ADVERTISEMENT
##### **Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, and stir until the dough begins to form.
3. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. **Laminate the Dough:** Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Place the cold butter cubes in the center of the dough, fold the edges over the butter, and then roll the dough out again to create a rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter, and then wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
5. **Repeat the Rolling and Folding:** Roll out the dough again and fold it into thirds. Repeat this process 3-4 times, chilling the dough between each fold. This creates the layers that give the pastry its characteristic flakiness.
6. **Final Rest:** After the final fold, wrap the dough tightly and chill it for at least an hour or overnight.
—
#### **The Apple Filling: Spiced and Sweet**
The filling for your braided apple Danish should be flavorful and aromatic. A good balance of sweetness, spice, and tartness from the apples is essential. The apples are typically sautéed with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes nutmeg, and thickened into a compote-like texture.
##### **Ingredients for Apple Filling:**
– 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
##### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Apples:** Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. This will allow them to cook down and absorb the spices better.
2. **Cook the Apples:** In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, until the apples are tender.
3. **Thicken the Filling:** In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the apple mixture and stir to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the filling has thickened into a spreadable consistency.
4. **Cool the Filling:** Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool completely before using it to fill the Danish.
—
#### **Shaping the Braided Pastry**
Now that we’ve prepared both the dough and the filling, it’s time to assemble and shape the braided pastry. This is the fun part, where creativity comes into play! The braided shape not only looks impressive but also allows the filling to be evenly distributed.
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
