Beat 10 minutes or until glossy. Add lemon juice; beat 2 minutes or until icing stands up in soft peaks. Makes about 1 1/4 cup icing.
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