Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings' Bread)

Rosca de Reyes is a traditional Mexican bread that's enjoyed on January 6th, during the celebration of Epiphany. This sweet bread is adorned with fruits and a decorative paste, symbolizing the gifts brought to Jesus by the Three Kings. With a unique flavor profile enhanced by orange zest and vanilla, this recipe will guide you through crafting this festive delight at home.

Ingredients

For the Rosca:
🥛 2/3 cup of warm milk
🌿 1/4 cup of active dry yeast
🧈 1.5 cup (3 sticks) of soft butter
🍬 1 cup of granulated sugar
🥚 8 eggs at room temperature
🍦 1 tbsp of vanilla extract
🍊 4 tsp of orange zest
🧂 4 tsp of salt
🌾 8 cups of all-purpose flour (sifted)

For the Decorating Paste:
🌾 1 cup of all-purpose flour
🍚 1 cup of powdered sugar
🧈 1/2 cup of shortening
🍦 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
🥚 1 egg

Instructions

1- Activate the Yeast:

• Ensure the milk is warm (about 110°F), not hot. Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds if needed.
• Mix the warm milk and yeast in a container, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature (around 74°F) until bubbles form and it doubles in size.

2- Prepare the Dough:

• In a mixing bowl, blend the soft butter with granulated sugar.
• Add the room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt to the butter-sugar mixture.

3- Combine Ingredients:

• Sift the flour into a large bowl. Add the egg mixture and yeast mixture to the flour.
• Mix together and then knead the dough on a flat surface until it becomes smooth and non-sticky.

4- Proof the Dough:

• Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a bowl covered with plastic wrap, and let it proof for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.

5- Make the Decorating Paste:

• Mix all paste ingredients together. Gradually add flour until it reaches a play-dough consistency.
• Cover with plastic until ready to use.

6- Shape the Rosca:

• Punch a hole in the center of the dough to form a ring, smoothing the sides inward. Ensure a smooth finish.
• Hide any small heat-resistant bakery trinkets if desired.

7- Prepare for Baking:

• Place the dough ring on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes.
• Remove the plastic, brush the dough with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tsp of water).
• Divide the decorating paste into 4 parts, flatten, and place them on four opposite sides of the ring. Add acitron or desired fruit toppings.
• Cover again with plastic wrap for another 20 minutes.

8- Bake:

• Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). Bake for 25-28 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Proofing Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings: Serves 12-15
Equipment: Mixing bowls, mixer (optional), baking sheet, plastic wrap, microwave, oven

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Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings' Bread)