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.jpg "cooks corner: rosca de reyes")
.jpg "cooks corner: rosca de reyes")
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Cooks Corner: Rosca de Reyes
Traditionally served on this day is a tasty, round bread decorated with candied fruit called a Rosca de Reyes.
The Rosca de Reyes symbolizes a crown, and the dried fruit on top are jewels on the crown. Baked inside this appetizing treat are small figurines representing baby Jesus who went into hiding from King Herod. The person who finds the baby Jesus is symbolically his godparent and must sponsor the party when he is taken to the temple to be blessed on Candlemas, February 2, and serve tamales to their guests. This event marks the last official celebration of the Christmas season.
Try this recipe to bake your own delicious Rosca de Reyes and experience one of Mexico’s most delicious traditions.
Ingredients
1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup each dried figs, orange peel & lemon peel cut into strips, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup chopped candied cherries, plus more whole for garnish
2 tablespoons light rum
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, divided
Water
Directions
Combine the yeast and warm water; stir to blend. Let stand until the yeast starts to foam. Put all of the candied fruit in small bowl and drizzle the rum on top. Let stand for 1 hour. Warm the milk over medium heat. Add the sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
In a large bowl, mix 3 1/2 cups flour, 2 eggs, yeast mixture, milk mixture, and the rum soaked candied fruits, mixing very well until the dough gathers into a ball. If the dough seems too wet, add additional flour to form soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Put the ball of dough back into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and set aside in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour.
Remove the dough from the bowl and knead on a lightly floured surface. Using your palms, roll the dough into a long rope. Shape the coil into a ring, sealing the ends together. Insert a little doll or coin into the bread from the bottom, if desired. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully transfer the dough ring to the prepared baking pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash and brush the top of the bread. Decoratively garnish the top of the bread with more candied fruit and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cake is golden.
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On January 6th, Mexicans celebrate Dia del Reyes, or Day of Kings, which commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men to the cradle of baby Jesus.
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Cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy!
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