Ukrainian Country Babka

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon water

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, butter, and eggs; mix well.
2. Stir in the flour, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
3. Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
4. Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 2 equal pieces and shape into loaves. Place loaves into greased 9x5 inch loaf pans.
5. In a small bowl, beat together the egg yolk and water; brush over the top of the loaves. Let rise for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.
7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning onto wire racks to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Babka is a traditional Ukrainian dessert.
• It is made with a sweet dough that is filled with raisins, walnuts and spices.
• The word babka is derived from the Ukrainian word for grandmother.