Rosca de Reyes

As most people's holidays are winding down and we get back to the daily grind of the New Year, here in Mexico (and in many Latin/Catholic countries), there is still one day to look forward to - the Twelfth Day of Christmas, the Epiphany, el Dia de los Reyes. Whatever name you choose, January 6th in Mexico means two (non-Christian) things - presents and bread! (My personal heaven.)

Rosca de Reyes, or the Ring of Kings, is a traditional enriched, sweet bread with candied fruit (think panettone in a ring shape), that is often flavored with anise and orange (just like pan de muerto), although more modern versions may be flavored with chocolate. The bread, besides having all of these delicious flavors baked into it, will also have a baby Jesus doll hidden and baked into it as well. On January 6th, whoever receives the slice with the "muñequito", will be responsible for the food (usually tamales) for the celebration of el Dia de la Candelaria (February 2, or Candlemas, as it is apparently called in English).

Ingredients

1/3 cup milk, warm

1 package of instant yeast

4 large eggs, room temperature, plus 1 for egg wash

1 cup butter, softened

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

4 cups flour

1 cup sugar, plus 1/4 cup for sprinkling on top

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. anise seeds

2 Tbsp. orange zest

a small porcelain figurine (optional)

assorted candied fruits, cut in strips (red and green fruits are most common, but anything works)

1 egg, for egg wash

1/4 cup sugar, for sprinkling

Directions

1 - In a large bowl, activate the yeast in the warm milk, about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly.

2 - Add the eggs, butter and vanilla. Mix well.

3 - In another bowl, mix all of the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, anise seeds, orange zest).

4 - Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and mix until a dough comes together. Add more flour if necessary.

5 - By hand or by mixer, knead the dough 10 to 20 minutes, or until the dough appears to be smooth.

6 - Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic, and put in a warm place. Let the dough rise for about an hour.

7 - Fold or punch the dough, return to bowl, and allow to rise for another hour.

8 - Divide the dough into 2 equal parts and roll into long, thin ropes. Twist the 2 ropes of dough around each other and form into a circle. If you have a doll, tuck it in somewhere.

9 - Put dough onto a lined sheet pan, and brush with egg wash. Push the strips of candied fruit into the surface of the bread, alternating colors.

10 - Spray some plastic with oil and put the plastic on top of the bread. Allow to rise for another hour to hour and a half.

11 - Preheat the oven to 350* F.

12 - Brush with egg wash again, and sprinkle with sugar.

13 - Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until lightly golden brown.

14 - Enjoy a slice while giving presents and drinking hot chocolate.